So Why Doesn’t CutTime® Record?

It has been a long time since I posted about my journey since leaving my enviable, tenured position in a major American symphony orchestra back in 2012. I did post …

Post-tiny tots mixer with young boy and bassist Rick Robinson

Spoiler Alert

I must confess, I am very spoiled. I grew up middle-class, never wanting for access to food, jobs, a warm house, a supportive family, a caring father, and educational opportunities …

Getting Real with Classical Music, Part 3

OK, so I’ve written before about classical music checking in with reality and just giving the general public some of what they want, in order to rebuild trust in our …

What I’m Sayin’

The annual League of American Orchestras conference will be here in Detroit next week, with a thousand arts admins, artist managers, and some musician-members discussing the direction, issues, growth, and …

Why Is Your Music Neo-Romantic, Rick? Part 2

Some time ago I wrote about how I started composing unexpectedly, and using tonal, neo-classical modes (just notes). I didn’t go into how I feel about normal new music, avante garde music, experimental …

Working for Change

This blogpost is originally published at New Music USA. In September 2015 I was delighted to serve a short composer residency for New Music USA’s Music Alive: New Partnership program with …

Excellence vs. Opportunity

I heard someone mention excellence and opportunity awhile back and I can’t stop thinking about it. I chose a career in “excellent performance” once I began music schools, intent to play bass in a …