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Interview with Jeff Bjorck 
by Edward Weiss


As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, Dr. Bjorck's multifaceted vocation typifies his love for a Renaissance man's approach to life. His approach has also included a lifelong love of creative expression, and piano composition has been a major means to this end. More info below.

Edward: How Did You Get Started Playing New Age Piano?

Jeff: I took piano lessons informally from my mother from the age of 9 to about 13. At this 13, however, I discovered that I could sound out my own melodies, make arrangements of songs on the radio, and create my own music.  Since my mother had taught me all she knew, I stopped using music at this point and started playing from my heart.  Whereas my basic knowledge of formal music instruction was a very helpful foundation, I truly receive the most joy by playing spontaneously, oftentimes feeling more like a third-party.

Edward: What Inspires and Informs Your Music?

Jeff: I am inspired by all forms of music from various classical and romantic styles to rock, jazz, and even hip-hop!  I am also inspired by the Creator’s work, particularly the beauty of nature and wildlife.  Many of my musical pieces have been inspired by places I have been, such as hiking deep in cedar forest in the Catskills or wandering through Appalachian woodlands or soaring on my hang glider thousands of feet above majestic mountains.

My music has been informed, in all likelihood, by every piece of music I have ever heard.  When I listen to my music I can hear piano influences as diverse as David Lanz, Billy Joel, George Winston, Elton John, and Carol King. Beyond that, I have also been influenced by orchestral works by Debussy, Satie, and Beethoven. Add a good dose of big band jazz, classical rock (e.g., the band Yes), and more current popular music, and you begin to have a pretty good picture!

Edward: What Is Your Method for Composing a Piano Piece?

Jeff: I can answer this with liner notes text from my first CD, because the method remains essentially unchanged: “Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past thirty years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, ‘Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!’ 

I would add that I typically have a digital recorder going so I can catch those musical themes as they surprise me! Often times, my new compositions begin while I am playing spontaneously, and I say, “Oh wow! What was that?” Then I hit rewind, listen to the phrase that inspired me, and began my formal compositional process.  Even when I have completed a piece, however, I never play it 100% exactly the same each time

Edward: Do You Get Blocked Creatively, and If So, How Do You Get Past It?

Jeff: That's a great question!  If I worked at my music full time, my answer might be different.  Because I only able to music part-time, my first solution when feeling blocked is to simply quit and go do something else!  Particularly if that “something else” is a creative activity in another genre (e.g., photography, poetry, gardening),

I find this “taking a break” can get the creative juices flowing again.  Another technique I use is to walk away from the piano but continue to mull over the melody in my head and/or whistle it or hum it to myself. A third technique is to remain at the piano but to play other pieces that I enjoy.  A fourth technique is to spend time listening to other artists.  All of these methods are helpful in renewing my ability to think outside any box in which I might be stuck!.

Edward: What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring New Age Pianists?

Jeff: Practice every day! Practice the hard things first and the easy things last.  Get some type of tape recorder or digital recorder and just leave it running while you freely explore the keyboard.  Like me, you may surprise yourself with some really good "what was that?" moments. I would also advise you to listen to other artists, and do not limit yourself to pianists.  Finally, I would encourage you to avoid relying on "special effects" so readily available on most electric keyboards. 

The sound of falling rain or crickets is never a substitute for good composition. On the other hand, adding such effects later on can sometimes be a nice touch. Also, be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Compliments from friends can feel good, but they will never help to improve your music like good constructive criticism can. Finally, when composing your music, work at anchoring your playing in emotion. Without emotional sensitivity, a highly technical piece may suggest a skillful player, but it can also sound more like a polka and then like New Age music.


As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, Dr. Bjorck's multifaceted vocation typifies his love for a Renaissance man's approach to life. His approach has also included a lifelong love of creative expression, and piano composition has been a major means to this end. Learn more about Jeff and his music at http://www.purepiano.com