Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Summer Courses 2010

I will be teaching several online courses this summer in music industry and ethnomusicology at NCCU. You can apply online at:
http://web.nccu.edu/divisionofExtendedStudies/de/registration.htm

If you’re interested or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to register because classes may fill up. There are two summer sessions and the first session starts May 19th and goes until June 25th. Session II starts June 30th and goes until August 5th.

First Session
Music Industry:
MUSL 3860 Introduction to Music Technology – Acoustics – William Smith
MUSL 3870 Production I – William Smith

Ethnomusicology:
MUSL 3900 Music of Africa
MUSL 1000 Survey of Music

Second Session
Music Industry:
MUSL 3000 Commercial Music – William Smith
MUSL 4860 Production II – William Smith

Ethnomusicology:
MUSL 4850 African Influence on Music of the Americas

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Overcoming Troubles

When trouble assails you move beyond the present and consider the past and the future as teachers. They will guide your action. The past is proof that you have made it through difficult circumstances before and that you exist today because The Creator brought you through those circumstances as He will bring you through your current circumstances. Then consider the future. All of the current circumstances will be just memories in the future; recollections of trials overcome.

The Zen axiom that in a hundred years everyone on this planet will be gone is solace in times of trial. It underscores the truth that nothing that you go through is of any real importance save to teach you that YOU are more important than the circumstance. Your spirit will live on beyond your trials and tribulations. Nothing is greater than The Self for it is eternal.

Do not give in to petty circumstances. When you do you are like a lion cringing from the bark of a dog. The lion knows its strength and will strut magnificently through the plain fearing no animal because it knows that it has dominance over the animal world. Walk with that wisdom and awareness and be strong in the knowledge of your royalty. You are The Absolute, The Unflinching, The Omnipotent Self who can surmount any obstacle and any circumstance just by existing. Smile at misfortune, laugh at troubles, welcome adversity because it will shrink when it gazes upon your steadfast assurance of your superiority. You will conquer any trial and tribulation because those trials are temporary while you are permanent. You have dominion over them and they are your subjects. They are here to serve you, not you to serve them. Realize this truth and stand firm.