Author Archives: aratopouzian
Michigan State University: Creativity in the Time of Covid-19
In this blog I have often discussed how the pandemic affected Michigan artists. The ability to adjust to an environment that disabled the ability to perform in front of a live audience, to be able to see instant gratification for … Continue reading
Posted in art, art work, covid19, Creative Industries, creativity, culture, music, Reflections
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March is Arts Advocacy Month
“The arts create connection, community, belonging, and joy. In the worst of times, the arts create all of that and more—and most of all, the arts create hope” from the American for the Arts website. As a council member of … Continue reading
Posted in art, creativity, culture, Uncategorized
Tagged advocacy, art, CAN, culture, Farmington Hills, Funding, MACC, michigan, Novi, policy
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The Importance of Spontaneous Composition
As artists, we are told to tell a story with our work. Storytelling is an art form in itself, but mastering this art form is just as difficult as any form of artistry. However, storytelling can be expressed in different … Continue reading
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The arts industry is back on the rollercoaster
It certainly feels like Groundhogs Day when it comes to the pandemic. What was once ‘on hold’ due to COVID and then opens up seems to close again. It is a viscous cycle that is taking its toll in many … Continue reading
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Merry Armenian Christmas!
Armenians from around the world celebrate Christmas on two different dates. Most of us celebrate on December 25th, but many also recognize and celebrate Christmas again on January 6th. Historically, all Christian churches once celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6th … Continue reading
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Making Music Fun
I guess what they say is true, you can make music out of just about anything. A video that my musician friend Mark Gavoor (and fellow blogger) posted a humorous video on social media (which we have all seen before, … Continue reading
Posted in art, Humor in Music, music, world music
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When Did That Happen?
So another year has flown by, almost behind us, and with comes another year of a pandemic. It is a bit surreal now to thing that we have been in a global pandemic for two years. It also seems that … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, detroit, music, Reflections
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Why it’s important to tell your story
Last month I had an opportunity to share my passion of Armenian music to a new audience. I was invited to present at TEDx Detroit,. Several years ago I presented at TEDx Oakland University, which was a fabulous experience and … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, creativity, culture, detroit, music, Reflections, world music
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TEDx Detroit on Nov. 11th
I have often commented that I have had the privilege to perform music at a wide array of different venues over the years. Each and every gig I have had (paid or not) that was in front of a new … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, culture, detroit, music
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Creating Out of Nowhere
Of all times to come up with an idea for a blog post, it was while I was outside, after dinner, doing mindless yardwork. Calling it mindless is not an insult because it is not something I dread doing, I … Continue reading
Posted in creativity, Reflections
Tagged brain, creative, creativity, endorphin, mind, yard work
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HYE Times 