We are all Stronger Together. At least, that is what I believe. These days in our world, we act as if we have to go it alone, but that just makes us weaker. We really need each other.
In this new song I created called, Stronger Together, I recognize that we all face challenging times. We all have our struggles and our difficulties. Reaching out to others, no matter what situation you are facing, is a sign of strength.
This song, Stronger Together, came about after many years of just being a tune on a site called Jam Studio. I had played around with it, but nothing ever came of it. I had the chords in my mind, but until I faced some challenging circumstances on my own, it was only a bunch of notes.
When I kept sitting down at my keyboard attempting to give it a voice, it finally came through unexpectedly. Fortunately, I had thought to record it on my keyboard because it would have otherwise been lost.
When I record music, it either comes to me or it doesn't. I was happy to learn that George Winston experiences the same thing. Once the music comes out though, unlike him, I can't replay it. It is like a conversation that once it is spoken, there is no repeating it exactly like it was stated. My music creation is one that cannot be re-created. I wish it could, but I have not found the magic in doing this.
If you want to know more about the background story, check out what I wrote on my website at DonShetterly.com.
This song is special to me and I hope you will support me by purchasing it on your favorite online music store. I don't often ask for much on this blog, but when you purchase my music or books, you help support me so I can keep doing what I do best.
The day that many people have been waiting for has arrived. If you're like me, Christmas Day is one of those times as a kid that I looked to in anticipation. For days and weeks before, I struggled to sleep.
For me, I loved the Christmas programs at school and church. Often, I would get to play the piano for all the Christmas music. Also, my mom baked all kinds of Christmas goodies and cookies and candy. It was fun decorating the Christmas cookies with her.
It also meant that for one day out of the year, we could just be kids and not have to go outside and work meaningless tasks on my father's to-do-list. There were other aspects of the day that were not as pleasant, but I'm avoiding them in this blog post.
One other thing I loved about Christmas as a kid was seeing the decorated Christmas tree and all the tinsel and decorations and lights on it. Living in the rural Midwest with the white snow-covered landscape, I loved to see Christmas lights on homes in the area. The snow reflected the lights beautifully. I am still mesmerized by the Christmas lights on houses.
These days things have changed for me, and I don't see Christmas in the same way as when I was a kid. I still love Christmas Music playing in the background. I still love the lights, decorations, and cookies.
It bothers me when I see people talking about this war on Christmas as if everything needs to be a battle. Afterall, I think many who feel this way have lost sight of the true meaning of what Christmas is. It is too easy to get lost in the "purchasing frenzy" and then claim there is a war on Christmas. I believe some need to do some serious soul-searching before they proclaim what they do. Unfortunately, the attitude of divisiveness seems to be the way of our society.
Regardless of how you view Christmas, I hope you have an enjoyable day. I hope the joy and peace that comes on this day stay longer than a few hours or a couple of weeks. I hope you took time out to not just focus on what you got, but that you gave back to someone else.
My only Christmas wish is that we as a civilization will start to practice love throughout the entire year. I wish for respect and humility and kindness. May we all start seeing one another through eyes where we recognize each other as human, not enemies.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Seasons Greetings to each one who visits my blog! Don't forget, if you want to hear some beautiful Christmas music, check out my Christmas Cd.
This video is one that I created on May 25, 2017. Normally I don't show my song creation process on camera because it is just too difficult to create and not get nervous about being recorded. However, this song is an exception.
After the week I had, seeing hate front and center, I almost gave up on humanity and said, "I don't want another thing to do with anyone." Call me a drama queen if you want, it doesn't really matter at this point because I'm still livid over what took place.
Too many out there preach love and acceptance and tolerance, but it stops at the point when someone else does not hold the same view. I don't care which side of an issue someone is on, it happens from both ends. I'm so tired of this behavior. It is not what humans are. It is not what our civilization is about in my view.
If I post certain topics, people get all up in arms. Some just blow me away, because instead of seeing how it applies in their life, it is like - "HOW DARE YOU POST THIS"! I've seen this in full display this week (well at least when I am writing this).
I try to learn from all people. Yes, some irritate the daylights out of me more than others, but I try to learn. I try to see what it is in them that I cannot stand or I have difficulty hearing. Some things are just plain hateful and evil. Some give no value to humanity.
I wish I had all the answers. I wish I understood why people can preach love, and hate others at the same time. It makes no sense to me.
I wish I understood why some preach tolerance, but yet hate anyone that does not agree with them. Do we all have to walk to the same drum? Do we all have to think alike, talk alike, and believe alike? Can we not bring what we have to the table and together enhance all of our lives more?
I watch no TV news. I read very few news articles. I try to avoid most of the hot and heated discussions, because they offer nothing good for life in my view. They are just a bunch of opinionated people screaming. I'm sorry, but if no one is really listening, how is the screaming going to help?
We're all standing opposed to one another and if we continue this, our civilization will not make it. Our planet will not endure. Yes, there are things that make your blood boil, but if love and tolerance are your ideals in life, then engage those. Don't engage the hate. Don't spread the hate. Don't be part of the hate.
The fear is so great right now that no one is seeing with a rational, consciously connected mind. We see through the eyes of fear and we react with fear. If not, we go to the default of numbness.
There needs to be balance. It does not start with our leaders. It starts with each one of us individually. We are the collective civilization. We can practice love and tolerance for others, not just make it a mantra we hold high.
The song in this video is my conversation with music about how "I Don't Understand Hate". It seems confusing to me. It seems less than human. I don't get the insults or the attitude of "my way or the highway". I don't get how we cannot even come together as human beings and beings of light with a soul that is pure, but we can stand opposed to anyone that thinks differently than we do.
May our souls find awareness and consciousness. May we expel the hate in this world through the actions of love we portray.
Listen to the sounds in this YouTube video of Don Shetterly playing on his piano.
Many years ago, I was not allowed to play this in the Baptist church we attended. Of course, this was one of those very strict Baptist churches that didn't let you go to movies, dances, be in restaurants that served alcohol, or swim with the opposite sex.
At the time, I did not even know this had been a hit song on the radio. I just saw it in one of the church piano chorus books that I played from, and fell in love with it. I'm still not exactly sure how the original recordings of this song went because I have hardly ever heard them performed.
I love the way I play it because this song is one that is begging for someone to just have fun with it, and push the emotional feel of it to the max. So, enjoy the song, "HE".
Oh and the reason I couldn't play it in church was because the song didn't specifically use the word "GOD" in it. Um, hello people - it is all about God.
Anyway, here's my version played in the way I see God, not in the way that the fundamentalists brainwashed me into how I SHOULD see God!
And maybe that is more of the backstory than you wanted to hear. Enjoy the song anyway as I play it on this YouTube video.
This is one of my all time favorite videos that I have created. I sat down and played some of my Christmas songs on the piano for a small concert audience.
The video is simple. I uploaded a portion of the concert to share on YouTube.
This was recorded at my house.
I love Christmas music of all kinds. Those Christmas songs on the piano are just wonderful reflections for me from my childhood.
No matter what was happening, the magic of Christmas made it hard for me to sleep in the days leading up to Christmas.
So, enjoy this Christmas Piano Music video on YouTube. It is simple and beautiful, just the way I like to play the music.
Feel free to share it and pass it along so others can experience it as
well. You'll notice my beautiful Christmas tree in the background.
Yes, I wish the audio would have been a little better on this video, but it is still quite beautiful.
For more information on my Christmas Piano CD, check out www.christmaspianosongs.com. There is information and lyrics up there on each of the Christmas songs on this CD.
The CD is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and most major online digital music stores.
This is one of my favorite videos I have made. It is a song my mom dearly loved and I loved it as well. In memory of her, this is for her.
From the YouTube Description: http://www.donshetterly.com
- This was one of my Mom's favorite hymns and so this song is played
in her memory as a tribute to her. The Hymn, "In The Garden" was
written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. The video you see is my mini
concert playing this hymn. And to you, Mom, I Love You and miss you.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, let this be a day where we have that child-like innocence about life. Let us celebrate the magical, the unseen, and the possible in our life.
Let today be more than gifts and holiday stress. Let today be more than just what happened in this moment. See the world through the eyes of a child with wonder and awe that has not been tarnished by time and a world who suppresses it.
Let today be about the magical nature of human good and kindness. See the world through the eyes of peace and goodwill to others, not only this day, but every day of the year. We are all human. We are all born in the same way. Let us celebrate the wonders of being human.
Let me leave you with my musical version of this. Its a video I did on YouTube several years ago, but is still as relevant today as it was back then. The title of the video is Christmas Piano Music by Don Shetterly.
This is the 11th track on my CD. The CD is titled, Christmas Piano Songs and is a collection of Christmas music that I have enjoyed since I was a child. All of the music on this CD is instrumental piano music with no vocal. These songs were ones that I often performed in church or for different caroling events that we did such as nursing homes.
Joy To The World is a song of triumph and hope and joy that is out of this world. It is the essence of Christmas and the celebration all over the world. Joy To The World rings out an energetic melody that I have loved for years. It feels like one of those piano pieces that you can just bring out the power of the piano keys.
Hopefully you will enjoy my version of this song on the piano. These songs are great for having on hand during Christmas parties or even as you unwrap your gifts at Christmas. I realize the stores overplay Christmas music, but to me, this CD is something special an unique. I hope you do check it out!
This is the 6th track on my CD. The CD is titled, Christmas Piano Songs and is a collection of Christmas music that I have enjoyed since I was a child. All of the music on this CD is instrumental piano music with no vocal. These songs were ones that I often performed in church or for different caroling events that we did such as nursing homes.
We Three Kings is one of the first songs I ever learned on the piano when I first started to take lessons. I remember Mrs Tucker, my piano teacher buying this book of Christmas Piano Songs for me and We Three Kings was one of the fist I learned. It has always held a special place in my heart because of that.
This song was a favorite in church nativity plays and worship services. It has such a majestic feel to it that it gives the feeling of a royal king when it is played.
Hopefully you will enjoy my version of this song on the piano. These songs are great for having on hand during Christmas parties or even as you unwrap your gifts at Christmas. I realize the stores overplay Christmas music, but to me, this CD is something special an unique. I hope you do check it out!
This is the 5th track on my CD. The CD is titled, Christmas Piano Songs and is a collection of Christmas music that I have enjoyed since I was a child. All of the music on this CD is instrumental piano music with no vocal. These songs were ones that I often performed in church or for different caroling events that we did such as nursing homes.
What Child Is This is the reason many celebrate the Christmas Season with these Christmas songs. Such a lovely and flowing melody that makes feel such love so intensely. It has a nice rhythm to it which just flows from one note to the next.
I remember playing this one often in Church as a young boy for worship services, caroling events, and at nursing homes. It is definitely one of my favorites and one that just leaves me with a smile on my face.
Hopefully you will enjoy my version of this song on the piano. These songs are great for having on hand during Christmas parties or even as you unwrap your gifts at Christmas. I realize the stores overplay Christmas music, but to me, this CD is something special an unique. I hope you do check it out!
This is the 4th track on my CD. The CD is titled, Christmas Piano Songs and is a collection of Christmas music that I have enjoyed since I was a child. All of the music on this CD is instrumental piano music with no vocal. These songs were ones that I often performed in church or for different caroling events that we did such as nursing homes.
The First Noel or also known as The First Nowell is one that just invites peace when you hear the song. The melody drifts me off into a place where few songs can take me. Of course, any song that talks about angels, I'm mesmerized by and this one definitely does that. It tells the basic Christmas story as we have come to know it. Such a simple song, but so profound in the emotions that it invokes.
Hopefully you will enjoy my version of this song on the piano. These songs are great for having on hand during Christmas parties or even as you unwrap your gifts at Christmas. I realize the stores overplay Christmas music, but to me, this CD is something special an unique. I hope you do check it out!
This is the 3rd track on my CD. The CD is titled, Christmas Piano Songs and is a collection of Christmas music that I have enjoyed since I was a child. All of the music on this CD is instrumental piano music with no vocal. These songs were ones that I often performed in church or for different caroling events that we did such as nursing homes.
Away In A Manger is one of those songs that is so simple, but it is so beautiful to me. I love the words to this Christmas song. One of the things I most like about it is the melody because it just lulls me into a very peaceful state. It is simple and fun to play and one of my all time favorites.
Hopefully you will enjoy my version of this song on the piano. I do apologize that featuring these songs on my blog is a little early, but in order to space them out over time, I needed to begin early. I also realize people are looking for beautiful Christmas music for events coming up in December.
Many years ago when I was only about 8 years old, I wanted to learn how to play the piano. While there are many kids that say they want to do such things, I was one that just knew I had an attraction to the piano. Keep in mind that I did not come from a musical family or relatives who were music. If there were, I am not aware of them.
My mom wanted to make sure that I got every opportunity to play the piano. When she was a little girl, she explained to me that she wanted to play the piano. However, her father would not buy her a piano because he needed the money to buy his booze. So, for years she longed to play the piano and when I came along and expressed my interest, she made sure that happened.
Buying a $35 piano from a neighbor was my first piano. It was a big upright piano that took several people to move it from the neighbor's garage into our house. It did need a little tuning but overall, the sound that this piano put out was as beautiful as angelic music. Even electronic keyboards do not measure up to the sound of this piano.
Meditation - the moments you spend in solitude and silence with reflection and a listening ear. Yet, these moments sometimes seem to me to be one of the hardest things to embrace in any given day. Between everything that is going on and all that I need to get done, the minutes fly by.
Today as I was sitting there playing my piano, I thought back to all the days that this has been a constant in my life. No matter how difficult the days or the events got in my life, there was always the piano. In fact, between the piano and my pets, I can always find life's center with these things. When nothing else in life gives me a moment of peace or stillness, I always have my piano.
When I was a child, my house was never dull and quiet. There were constant times of screaming, yelling and criticizing. In addition to that, love, touch and companionship, were shown to us in ways that were abusive, harmful and full of evil. It was in those moments, that the only thing I could do was to find a way to escape. For I could not deal with what was taking place at that time and it was not like I could just run away from the situation. There was no place to run to and no place to hide.
During these times, I would turn to my piano and play the songs that I so loved. Most of these were church hymns and choruses because that is all I knew and about all I was ever allowed to work with. Their easy melodies and harmonies along with the gentle and peaceful words found in the verses of the songs, made for some beautiful moments of connectedness for my life.
Today as I was playing some of these songs, I noticed that the pain and turmoil of the past are brought up within the notes. For the pain and turmoil was as much a connection for me to these songs as the peaceful moments were. And while the pain and turmoil is sometimes still overwhelming to me, there is a side of these songs that takes me into a space unlike any other. It is a place of deepness, far removed from this world.
One could say it is a place of meditation or spirituality but to me it goes much deeper than that. It is very hard to describe. I know I have read that Yanni talks about going into a black space when he creates. I'm sure what he is talking about and what I'm talking about are our own similar experiences with this. I'm sure each artist knows first hand what this space is.
It is a beautiful place to be and travel into. It does give me the opportunity to be deep in meditation. To me, meditation is not only about sitting cross legged in silence. It is much more that that. Meditation is a deep connection to what is not readily seen or heard. I'm always amazed at just how much insight, awareness and communication I receive when I'm deep in the meditative moments of playing my piano and creating.
May you find those deep moments within yourself that give you reset, renewal and a different outlook. May your own meditation bring you deeper within yourself.
While I don't record most of what I play in these moments, some of the music has made it on to my CD's of relaxing piano music from the heart. This music often comes out of those times and sound clips can be found on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify.
Vilano Beach, near St. Augustine, Florida - http://www.donshetterly.com. Video was taken on a recent trip to St. Augustine Beach (FL) where we saw dolphins playing and swimming within a few feet of us. It was a beautiful site to see and a treat. I put this video to a sound clip of one of my relaxing piano songs called "Swimming Dolphins".
http://www.donshetterly.com - This was one of my Mom's favorite hymns and so this song is played in her memory as a tribute to her. The Hymn, "In The Garden" was written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. The video you see is my mini concert playing this hymn. And to you, Mom, I Love You and miss you.
Music can lift us from our current plane into a world where nothing matters, where no stress can be found and where true peace abounds. The individual notes combined together can transcend our hearts and minds.
We all have a favorite song, CD or band that picks us up when we are down and energizes us. Have you ever stopped to consider this and consider just what the music does for you? How does it take you from your current state and leave you feeling fulfilled, ready to fight whatever it is you need to or just feel empowered?
I firmly believe that music is the way that the innermost parts of our lives and the universe communicate with us. Music speaks where no words are found. Music creates a language where there is a void. Music knows no boundaries put in place by cultures, governments or laws.
For a long time in my life, I have played the piano and created music of all kinds. In recent years, I have focused on letting my innermost soul release the sounds that it holds. Just a few years ago, I would find a piano and sit down and play for hours at a time. I never used sheet music as I did not need it. I would just play whatever came out of my fingers. This music was a combination of notes that had never been heard before. And yet I found, that I did not really hear the music that I was playing until one day I recorded a session. When I listened to what I recorded, I could not believe what I heard. I did not realize just what I was creating.
Up to this point, I’ve not been able to replay anything that I have created. It is like the music I create is a conversation and we all know that you can never repeat a conversation once it has been spoken. You can paraphrase it but there is no way to repeat it. This is why I believe that music which comes from deep within our souls is such a pure form of communication and it goes where words can not form.
I began to share my music with a few trusted friends and saw their reactions. It was at that point that I decided it was time to share my music with the world. The more I have shared the music, the more I have seen the effects of it upon the lives of others. I can see when someone hears it and it affects them in such a deep way. For I know that when someone’s ear tunes into the songs I create, I know that they have connected with the deeper language found deep within the music and they have connected with a much broader source, the Universe.
My music and the music of many others that I know, come from a greater source than we find in ourselves. It is the universe that provides this music and it has the ability to do whatever we need at that moment in our lives. For the universe provides peace, healing and power to everyone and one of the ways it does this is through the music that it provides. I’ve seen how my music reflects the times I am in and how it has changed as I changed. Each song I create gets a title so as to keep it separate from the next song and reference it to what actually was taking place in my thoughts while it was created.
So as you go about your day, stop for a minute and think about the music you listen to. What is it trying to tell you? What is it connecting you to? What is your mind and body needing at this very minute. Remember we are all connected to something greater than ourselves and that connection is kept together by a force called music.
If you haven't had a chance to hear my music, you can check out the link to the left "Relaxing Spa Music" on Amazon or you can listen to it as well on iTunes and Spotify.
