“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...
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” –Ella Fitzgerald, singer When we marvel at the feats of musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, it’s easy for us to overlook the hurdles they...
“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” –Plato All of us musicians know the restorative power of music. In this post, I briefly look at ways in which we can bring musical healing to those who need it most: patients in hospitals, nursing...
In this, the concluding portion of his interview with Gerald Klickstein, Joseph Robinson recalls his teacher Marcel Tabuteau, recounts some of the complexities of orchestral work, and offers sage advice to rising musicians. [Update: Joseph Robinson’s memoir,...
Joseph Robinson was Principal Oboist with the New York Philharmonic from 1978 until his retirement in 2005. In this interview with Gerald Klickstein for The Musician’s Way Blog, he speaks about music making, artistic development, and various aspects of living 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....
