“Your music teachers should have high expectations for you, and you for them.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 295 Few things have greater impacts on our musical development than our choices of teachers. How can aspiring performers single out teachers who can not...
“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...
“The wise musicians are those who play what they can master.” -Duke Ellington The Musician’s Way, p. 14 We veteran musicians know that our creativity blossoms when we perform music that fits our style and technique. Students, though, often attempt to...
“There are over 7 million borrowers in default on a federal or private student loan.” -Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (August 2013) Student loan debt has reached crisis proportions in the US. Not only are millions of borrowers unable to make their loan payments,...
“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...
“For music and service to become your way of life, you must confront economic realities.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 299 Aspiring classical musicians commonly study in a context resembling the ancient “master-apprentice” model. That is, they take...
“Putting all of your eggs in one career basket isn’t a smart bet for either your livelihood or your happiness.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 300 Countless young musicians aspire to become professional performers, but few understand the music industry well...
“Music has to be recognized as an agent of social development, in the highest sense because it transmits the highest values – solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion.”* -Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema American orchestras are contracting as...
