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 working on 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 time in now (I've been distracted by another project, which I'll soon discuss in a separate blog post). 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!

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...

"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"

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. 

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.

One Big Family

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

Watch the video...

Another First of Firsts

My oldest girl (Madeline) went off to her first day of Kindergarten today. Unbelievable! I was just sitting in the delivery room two seconds ago... The Reconstruction album was inspired by this awesome young lady. In her honor, the album is free for download today. Learn lots baby girl (so studious in your glasses)! Download: http://robcostlow.bandcamp.com/album/reconstruction

Madeline's first day of Kindergarten! 

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 >  

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!

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

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.

Happy 3rd Birthday Ellie!

Happy 3rd Birthday to sweet, caring Ellie who isn't happy unless everyone around her is smiling! You're growing up so fast (baby) girl. You and your sister (Madeline) are amazing and bring so much joy.

Ellie loves to swing

"I see who I want to be, in my daughter's eyes." ~ Martina McBride

Until We Meet Again

My wife and I named our youngest daughter after amazing Grandma Eleanor. Yesterday at 95 years old, Grandma passed away. She led an incredibly giving, respectful, wise and loving life. She taught me patience, God's word, good health, and always encouraged me (especially my music). So thankful for the time we had with you Grandma. Miss you and love you. Until we meet again...

"Have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry."

Grandma Eleanor with baby Eleanor (Ellie)

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

KONY 2012 - WATCH THE FILM

Invisible Children is leading a great mission that needs our support. Despite any controversy you may have heard, this is a true humanitarian effort that needs attention. Stop Joseph Kony. Help end the violence and bring peace. Please share and consider other ways how you can help.

Joseph Kony is the world’s worst war criminal. KONY 2012 is a 24-minute film that explains everything he’s done and how he can be stopped. This year. #KONY2012

Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

Learn to Play "I Do" and Other Songs

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a great day to officially launch the new project I've been working on, RollingNote.com. You can play music like never before... Per my last post, RollingNote is an interactive app that teaches anyone (beginner or expert) how to play piano. It is the first piano instruction app to use scrolling notes and progressive levels to teach songs and grade playing in real-time. Via Mac, Windows or iPad, simply follow and play along to songs on a MIDI keyboard or acoustic piano.

In light of Valentine's Day, "I Do" is the first of my songs available on RollingNote. Simply visit RollingNote.com to install the Player app and get songs to play. There are many songs to choose from, and much more to come! You can download "I Do" and learn the story behind the song at http://www.rollingnote.com/i-do-basic.html.

Happy playing!

Introducing RollingNote Piano

Happy New Year!

I wanted to let you know about a new and unique piano application I have been working on with a friend. It is called RollingNote, and it will help people of all ages and skill levels learn to play piano songs in a meaningful and modern way. It is launching very soon on Mac, Windows and iPad! Be the first to know when it launches by visiting http://www.rollingnote.com.

Note: There will be dozens of songs to select from and more to come (including songs by me and many other contemporary artists). More info below...

RollingNote is a universal app that supports music artists and makes it fun and easy to learn songs while playing along on your MIDI keyboard or acoustic piano. We believe everyone should be able to play piano. Beginner or expert, RollingNote is for the music lover in you.

Smash hit games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band prove that you can have tons of fun simulating instruments... but why stop there?! RollingNote uses the same interactive video game experience to teach you the skills you need and track your progress. Truly experience the joy of piano music.

Piano Instruction Has Evolved

- Learn piano on your own time (and if you take lessons, use as extra support)

- Simple scrolling notes replace sheet music 

- Play the songs you love and discover new music you will love to play

Music Made Flexible

- Choose skill complexity from a progressive selection of song levels

- Preview each song and level to hear how it is intended to be played

- Adjust song tempo to play at your own pace 

- Practice using left, right or both hands

Score!

- Grade and score your playing to track progress in real-time

- Share with friends, family and teachers

- Access grades, scores and manage music in your RollingNote app song library

Again, be the first to know when it launches by visiting http://www.rollingnote.com.

Thank you!

Dream it, do it

When you're asleep, believe. When you wake, believe. When you're out and about, believe. For... Dreaming is believing. Getting out of bed is believing. Doing is believing.
Dream it. Believe it. Do it.

New Music and Holiday Cheer

Happy Holidays!

Is it really the end of the year?! Good thing everyday can be a holiday. That's how I like to think about it. Each day (and all things) given to us is a gift. These thoughts are showcased in my latest release, which was created from reflections on the holidays, nostalgic moments, chasing dreams, and celebrating life. I hope you enjoy the new music and have a blessed and peaceful holiday season.

Reunion - EP Now Available
allMeadow and I (AKA the transatlantic electro-chill duo) are thrilled to be back with a serving of inter-genre mixes. We have created a unique musical bond over the past several years. Reunion is the latest example, which is a downtempo holiday EP intended to be enjoyed year-round. Although starting with a trip back to "Forbidden" lane, this album contains all new melodies and riffs I recorded for allMeadow's mixing sandbox.

If you are a pure piano lover at heart, I highly encourage you to take a listen and preview the album. Regardless, I intend to record and release a new solo album in 2012.

The 4-track EP is now available on iTunes and BandCamp. Coming soon to all digital music networks (including Magnatune.com). BTW - The EP contains a new "Rolling Thunder" mix. You can download the original mix on BandCamp.

Holiday Gift Ideas
Autographed CDs:  Available for Sophomore Jinx, Woods of Chaos, and Reconstruction. Autographs can be personalized for the recipient, so be sure to leave a note with your order. Order now.

Sheet Music: Available for "Bliss," "Forbidden," "I Do," "Meant to Be," "Not Alone," and "Woods of Chaos." Sheet music arrives in PDF format to your email. You can print and hand deliver or forward on to the intended recipient. Order now.

Digital Downloads: Amazon and iTunes make it easy to gift albums or individual tracks to friends and family. Simply select "Gift this album" from the buy link (on iTunes, use the down arrow | on Amazon, the link is on the right side of the page).

Thanks for your support!

Until next time...

A Smile a Day...

Today is a blessing. So, smile lots... it's contagious (so are attitudes, so make it something attractive). :) 

"If you don't get everything you want, think of the things you don't get that you don't want." ~ Oscar Wilde

2011 Updates

Greetings Fans!

I hope this update finds you well, practicing optimism and living your inspirations. If you are like me and need a nudge from time to time, I highly recommend you get a copy of A Philosopher's Notes by Brian Johnson.

To say the least, it has been a challenging 2011 for many people around the world. Here at home for me in the United States, the 10th anniversary of September 11 is upon the country. In light of optimism, let us all continue resilience worldwide and keep moving forward (see my post on Perseverance).

EP Coming Soon
I have been working on some new melodies, which I plan to send to my favorite collaboration and mixing expert, allMeadow. Stayed tuned for an EP featuring some electro-chill remixes. BTW - Check out a couple of our previously unreleased mixes finally available for download at robcostlow.bandcamp.com.

about.me Fall Promotion
Please vote for me to be the face of about.me on a NYC Times Square billboard. Who knows, I might get to perform! Visit about.me/robcostlow to vote on my profile (top right of page). Thanks for your support!

New Album in the Works
It is time to crank out (and record) some more compositions. I am in the creative stages of a new solo piano album. Given all wants and needs move forward, this will be a very unique project. My goal is to release the album in 2013. Oh, and more sheet music will be coming too!

Until next time...