Writing About Creativity, Music, Self-Doubt, and the Path Forward
How to Raise Musical Children (Without the Burnout)
Raising a musical child is less about strict lessons and more about sparking joy, curiosity, and connection. Drawing on stories from my family and insights from Steve Nalepa, here’s how to nurture creativity without pressure—so the music stays for life.
What Andrea Stolpe Taught Me About Songwriting (and Myself)
Seattle singer-songwriter Dave Hill Jr. shares how Andrea Stolpe’s songwriting camp transformed his creative process, helped him trust his instincts, and deepened his confidence after 50.
The Talent Trap: How I Learned to Choose My Development Areas and Be OK with Boring Practice Routines
The Talent Trap: Embracing Boredom for Mastery
We often admire the talent of our favorite artists and athletes, but behind every performance lies hours of slow, repetitive practice. In this post, I share my journey as a songwriter and musician, learning how to love the grind of practice and the power of small, daily improvements. With insights from my mentor Stanton Moore, I explore how going slow and embracing boredom can unlock true mastery. Read on to learn how focusing on 1% progress a day can transform your skills.
Is Jazz Camp the New Las Vegas?🎷
Jazz camp is like Vegas for musicians—minus the neon. You take chances, crash, soar, and sometimes hit the jackpot. At the Port Townsend Jazz Workshop, even wrong notes lead to wins. It’s all groove, growth, and great people. Forget the slots—roll the dice on jazz camp instead.