I am deeply in love with this picture of Miss Priscilla Ahn. I love the tinted vintage red and Priscilla Ahn playing her guitar in the studio. The expression on her face looks as if she’s only listening to the sound of music and nothing else. It’s how I imagine myself if I were ever recording in a real studio and creating music.

Young Love Tour: In the Venue Salt Lake City, UT: 2.13.12: 23:51

Lately, all I can think about is Amanda de Lange. Amanda is the executive director of Starfish Foster Home in Xi’an, China. I first met her in May 2011 on a humanitarian trip and I met her again in October and November 2011. This past week, she was diagnosed with cancer. I couldn’t believe it. Amanda has dedicated her life saving hundreds of starfish babies and now her life is on the line. Thinking of her current health makes me terribly sad and it’s something I don’t quite understand at the moment.

I was listening to “Truth” and suddenly, I didn’t know if the music was truly happy or sad. I know there’s the major and minor chords, but there was something beyond theory. In a space alone and driving on the highway under a blanket of gray sky, it truly felt as if the music was crying alongside my soul.

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I’m not a football fan, but I love the Super Bowl commercials. Especially the one with M&M and this LMFAO song.

I’ve been listening to new songs from Mumford & Sons and I’m already waiting for their second album to be released, hopefully soon. I can hardly wait.

My mom has told me that my name means happy joy joy. Now, I know that a third of my name also has the character for music. I thought this was such a cool discovery. I would like to think my name explains a lot behind who I am and why I have such a strong connection to music.

One of the parents was surprised and overly happy that I made up a lesson. I keep my word and would never want to waste anyone’s money or time.

I am often insecure about teaching music. I think I’m not good enough. I am nervous about the studio allowing me to continue to teach. Today was different though. I am happy that my hard work is being recognized and I am able to help someone understand music. There are obstacles to overcome, but I know I can do this.

2. I have yet to review any music theory, but I need to majorly work on theory, now that I actually need to teach it.

3. So far, I’ve learned “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift (Ft. The Civil Wars), chord version of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, intro to “Blue Orchid” by The White Stripes and the first part of “Hey, There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s. I think this goal has been met and teaching has helped me accomplish this goal.

4. I have written chords to a song. I keep pandering with lyrics. I’m not sure if I need to modify this goal or make-up the three songs in the following months. I’m really nervous about this one.

5. I have almost finished playing “Marching Line” by Vanessa Carlton. Surprisingly, I found this to be a challenging song. 9 more to go and then Moonlight!

6. I still need to write those songs.

7. I still need to write that song.

8. I need to at least cover a song and experiment with the Canon Rebel T2i.

9. I’m working on playing around with the piano to write a possible film score.

10. I need to finish writing an e-mail and getting on with the co-writing.

Note to self: I have a long ways to go and I really need to push myself and really just go!

See [this post].

I experienced the Sundance Film Festival for the first time in my life yesterday. I watched Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and Documentary Spotlights. After watching Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom (Documentary Spotlights), my life has been forever changed. Now, I have this sense of responsibility and the call to action. I believe in protecting freedom of speech and democracy. I also believe in nature and in revival.

There’s a huge part of me that is inspired by the environment of independent artists and intellectuals at Sundance. I fully support independent film makers and musicians. I hope that soon enough, DVDs and music from Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry and The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom will be made available for purchase.

The music in Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry is composed by Ilan Isakov (listen to samples of the music here). What I enjoyed about Ilan Isakov’s composition is the different instruments used and the subtle details in the music accompanying the film. The music never overwhelms the intense situations in the film and captures the spirit of the moment. Through Twitter (Ilan Isakov actually tweeted me!), I recently found out that Ilan Isakov is Gregory Alan Isakov’s brother. All I can say is they are two incredible and madly talented musicians.

The Tsunami and Cherry Blossom is composed by Moby. I expected the music in the film to highlight and dramatize the tragedy of the tsunami. Instead, the tone of the music is positive, emphasizing hope, peace and comfort. I couldn’t get enough.

I know the ASCAP Music Cafe is one of the major music events at Sundance, but I wish film scores and composers were talked about more. And even though I didn’t get to see the documentary, Finding North, I would love to hear music that The Civil Wars composed. I have tweeted Ilan Isakov, Moby and The Civil Wars (both John Paul White and Joy Williams) and I hope there will be news about the release of music from these films. Everyone needs to watch these films and listen to the soundtracks.