Blog Archives
My Legacy
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall is a captivating journey through a life filled with dramatic contrasts, remarkable resilience, and a passion for music. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In the beginning, I wrote From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall for my family as a legacy to keep after I am gone. Later, it evolved as a kind of therapeutic release recalling my life, especially once I graduated from my college, The Curtis Institute of Music. Can you imagine going to college to learn how to master the clarinet to make a living?! It’s not the most sensible way to go.
Along with the funny stories and occasional glamorous, glorious moments performing with the greatest musicians all over the world it seems when I think about it now, I went from one challenge to another: child abuse, having little money, driving a cab, selling welding supplies, having my life threatened more than a few times. I suppose, after keeping my life a secret from friends and colleagues after all these years, I also wanted people to know some of what I went through to survive.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
My life was about hard work, setting goals, overcoming obstacles. I realize now that those small steps I made each day toward both the short and long – time goals I set for myself, really paid off. I didn’t like selling welding products – getting up at 4AM each morning to be at the shipyards when the welders were arriving for work and getting them to try my welding products was no picnic. Sometimes the welders would set their welder at the wrong polarity and ask me to weld something. Of course, I got a terrible shock when the welding rod touched the metal. That game is called “Lighting up the Welding Rod Salesman” and it never fails to end in uproarious laughter, at least for the welders. For me it was life and death. I had to make money for my daughter and me to eat and pay the rent.
I read a book called “What Color is Your Parachute” and discovered that my passions are music and children. I got the idea to create a program called “Music Magic”, sold it to many schools, including my daughter’s pre – school in Seattle and never looked back to those shipyards. Implementing “Music Magic” in the early childhood schools in Seattle and later in NYC enabled my daughter and me to move back East and where I could restart my performing career.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
A challenging thought, even before I began was the idea (which began as a notion) that I could write a book; it seemed far- fetched, as my last class in English and/or writing was when I was a Junior in high school.
How has writing your memoir impacted or changed your life?
It continues to be a great learning experience.
I now have more appreciation for my wife, Barb, who is so very supportive and a great partner in this project. I consider my wife to be a large part of my targeted audience – someone who loves music, especially classical music, and is NOT a professional musician.
I am also so very grateful to be living close to my daughter, Laura and her partner, Deryn, both of whom work with me in promoting our book, From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook-Personal | Facebook-Business | Website
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall is more than a musician’s story; it’s an inspiring narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s challenges head-on. An ode to the power of never giving up and giving oneself every chance to succeed. This book will not only entertain but also encourage and inspire, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a story of triumph, perseverance, and the transformative power of music.
From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall
David Singer’s memoir, From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall, is a captivating journey through a life filled with dramatic contrasts, remarkable resilience, and a passion for music. The story begins with Singer’s strikingly surreal day of performing at the White House before returning to drive a taxi on the gritty streets of New York. The book seamlessly weaves together the grandeur of international concert halls with the harsh realities of survival, creating an inspiring story of a life lived in extremes. His story also ventures deeply into family history, exploring themes of trauma, perseverance, and the transformative power of art.
What makes this memoir truly shine is Singer’s ability to bring to life the dichotomy of his experiences. He vividly describes performing with the Vienna Philharmonic while still grappling with the scars of a tumultuous upbringing. One of the most compelling sections recounts his relationship with Rudolf Jettel, a mentor who helped shape his artistic journey while also standing as a hero who saved lives during the Holocaust. These stories add layers of depth and humanity to the story. His accounts of working odd jobs, like selling welding supplies at dawn, make the glamour of Carnegie Hall feel earned.
Singer’s writing is raw and unflinching when delving into his personal struggles. His reflections on a childhood filled with parental abuse and the long shadow it cast over his life are both heartbreaking and hopeful. The honesty in these moments feels brave, especially when he revisits painful family dynamics. However, he also balances this with humor and warmth, particularly when recounting his adventures as a young clarinetist or his mischievous childhood escapades, like sneaking his dog DeeDee into his room at night.
The book’s pacing is engaging, though at times the transitions between major events in Singer’s life feel abrupt. While this approach mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of his journey, it occasionally left some anecdotes feeling underexplored to me. Despite this, Singer’s voice remains earnest and compelling, drawing the reader into his world with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion.
I recommend From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall to anyone who loves music, tales of perseverance, or stories of triumph over adversity. It’s a particularly enriching read for musicians or anyone navigating a challenging creative path. Singer’s life is a testament to the power of grit and artistry, offering inspiration to those daring enough to dream big, no matter the odds.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0D6TH9XG6
Leaving a Lasting Impression
Catalina Plays the What? follows a young girl getting ready for show-and-tell day at school who is nervous about sharing her passion for her favorite instrument, the double bass. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Catalina Plays the What? stems from my personal connection to the world of double basses through my husband, Gary Upton, who is a luthier and has been manufacturing double basses for years. Before meeting him, like many people, I had little knowledge of this remarkable instrument, which is often overlooked in schools and society despite being the foundational cornerstone in nearly all music worldwide. Many people say, “Oh, it’s a big cello, right?” I wanted to shed light on the double bass, an instrument that deserves far more recognition, especially among young learners.
Additionally, the field of double bass is predominantly male and Caucasian, so it was important to me to feature a young girl of color as the protagonist. Representation matters deeply—when children see themselves reflected in various fields, they are more likely to feel inspired and motivated to pursue their interests. Through Catalina’s journey, I hope to encourage more girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to explore and embrace the double bass.
Catalina starts out nervous but builds confidence as she goes along, in part thanks to the help of her grandpa. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The themes of perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of supportive relationships drive Catalina’s character development. Her initial nervousness reflects a universal experience for many children who feel uncertain when sharing something they are passionate about. However, as Catalina progresses through her presentation, her confidence builds, largely due to the steady encouragement from her grandpa. This relationship, which highlights the significant role that mentors and family members play in empowering young people to overcome their fears, is a key element in the story. I wanted to convey that with support, determination, and a belief in oneself, even the most daunting challenges can be met with success.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As a former elementary school teacher, I have a deep passion for making learning enjoyable and accessible for children. In Catalina Plays the What?, I aimed to introduce the fundamentals of the double bass in an engaging and easy way for young readers to understand. The story breaks down the different parts of the bass, its various names, and its role in different genres of music, all within the context of a fun and relatable narrative. My goal was to create an educational experience that would not only entertain but also inform children about this incredible instrument, leaving a lasting impression that learning can be both informative and entertaining.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Catalina Plays the What? is not currently part of a series, but I’ve been considering the possibility due to readers’ positive feedback and interest. Many have expressed a desire for more stories educating about musical instruments. While I haven’t yet committed to a series, I am finishing another story, Thea and Her Purple Dragon. This upcoming book delves into the complex and often painful topic of Parental Gatekeeping, exploring the deep emotional impact on children and parents when an adult fails to work together in the child’s best interest. This book aims to open a dialogue about the importance of cooperation and understanding within families, especially for the child’s well-being.
In addition to Thea and Her Purple Dragon, new readers can also explore my other works. Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness introduces children to the peaceful mindfulness practice of loving-kindness meditation, following a young girl as she practices sending love to those around her throughout her day. The book aims to teach that the more loving-kindness you send out, the happier and more peaceful you will feel. My other book, You Are Loved, tells the story of a little girl entering foster care and aims to teach children that, despite difficult circumstances, they can always find love and support in the world around them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon
Dinosaur Symphony: A Book of Poetry and Pictures about Dinosaurs and Classical Music
In A Dinosaur Symphony, author S.P. Somtow masterfully intertwines the realms of time travel, music, and paleontology, creating a unique and engaging experience for young readers. This imaginative tale follows a time-traveling conductor who ventures into the Jurassic Era only to find an orchestra of dinosaurs struggling with their musical tempo. Through this narrative, Somtow cleverly introduces children to the intricacies of a symphony orchestra, with each dinosaur character representing a different musical instrument and section of the orchestra.
The author’s background as a composer is evident, as he enriches the story with an original orchestral piece that reflects his dual passions for music and dinosaurs. This auditory element, along with the AI-assisted illustrations, provides a modern and interactive layer to the storytelling, making it an enjoyable and educational read. The author includes a note explaining the use of AI assistance in creating the illustrations. Although a few images might display minor imperfections, they do not detract from the story’s captivating narrative. This book is an educational tool, seamlessly blending fun facts about dinosaurs with insights into various musical instruments and their sounds. This approach captivates the young reader’s imagination and serves as a springboard for discussions about music and paleontology in classroom settings, particularly in music education.
A Dinosaur Symphony opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations between children and parents about diverse music genres, the role of different instruments, and, intriguingly, the prehistoric creatures that once roamed our planet. This inventive and informative book is an excellent resource for nurturing young minds to appreciate music and natural history.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0CPDJZ3RH
God’s Love Never Fails
Genesis of a Genre: The Birth of Christian Rock explores the origins of the Christian Rock genre and the history of the group that called themselves Agăpē. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The story is important because it fills a hole in the history of Contemporary Christian Music. As an industry, CCM tends to ignore or discount any musical contributions prior to 1973, and that obscuring of history needed to be challenged. It was also important to note that the music now presented as Christian Rock began with raw edges and pure motives.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
In all, it took 16 months to write the book. The first three months were for contacting the original members of Agape, building a larger contact list, and, from the initial interviews, deciding where the story was going to go. It took the full 3 months to come up with a working outline.
Research was done every day until the project was completed. Every time I spoke to someone new, there was research to be done.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Failure, pain, and joy have molded my writing because they have molded my life. Moving me to be more patient, introspective, and compassionate, I’ve learned to look deeper than surface issues in hopes of discovering the energies at work behind our choices.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Genesis of a Genre: The Birth of Christian Rock?
That insight is found in the final words of the story: God’s love never fails.
Genesis of a Genre: The Birth of Christian Rock
Prayer serves as a bridge for communicating with God, and it’s remarkable how each individual can tailor this communication in a way that resonates with them. Just as there are diverse forms of prayer, there are equally diverse expressions of love. The term “Agape” captures God’s unfaltering love for humanity. This very essence inspired the inception of a Christian rock band named Agape. Their primary mission? To convey God’s boundless love through music. However, navigating the world of alternative music presented its own challenges, impacting their journey to recognition.
Joe Markko masterfully chronicles the band’s odyssey, painting a vivid picture of the hurdles, transformations, and milestones experienced by the band members. Through Genesis of a Genre: The Birth of Christian Rock, readers embark on an enlightening journey, exploring how the teachings of the Bible influenced and molded the lives of the band members.
To curate this narrative, Markko diligently conducted interviews and collated first-hand accounts. A noteworthy feature of the book’s conclusion is the collection of letters from individuals who personally interacted with the Agape members. These letters highlight the transformative power of living by Christian principles. The book provides a comprehensive glimpse into the band’s journey, revealing the societal prejudices they faced, their unwavering commitment to exemplifying God’s teachings, and their adaptive evolution in songwriting.
While the book offers a captivating retelling, it’s essential to acknowledge its nature: a retrospective narrative, and with that comes the potential for historical inconsistencies. Markko is transparent about this, ensuring a genuine representation of the gathered information. The anecdotes—centered on a group of friends growing and maturing together—offer an enriching reading experience.
Genesis of a Genre: The Birth of Christian Rock is more than just a foray into a musical genre; it’s an exploration of friendship, spiritual growth, and the profound propagation of divine love. A must-read for those seeking a heartwarming narrative on faith, music, and unity.
Pages: 230 | ISBN : 9798218235444
MARCHING THROUGH TIME: THE POLICE BAND’S SARAWAK DEVELOPMENT AND EVOLUTION
Marching Through Time: The Police Band’s Sarawak Development and Evolution by Frankie Tadius is a scholarly yet vibrant examination of the compelling history and evolution of police bands in Sarawak, Malaysia. The author’s in-depth research and fervent storytelling come together to enliven the journey of these unique musical ensembles, uncovering their influential role in the sociocultural tapestry of the region.
Frankie Tadius expertly constructs a chronological narrative of the growth and transformation of police bands in Sarawak, from their inception during colonial times to their flourishing in the modern era. He artfully interweaves historical contexts with individual experiences, casting a spotlight on the hardships, triumphs, and pivotal events that have molded the police bands’ identity and mission.
A notable aspect of this work is the meticulous analysis of the cultural influences shaping the music and traditions of the police bands. Tadius delves beneath the surface, uncovering a rich fusion of indigenous rhythms and colonial-era compositions. This creates an extraordinary musical landscape that reflects Sarawak’s diverse and multifaceted heritage. While the primary focus is historical, the author’s ardent love for music permeates the prose, adeptly elucidating musical concepts and terminology to enrich readers’ appreciation of the underlying artistry.
Marching Through Time is more than a mere historical recounting; it also stands as an eloquent homage to the men and women who have shaped the development of the police bands. Tadius’s commitment to preserving their narratives guarantees that their legacy will echo in the hearts and minds of future generations.
Marching Through Time: The Police Band’s Sarawak Development and Evolution serves as an enthralling odyssey through Sarawak’s musical lineage. Frankie Tadius’s palpable enthusiasm, coupled with his captivating storytelling and comprehensive research, culminates in a work that is both enlightening and moving. As a significant addition to the cultural studies literature, this book enhances our understanding of Sarawak’s cultural heritage and affirms the lasting impression of police bands on the community. It is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of history, culture, and music.
Pages: 400 | ASIN : B0CBQ82HQ2
Cocaine In Her Wedding Dress
Something Scandalous, Treacherous, and Black follows two people planning to be married who are harboring secrets that could shatter their well-conceived plans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, I went to a wedding where the bride did cocaine in her wedding dress, and I was like this would be a great book.
All of the characters are engaging and have memorable qualities. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I always love the idea of my characters being real people. Alan Heathcock, who wrote the book Volt, said he likes to believe his characters are real people, and he writes down what they do. I just love that people aren’t one hundred percent good or evil.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This book was huge into the concept of second chances. Paige and Leo being the huge aspect of that. I think everyone makes mistakes or timing isn’t right in their lives, so it’s magical when life gives you that second chance at love, a career, or being your true self.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book to come out will be The Bitch Cup on 8/3.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
The only problem is Paige is still in love with Leo, her college sweetheart, and Joshua has been sleeping with Joey, the best man.
Unknown to the couple, Joey plans to sabotage the wedding because he is in love with Joshua. To further complicate things, Chelsea, their new wedding planner, wants to humiliate Paige to get back at her for their messy past with Leo.
Paige and Joshua are friends; more than that, they are engaged to be married. No, obviously not for love but to find their individual happiness. Joshua needs to marry a woman to keep his inheritance, and in return for entering this loveless marriage, Joshua will pay off the debt that looms over Paige’s parents. It is a win-win! The issue is that betrayal, scandal, and a deadly accident lie below the surface of this simple marriage for convenience.
