“When learning to distinguish between the sounds of major and minor chords, I was told to remember that major chords ‘sound happy’ and minor chords ‘sound sad’. I suppose it’s a useful starting point for learning to identify chords on their own, but when they are used in progressions and in combination with rhythm, tone colours, and so on, the overall effect doesn’t always reflect the individual chords’ characteristics in a way that one might expect. In other words, I find it interesting that I (and many other composers) often use so-called sad chords to create music that is anything but sad. ‘So far, so good!’ is a simple piece that features both major and minor sections, but is light-hearted and cheerful throughout.” [Christine Donkin]

Christine Donkin is a Canadian composer of educational and instrumental music. Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, she holds degrees from the University of Alberta and University of British Columbia and, in addition to her work as a piano teacher, she is active as an adjudicator, clinician, judge, and guest speaker at educational events across Canada.

Christine’s compositions have won awards at national and international competitions notably the DaCapo Chamber Choir’s NewWorks Competition (Ontario, 2010); International Music Prize for Excellence in Composition (Greece, 2009); Living Music Under Living Skies Competition (Saskatchewan, 2009);Choral Horizons Competition (Minneapolis, 2009); Classical Marimba League International Composition Competition (2009); Guelph Chamber Choir Young Composers Competition (Ontario, 2008) and Sorel Medallion Competition (New York, 2008).

Christine Donkin’s music is increasingly being performed throughout Canada and America, and also in many European countries. Her educational andChoral music have been particularly popular and her works are available from a number of international publishers.