Ancient Melodies
Songs for YOU
Our Ancient Melodies Project currently consists of five original songs written by Richard McKinney and Susan Mohini Kane. These songs have dual intent: 1. to help you develop your singing skills; and 2. to offer you insight into some of the principles of yoga. They were originally called “Yoga of Singing” and they will figure prominently in my Foundations of Singing Course and maybe even in the podcast, but we decided on Ancient Melodies because: 1. we believe in melody; and 2. they are based on ancient Indian ragas.
Collaborators
Rich McKinney and Susan Mohini Kane met in 1977 when Kane was in high school and McKinney was the choir director. Over the years they have collaborated on many projects though this is the first where they co-created new music. Rich is a composer and pianist and Susan is a composer and singer. They put their heads together for this unique and amazing project. They have been working on this project for over a year.
Richard McKinney
Born in Granite City, Illinois Rich was influenced by gospel church music. Church music proved to be ever present throughout his life. He sang duets with his sister for church services and other events. He played and they both sang. Rich aimed his entire life at music, always with the purpose of making people happy. He is aware that he was given a gift, and feels that must be repaid.
After high school Rich attended Simpson College. He was drafted just as he was hoping to complete his undergraduate degree. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He returned from Vietnam with two bronze stars, one for valor and one for service. He returned to Simpson to complete his degree and then taught in Iowa public school for about 15 years.
He did his graduate work and Northeast Missouri State University, (now Truman State). After earning his degree he joined the faculty for two years. From there he spent 17 years in Hawaii, teaching college classes for several community colleges. He was also Director of Music First United Methodist Church of Honolulu for a decade. He served as music critic for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin for six seasons of symphony and opera.
He returned to Kirksville in 2003. He became the director of Kirksville Community Chorus from 2004 -2014. He has been writing cello/piano arrangements to play with cellist Elaine Boda. Projects too great in number to list have also been a part of Rich’s life. He is currently retired and enjoys life as usual.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Rich%20McKinney
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHQgjaKtDMGvK4Md-8tnHLg
