Jul 25, 2014

Consolidating Social Updates....

Starting now, all news and updates will be published to Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter.

Like or Follow me at:

Facebook - http://facebook.com/robcostlow

Instagram - http://instagram.com/rcostlow

Twitter - http://twitter.com/robcostlow

Jun 18, 2014

May 9, 2014

Look Up

Look Up - Love this video! You've probably seen it by now, but such an important message. There is a time for the Web, but more time for life. So happy I didn't have a smartphone during my youth. Aside from all the memories of playing and socializing outdoors with friends, I met a beautiful, smart, and real woman in college because our eyes connected across rooms and we waived at each other... we're celebrating 15 years of marriage this fall.

Apr 19, 2014

New YouTube Channel

Hi! Subscribe to my new YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/RobCostlowTV.

More updates, news, and banter coming soon... I've been distracted working on new songs. I have enough now for another full album. I still need to polish the songs up... yet a new recording is inevitable. :)

Dec 24, 2013

Christmas and New Year Blessings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2014 be full of blessings for you and yours. 

Download "Not Alone" for free in your file format of choice + receive the sheet music.

...because God said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." ~ Hebrews 13:5

"The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart." ~ Helen Keller

"Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it white." ~ Bing Crosby 

Shower your neighbors and surroundings with love.
An Empty Canvas

Nov 28, 2013

Give Thanks

I'm thankful for family, friendship, and unconditional love. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sisters

Nov 4, 2013

River City

Ready for some drama?! Two of my songs will be featured on the BBC's River City. Be sure to check out episode 8, airing Tuesday, November 19 on the BBC.
bbc.co.uk/rivercity

Jul 21, 2013

Are You Driven? Think Twice...

Director / Writer / Producer, Ben Pitterle, recently contacted me to license "Woods of Chaos" for his upcoming Marathon Swimming documentary entitled Driven. Ben showcases the incredible journey of Fiona, Cherie, and Evan as they attempt to swim across the Santa Barbara Channel. I thought "...how apropos" as the story behind "Woods of Chaos" is about moving on and fighting off (mental) demons, be they discrete or blatant.

"Imagine beginning a 10-hour swim by plunging into pitch black water at 1 AM, offshore of islands where great white sharks are known to feed. Mental demons abound." Welcome to Marathon Swimming... This makes the standard endurance sport look (almost) like child's play.


The documentary is expected to be released this September.

Jul 5, 2013

Jul 4, 2013

Happy Fourth of July

Have a festive, happy, and safe Fourth of July America! Let freedom ring! Thank you troops and veterans!!

A photo from the fireworks show tonight.

Happy 237th Birthday America!

Mar 27, 2013

March Madness

I've been meaning to blog regularly, and here I am typing my second post of 2013. Hmm... I do have some solid justification. I shall disclose.

To start, the Indiana Hoosiers (my Alma mater) are hard at work trying to give me and my fellow alumni a nervous breakdown. What a season! It's been 10+ years since I've watched so much basketball. Excited to see how the Hoosiers take on the Orangemen tomorrow night in Sweet 16 action. Go Big Red!

Moving on...

I'm planning a new album! OK, so I've said this a few times the past couple years. :) The fact is I'm putting a little more thought. First, starting with a couple melodies and themes. I can't believe it's been almost 5 years since my last solo album. This time around is a bit different than the last. I'm obviously taking my time with this one. I really want to deliver something more meaningful. For now let's say the project will be more rich, whole, and may take on more than one form. Is that vague enough?

I recently sent my buddy allMeadow a new riff to play around with. I feel it's quit catchy, and we should have a solid remix to share anytime now.

I have been traveling a bit, and was recently down at SXSW (Austin, TX). Good times. This was an educational and networking visit for me. I'd really like to perform the next time around. BTW - Any podcast lovers out there? I got to spend a little time with C.C. Chapman (see photo). He's a truly great guy and long time supporter of my music.

My newly 6-year-old (Madeline) started piano lessons! She's a natural. This girl is going to crush anything that I've accomplished when she comes of age. I mean it. So proud of her! She has a solid contemporary teacher, who will be exploring and instructing beyond classical music. Her mom and I help her practice. I'm trying to keep some distance, so she has no pressure. My reasoning is that any form of art is best delivered with genuine passion.

Before I sign off, I must ask, is it really almost April? The continued cold weather tells me otherwise. You know something is wrong when your 3-year-old tells you "this is the worst spring ever." Yep, this literally (and randomly) came out my Ellie's mouth today. :) The fam and I are hanging out for a few days at our place in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Great place to reflect, relax and get in some quality time together.

Have a great day!

CC Chapman and me

Spring, where are you? I implore you to show your warm face!

Jan 1, 2013

New Year, New Memories

Happy New Year! 

This photo is of my Grandmother Eleanor, who passed away in 2012. Simply put, great memories remain with me. When I visited her as a child, she always encouraged me to play piano and be creative (and she put up with the crazy noise while I learned the fundamentals). 

If you're reading, I wish you a fulfilling 2013, receive much inspiration and support, and find a way to give from what's been given to you. Live and be well...

Dec 2, 2012

"Goodbyes" and "Sleepaway" Sheet Music

Happy first week of December! A couple new items arrived in time for the Holidays. Sheet music for "Goodbyes" and "Sleepaway" is now available in Rob's store!

Gift or get "Goodbyes"

Gift or get "Sleepaway"

Nov 11, 2012

Giving (Daily) Thanks

This year I'm taking a bit longer to inhale and exhale as the holidays approach. As I fire up the blog editor and begin to document the thoughts on my mind, I'm vowing to truly focus and enjoy each moment with family and friends this season.

Stating the obvious, I often find having no agenda is a great muse to start winding down and focus. That is, going with the flow and clearing my mind to enjoy and take in the moments. (Yes, this is often a longer process for me to begin than I care to admit.) Ultimately, I desire to get to a state of unforced momentum. So I don't miss the little sparks of inspiration...the powerful subtlety and result of a single expression or image.

Around the neighborhood or at work, have you begun to hear "This year flew by...faster than the last."? Like so many of us, I say a comparable statement near the end of every year. Yet, these are the same 365.2 days I had last year, and the year before that, and the year before that... What did I do with each 24 hours? How did I contribute? What was accomplished? How much did I complain? How did I advise? How did I give thanks?

Well, I'm...

- Thankful to our veterans for defending and loving a brave and free nation at all costs. 

- Thankful to my family for their love, patience, and encouragement. 

- Thankful to my fans for providing intense support and inspiration. 


- Thankful to my colleagues and friends for making each day like a baseball practice. We are a team supporting and learning from each other, seeking common goals to keep playing and improving. 

- Thankful (that long ago) my mom and dad exemplified to me the power and meaning of thanks, loving one another, and the ubiquitous mercy and equality bestowed by our maker.

- Thanks be to God for giving us a choice, empowering us, and always being there in the darkness and the light.

Moving forward, I shall do my best to reflect more frequently on this blog. To keep my priorities in check. To center on the good and how I can use it to make tomorrow even better. There is always daily thanks to be had after you see the sun rise...and set. 

Oct 2, 2012

Bliss: for my wife, Melissa



Thirteen years ago I performed this song (well, part of it) for the first time to a very beautiful, caring, creative, funny, and intelligent young bride from the Chicago suburbs. Happy anniversary to the love of my life...may true bliss always be with you, Melissa.

Sep 11, 2012

One Big Family

Desiring peace in memory of the victims and heroes of 9/11. Never forget. We are one big family...

Aug 7, 2012

The All New RollingNote Piano App

RollingNote v1.1.0 is now available! This piano app is for all ages and skill levels, making it fun and easy to learn songs while playing along on your piano or MIDI keyboard.

RollingNote Piano App
 RollingNote Piano App >  
What's new?
  • In-app song library - including songs by me :)
  • Etudes (and finger hints) for Major Keys including Chords, Scales, Cadences, Inversions and Arpeggios
  • Improved MIDI support

Download it FREE for iPad!

Aug 1, 2012

Be Active

Even if my blog doesn't always show it, I am consistently active. Suppose I need to document more, eh? :) Regardless, lots going on and many updates to come this fall regarding new music efforts, business ventures, etc. Stay tuned...

"Fresh activity is the only means of overcoming adversity." ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Jun 8, 2012

In Business and in Life...

"Do unto others as you would have them do to you." This is one of the oldest notions know to man. And, it's certainly a constant battle for any of us to truly live down on a daily basis. Deceit, selfishness and greed lurks, and sometimes we don't even realize we've violated the notion. Stay awake. Fight the good fight.

In today’s constantly evolving world, survival stems from a meaningful mission, relentless drive, and strong, interconnected relationships.

Support each other. Mentor each other. Love each other.

Mar 17, 2012

Introducing the New RobCostlow.com

It's been 10 years since I started recording music (surreal!). I thought it was time for RobCostlow.com to get a little makeover. I'm looking forward to many more years of creating music. Thanks for all of your support!

Music is a great self-development outlet. For musicians and students of music, the classic instruments are great tools to build character, discipline and creativity. Music is universal. It can turn a bad attitude upside down, take your stress away, make the party, marry two lovers, and be the soundtrack of your life.

"If music be the food of love, play on." ~ William Shakespeare

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~ Bob Marley