Popularized in the book "Outliers," it takes 10,000 hours to achieve expert knowledge of a subject. I believe I am there after 10 years of emersion in the practice.

Ten Thousand Hours

Album of various styles of electronic music

Musical Electrons

Original video at YouTube: https://youtu.be/ta9WxJoMA9I
 (Lyrics below) I’m learning to really appreciate Colorado after moving here from Pennsylvania. Musically, this song actually began as a lesson for a couple piano students on the differences of the Dorian and the D minor scales. Simultaneously, I was studying the programming of my Novation Summit synthesizer and had come up with a sound that made a great track for the melody. Around this same period, I wrote a poem in response to several visits to nearby trails and parks in Colorado. The poem presents a colorful response to the abundant nature in Colorado. With some adjustments to the music and lyrics, an electronic ambient song began to form. My neighbor, George Clementi, performed for many years with a country band throughout Colorado. He offered to sing and refine the vocal melody. In addition, we recorded him playing many acoustic and electric guitar riffs, and solo in the bridge, that I could use to build the arrangement with Pro Tools. My wife Janet sings backup vocals on the chorus. Once the song was completed, I added many of my video clips and photos that could be assembled with Final Cut Pro X into a nature video.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Splashes of blue. Patches of green,
Many small waves wash the rocks in the stream.
VERSE2
White foaming swirls. Water’s fresh sounds.
Dirt at my feet reveal shades of brown.
CHORUS1
When the day ends, I look to the sky.
Secrets of nature, I need not know why.
VERSE3
Flowers of purple, yellow and red,
Peek through the forest from meadows ahead.
VERSE4
Hints of pink in clouds of white.
The sun heats the day making colors more bright.
CHORUS2
When the day ends, I look to the sky.
Secrets of nature, I need not know why.
VERSE5
Rainbows reflect off the pond in the cove.
Hues burst from edges along this old road.
VERSE6
Mountains shadow sunset’s last show.
The fragrance of evening fill valleys below.
CHORUS3
As night approaches, there’s gray in the sky.
Secrets of nature, I need not know why.

DAVEHEFFNER.COM

Splashes Of Blue (ft. George Clementi - vocals)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/HKScDwjj7AE
Probably debatable, but I believe the genre of this song is Rhythm and Blues. Rapper and Producer, Dudly Ulysse from the Philadelphia came to visit me in Colorado. I wrote something different than his usual style, in that he sang the lyrics rather than doing rap. The vocals were comprised of single, double and triple tracks. Guitar sounds were produced from plugins on my keyboard, as well as the brass hits, bass, drums and miscellaneous electronic tracks. Actually, the electronic tracks I call "sparkle" and I make an effort to add sparkle to all my compositions as supporting sound elements.
LYRICS
CHORUS1
Looking for the one. Looking for mine.
Looking for love. Looking all the time
VERSE1
Beautiful person. Beautiful smile.
Kind and caring. The extra mile.
Trust and faith. No guarantees.
But one thing, that they must be:
A Dreamer, just like me.
CHORUS2
A Dreamer. A Believer,
In the drive, I have inside.
Looking for the one.
Looking for love.
A Dreamer, just like me.
VERSE2
A Dreamer, with humility.
A Dreamer, with honesty.
A Dreamer, who can see,
The future possibilities.
VERSE3
A Dream, with no bounds.
A Dream, no matter how it sounds.
A Dream, feel it in the air.
A Dream, no matter where.
VERSE4
Confident person. Knows themself.
One of a kind, not off the shelf.
Takes themselves not too seriously.
Love for life. Has empathy.
Hope. No guarantees.
But one thing, that they must be:
A Dreamer, just like me.
CHORUS3
A Dreamer. A Believer,
In the drive, I have inside.
Looking for the one.
Looking for mine.
Looking for love.
Looking all the time
REFRAIN
Looking for the one.
Looking for mine.
Looking for love.
Looking all the time
A Dreamer, just like me.
A Dream, of you and me.

A Dreamer (ft. Magnolia.OCSol - vocals)

YouTube has pictures from the farm days: youtu.be/2LV-Y6N6LLs
In the 1980's I made a radical change to my life by purchasing registered Holstein dairy cows and renting a farm. It was a hard way to make a living, but I was passionate. Paths eventually led to computers, but I still think about those days.
The song was purposely simple and written as an acoustic guitar ballad with some organ solo at the bridge.
VERSE1
In the quiet of the misty morning,
All is still as the new day is forming.
There’s dew on the grass as the sun starts glowing.
I look ‘cross the hills and I am smiling.
CHORUS
A way of life on the farm.
There were hardships, but there was charm.
Despite the work, it’s where I belong.
Memories come back as I sing this song
VERSE2
The land was poor and the nutrients gone.
Endless chores that were never done.
Dairy cows, chickens, cats, and a dog.
Lives to care for, and lots of love.
VERSE3
A dream and a passion for many years,
Plenty of happiness and plenty of tears.
We got strength from each other, to face all our fears,
But the farm was a struggle and forced new careers.

On The Farm (ft. Dave Heffner - vocals)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/NPXiw14M5VQ presenting works by members of the Broomfield Art Guild, Broomfield, Colorado. Written and produced by Dave Heffner. Piano played by Dave Heffner.

Broomfield Suite

Arianna vocals
LYRICS
Looked at the stars in the sky.
Thought about how it would look through different eyes.

Through the eyes of another.
Through the eyes of another.

Began to see the world as a very large place.
We are all lonely creatures in a very big space.

Through the eyes of another.
Through the eyes of another.

Eyes Of Another (ft. Arianna - vocals)

Arianna Rader is featured as the vocalist in this melodic pop-style song about the importance of having a good friend. Written and produced by Dave Heffner.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Many nights before I go to sleep,
I wonder ‘bout the day and what I’d change.
Feelings and memories that I wish to keep,
And those that were new and strange.
CHORUS1
I need a friend who inspires me.
Who is humble, but we can disagree.
Who lifts me up. Who calms me down.
Who’s lots of fun, and who I want around.
Who? A friend like you? Who?...
VERSE2
Planning for changes in my life,
Looking for new skills and thrills,
I want to rise up to challenge myself.
A future in this world.
VERSE3
Travel the bumpy road,
And navigate the twists and turns,
Would be no fun to do it alone,
But to share what I will learn.
CHORUS2
I need a friend who inspires me.
Who is humble, but we can disagree.
Who lifts me up. Who calms me down.
Who’s lots of fun, and who I want around. 
REFRAIN
I need a friend who inspires me.
Who is humble. Who cares for me.
Who? A friend like you!

A Friend (ft. Arianna Rader - vocals)

Arianna Rader (granddaughter) sings this pop-style song about "Speaking Up" for the things that are important. Written and produced by Dave Heffner.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Speak up.
Speak loud.
Speak the truth.
Speak, be proud.
PRE-CHORUS1
Speak up, for what is right.
Speak up, for what is wrong.
Speak up, put up a fight.
Speak up, you be strong.
CHORUS1
You must be bold.
The truth be told.
Not bought or sold.
Your words are gold.
VERSE2
Speak up.
Speak loud.
Speak the truth.
Speak, be proud.
PRE-CHORUS2
Speak up, don’t be a pawn.
Speak up, we will carry on.
CHORUS2
When the world
Has lost its way.
It’s important
What you say.
VERSE3
Speak up.
Speak loud.
Speak the truth.
Speak, be proud.
PRE-CHORUS3
Stand tall, my friend.
You do not bend.
CHORUS3
We leave no doubt,
For truth we shout.
Our words take flight.
Let’s set things right.
REFRAIN
Speak up……
Speak loud……
Speak the truth……
Speak, be proud……

Speak Up (ft. Arianna Rader - vocals)

George Clementi wrote the lyrics and sings this humorous song,   along with playing the guitar tracks. The music is written and produced by Dave Heffner in the classic country style.
LYRICS
Verse 1
Woke up this morning ‘bout half past four.
Stopped me in the hallway before I reached the door.
“You never seem to pay attention when I want to talk.”
“You always say you’re tired when I ask you for a walk.”
“I need to know you love me ‘cause I’m not too sure.”
“One more thing, Baby, that hurts me to the core,
You seem a little distant and you don’t call me ‘Baby’ no more.”
Verse 2
What you think you’re see’n ain’t exactly what it seems.
You’re a special lady. The woman of my dreams.
You’re such a good cook you could work at Benihanas.
Your biscuits and gravy’s much better than my Mama’s.
Your legs are nice and strong and you got a special charm.
I’ve seen you walk a mile with a baby in each arm.
You’re a grown up lady and I can’t call you “Baby” no more.
Bridge
Piano - Dave
Guitar - George
Verse 3
You see some other women and you think that they look better.
Guess you haven’t seen yourself in my favorite blue sweater.
Got you an iPhone ‘cause I know you like to talk.
While you had a conversation, you shoveled our whole walk.
I guess what I am sayin’ is my love still grows.
You’re a special lady from your head to your toes.
You ain’t no baby and I can’t call you “Baby” no more.
You ain’t no baby and I can’t call you “Baby” no more.

You Ain't My Baby (ft. George Clementi - vocals, guitar)

A celebration of the good things in our life.
Music, lyrics, and production by Dave Heffner
LYRICS
VERSE1
Where is the good,
When we listen to the news?
Much we hear is bad,
If that is what we choose.
It’s easy to get upset,
From different points of view.
But there’s something,
Better to do.
CHORUS
Count all my blessings.
Count them one at a time.
Count all your blessings.
Add to yours and mine.
Count    all the blessings.
Count all you can find.
And there’s more.
More in store.
VERSE2
When you count the good you see,
It takes the blues away.
We’ve all had some close calls.
There’s hurtin’ every day.
Friends pick us up when we fall,
And make sure we’re okay.
What more,
Can I say?
CHORUS
REFRAIN

Count All Your Blessings

Experimenting with the key of Eb. Instrumental. Played and produced by Dave Heffner.

Eb Etude

Dave sings, wrote and produced this song about shadows.
LYRICS
Verse 1
In the quiet of the night, they come alive.
Whispering secrets that they strive to hide.
Dancing on the walls, they twist and turn.
In the flicker of the light, they yearn.
Pre-Chorus 1
They follow us, they never stray.
In the light and dark, they always stay.
Chorus 1
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.
Verse 2
In the morning sun, they stretch and grow.
In the twilight, they begin to show.
A mirror of the soul, a hidden part,
In the depths of the night, they start.
Pre-Chorus 2
A silent echo, a hidden face,
In every corner, they find their place.


Chorus 2
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.

Shadows (Dave Heffner - vocals)

Co-written by Dave Heffner and Monica Johnson. Lyrics sung by Monica. A song about being in the moment with a special person.
LYRICS
Verse 1
In the quiet of the night, they come alive.
Whispering secrets that they strive to hide.
Dancing on the walls, they twist and turn.
In the flicker of the light, they yearn.
Pre-Chorus 1
They follow us, they never stray.
In the light and dark, they always stay.
Chorus 1
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.
Verse 2
In the morning sun, they stretch and grow.
In the twilight, they begin to show.
A mirror of the soul, a hidden part,
In the depths of the night, they start.
Pre-Chorus 2
A silent echo, a hidden face,
In every corner, they find their place.
Chorus 2
Shadows, shadows, they never fade.
In the light, in the dark, they’re always made.
Silent watchers, in the night they play.
Shadows, shadows, they never fade away.

You Are Here (feat. Monica Johnson - vocals)

Sequences, vocal warping, synthesizer layers, and automation help to create a song with plenty of dynamics. All possible "in the box" with today's powerful computers.

Ambience In A Box

Lidia Cisneros featured on vocals to this gospel styled song.
LYRICS
VERSE 1
I’ve been walking through the valley, through the trials and the storms,
Felt the weight upon my shoulders, like I couldn’t go on.
Heard You call my name, Lord, ‘til I felt Your gentle hand.
I’ll step into your garden, where Your love will help me stand.

CHORUS 1
I step into your garden, where the rivers overflow.
Where the flowers bloom with mercy, and the winds of Heaven blow.
In the presence of my Savior, chains break… I am free.
I step into Your garden, where You walk and talk with me!
Walk and talk with me!

VERSE 2
Oh, the world can try to shake me. Try to pull me far away.
But Your light is like the sunrise, turning night into day.
In the soil of grace and glory, I am planted by Your word,
And the harvest of Your goodness is the sweetest ever heard!
	
CHORUS 2
I step into your garden, where the rivers overflow.
Where the flowers bloom with mercy, and the winds of Heaven blow.
In the presence of my Savior, chains break… I am free.
I step into your garden, where You walk and talk with me!
Walk and talk with me!

REFRAIN ( I )
Hallelujah! I am growing in Your truth and in Your grace. 
Every promise You have spoken, I receive it in this place!
I will praise You in the morning. I will praise You through the night.
In the garden, I have Jesus, and my soul is full of light!
And my soul is full of light!

REFRAIN ( WE )
Hallelujah! We are growing in Your truth and in Your grace. 
Every promise You have spoken, we receive it in this place!
We will praise You in the morning. We will praise You through the night.
In the garden, we have Jesus, and our souls are full of light!
And our souls are full of light!

Step Into Your Garden (feat. Lidia Cisneros - vocals)

Enjoy a solid album of many styles of electronic music

Hyperactive

This instrumental piece was used as a soundtrack for Danse Etoile Ballet in Colorado in 2024. It was created as an impressionistic song about the artist Frida Kahlo.

DAVEHEFFER.COM

Frida's Dance

Blues in A Minor

Yaya

Syncopation

Synthetic vocals are used throughout this composition

Breathe

Beginning an album of electronic music, one should properly prepare for an intergalactic ride.

Intergalactic Ride

Wind (feat. Monica Johnson - vocals)

Turn the Volume Up (feat. Brandon Jones - vocals)

Light (feat. Dave & Jan Heffner - vocals)

Circles (feat. Magnolia.OCSol - vocals)

Dusted off the trombone for a change of pace with some smooth jazz, accompanied by Len Cagle on saxophone.
Dave Heffner - song, production, trombone, piano
Len Cagle - saxophone
Copyright 2016 David B. Heffner
See DAVEHEFFNER.COM for more information

Blues Etude No. 2 (feat. Len Cagle - sax, Dave Heffner - piano, trombone)

Third in a series of etudes or studies in jazz and the blues.  Written to a hip hop beat.
Copyright 2016 David B. Heffner

Blues Etude No. 3 (feat. Len Cagle - tenor sax, Dudly Ulysse - drum, Dave - piano, trombone)

Good Odds (feat. Alice Weiler - vocals)

Funk City (Instrumental)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/sJ9onzxQSTM.  10 yr old Arianna sings about hope for her future. Title, first verse and chord progression co-written. Anna sings backup and does an amazing bird sound.
LYRICS
VERSE1
Opening the window,
Hearing children play.
Looking out the window,
Welcoming the day.
New day!
New day!
VERSE2
Birds singing in the trees.
Sunny skies above.
Scent of roses in the breeze,
Inviting us to love.
New Day!
New Day!
VERSE3
We will walk together,
Through this bright new day.
We will walk side by side.
Together, we will stay.
New Day!
New Day!
VERSE4
Taking time to listen,
To what others say.
We create the future,
By what we do today.
New Day!
New Day!

New Day (ft. Arianna & Anna Rader - vocals)

Colorado Songwriter, Electronic Musician, Producer. ASCAP member. Ballads, Dance, Rock, Electronica, Jazz, Hip Hop, with a mix of everything else. All original compositions with live artists on most tracks. Piano study began at 5 years old, continued through university study and incorporated with electronic music since the introduction of MIDI. Have taught, consulted and composed electronic music. Primary platform is Pro Tools, with which I also do training and consulting. Open to collaboration. More information at my website.

Dave Heffner

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