Advice From A Mule
These past two weeks I withdrew for some much-needed “creative solitude” to contemplate how to best accomplish my musical and financial goals. In the process I rediscovered the joy of starting the day seeking God through reading the Bible and through prayer, and trying to walk in dependence on Him throughout the day. Here’s how it unfolded.
One miserable afternoon I expressed my frustration to God, saying, “I wish you were here standing over my shoulder telling me what to do.” The next morning, King David reminded me in Psalm 32, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.”
Ok, so I’ve been a mule. (I’ve heard there’s another word to describe this.) I had gotten into the bad habit of jumping into workday decisions without asking for His input. A better habit would be to consult the One who programmed this universe in the first place. He knows His way around!
Trimming, Expanding and Combining Service for Photographers
Photographers and videographers,
If you would like an expanded, trimmed or combined version of my piano works, just ask for a quote using the form at the bottom of the License page. It doesn’t matter if you need a 30-second clip or a 10-minute clip, we can provide a seamless soundtrack for your slide show or video.
New Licensing For Photographers
I am now offering licensing for photographers to use my piano music in their projects.
Here’s a note I received from professional photographer, Jerry Borwick, on his experience with using my solo piano music during his photo viewing sessions and on his portfolio website:
I can honestly say that I have actually increased our sales as a direct result of your music. We use it for our sales sessions with clients who are viewing their portraits. We also use the music on our website slide shows for all their families to see our work. The music really helps to create a mood for our images and puts us over the top when it comes to sales. Without music, I know for a fact that I would not be able to sell as many images as I do. No one has ever directly asked about your music, but we do have it listed so they can contact you if they wish. I like how your songs provide a finishing touch on my work. It is perfect for us.
Be sure to visit the License page on this site where you can see the effect of adding solo piano music to a photo slide show or video.
Framing A Piano Portrait
A piano portrait is a combination of two distinct products. First, I compose a piano work designed to reflect the personality, passions, memories and dreams of the client or their loved one. That is a beautiful and lengthy process that culminates in a custom piano CD for the client.
The customer will have the option of purchasing a second product that is just as important. It serves as proof to the world that THIS person inspired this piano work. It is a custom-framed version of the piano CD, signed by me. Only one person in the world receives this per piano portrait. It must be beautiful, and it must be something the recipient would want to showcase to their guests.
To that end, Becky (my wife) and I have engaged the services of a local custom framer here in Arlington to test the idea on my first edition of my piano album, The Golden Road. We walked into the shop and realized immediately that a Hobby Lobby frame would not have achieved the intended results. We looked at several frames and decided to combine two of them, along with a beautiful, marbled matting. There are two variations, brown and black. The effect is absolutely stunning.
The end product is so engaging, so exquisite, that we are confident it will be a prized family heirloom for generations to come.
The Faith Of A Child
Tonight at bedtime, out of the blue, Will (3 years old) said, “Jesus is behind me.”
I said, “Where?”
He reach behind him and said, “Right there.”
He rolled over and said, “Hi, Jesus. I love you so much.”
Then he reached out his arms and gave him a big hug.
That’s what I’m talking about!
John Albert Thomas began composing original, melody-based piano works when he was 12 years old. His compositions have the simplicity and thinly-layered delicacy of Mozart, combined with a contemporary sound reminiscent of Enya, George Winston, and Jim Brickman. In 1995, John graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, with a bachelors degree in Music Theory and Composition. Upon graduation he moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he now lives with his wife, Rebecca, and their four children. John has released several solo piano albums, and continues his work on future projects. 
