It’s not just how good you are. It’s how intriguing. All of us musicians work hard to maintain and improve our skills. Too often, though, young musicians devote years to “getting better” without concurrently growing their distinctiveness, and...
“Music making is a never-ceasing process of change and progress.” –Jacqueline du Pré, cellist The Musician’s Way, p. 205 We musicians seldom achieve expertise on our own but seek out teachers to inform our growth. Although teachers can influence us in countless...
“If you’re dedicated to becoming a professional, you have to prepare to compete in the marketplace.” The Musician’s Way, p. 300 If you aim for a career in music, your educational choices will profoundly affect your future. Here are 10 guidelines to help...
“Concerts need contrast – and lots of it.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 210 In previous articles, I’ve explored avenues to design concert programs that can attract diverse audiences. In this post, I offer tips to construct attractive programs primarily using...
“Memorable concerts don’t merely deliver what’s expected; they also take audiences beyond what they can envision.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 211 We musicians have it in our power to attract hordes of enthusiastic fans. And one of the most effective ways we can do so is...
“Probe every aspect of what ‘being a successful musician’ means to you.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 302 If you aspire to a career as an independent musician, you’ll find lots of “how to” advice online. This post takes a reverse approach: I...
“If your concept of success is restricted to being an international soloist or performing with a major symphony or opera company, then you’re probably headed for difficulties in life.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 300 There are ample rewarding...
“I will cast this spell: I know I can open this door and show you something unforgettable and transforming.” -Jeffrey Kahane, pianist & conductor The Musician’s Way, p. 177 People attend concerts hoping for transformative experiences. And musicians who...
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” -Victor Hugo The Musician’s Way, p. 5 All of us musicians feel something within us that cannot remain silent. But to forge lasting, full-time music careers, we have...
