“What we play is life.” –Louis Armstrong, trumpeter and composer Would many musicians dispute Louis Armstrong’s words? I doubt it. With each turn of a phrase, we performers spin out some of the essence of being alive, and we relish every moment. But we don’t create...
“If you want to be creative, get out there and do it.” –Michael Giacchino, composer (March 2010 Oscar acceptance speech) Almost all of the ambitious music students I meet share two common concerns. They wonder: 1.”Do I have what it takes?” 2.”Will I...
“I can’t understand why people are frightened by new ideas. I’m frightened by the old ones.” –John Cage, composer When I go to classical music concerts here in the U.S., I mostly find older listeners in attendance, even when the performers are college age. But the...
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” –Thomas Edison, inventor Parts I and II of this post show that we musicians need inclusive abilities and solid work ethics if we’re to seize opportunities in the new economy....
“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.” –Stevie Wonder In Part I of this post, I claimed that industrious musicians can earn ample monetary and psychic incomes owing to the vast demand for music products and services. But I questioned whether students...
“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” –Sergei Rachmaninoff I expect that all of us music lovers concur with Rachmaninoff – our passion for music continually nourishes our souls. But does a rising musician’s love affair...
