Randy Hoexter

Category: General Music

  • You Don’t Need Magic to Succeed

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                      There are thousands of books and videos on how “positive thinking” can create success, or how “visualizing” your goals will make them come true. Is there a “secret” to this? If you just believe hard enough, will the universe re-arrange itself to make you happy? Let’s explore…

  • The 3 Forces in Art: Part I

    —

    by

    Randy
    in , , , ,

    I should say, “The three forces that, when in balance, make what I think of as art,” but it is a title, that’s a bit cumbersome. In this series, we will explore these forces, and how we can utilize them to create work that “works.” It does seem odd that many things come in threes:…

  • Origami: How “Folding” Makes Melody

    —

    by

    Randy
    in , , , ,

    Most elements of art exist somewhere in a continuum between order and chaos. Both of these extremes lead to a feeling of meaninglessness in the work. A completely predictable pattern seems mindless and automatic, and complete randomness seems incomprehensible and without information.

  • A Brief Discussion of Leaders vs. Bullies

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                          In our journeys as artists, we will interact with both bullies and true leaders. We will also have the opportunity to play these roles ourselves. What is the difference between the two? How can we move forward with our goals while motivating and inspiring…

  • A Remark You Made: Words that Shaped Our Lives

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                    Ever notice there will occasionally be something someone has said that resonates for you? It could have been a critical remark, a compliment, or even a cruel put-down. It also may have been a general observation that “hit home” in a way that you remember for the…

  • How Self-Labeling Holds us Back

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                            Happy New Year!  In the spirit of resolutions and goals, let’s discuss how we can move forward this year (and beyond.) In general, we find it irritating when others put a label on us; we rightly want to break free from the restrictions…

  • Happy Holidays!

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                    Here is a bunch of Christmas music for your holiday enjoyment! We did these recordings from ’94-99 just for fun. Alesis ADAT tape machines! Tracks 1,3, 7 and 8 were recorded on Fostex 1/2 inch analog 16 track. (you may notice some slight hiss) Hope you enjoy!…

  • How are Grammy Awards Chosen? Part I

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                            Every year, people watch the Grammy Awards and wonder about the process, and how certain artists win, some over and over. In the process of submitting my material to this competition, I learned a lot about how this and other merit-based awards are…

  • How Knowing the Rules Can Set Us Free

    —

    by

    Randy
    in

                    A few years back while giving a class on basic harmony, I was explaining the major scale in terms of whole and half-steps. A student raised his hand and said: “That’s too many rules.” Needless to say I was taken aback by this comment, since I never…

  • The Tyranny of the Click Track

    —

    by

    Randy
    in , ,

                      Like many musicians, over the decades I have worked very hard on my “time” and accuracy, seeking to play “perfect” time. There are legends of virtuoso studio drummers listening to a metronome, leaving, walking around the block, and returning without losing a beat. What is perfect…