“A concert hall is like a shrine that people turn to for something that they can’t get anywhere else.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 154 If we’re to fill seats in concert halls, we have to present programs and experiences that resonate with audiences. And one way to design...
“Auditions may be among your most significant career-building performances. Why not enjoy them?” –The Musician’s Way, p. 222 Having heard countless auditions over the years, I’ve learned that few young musicians audition well. Time and again, gaps in their judgment...
“Like any performance, a job interview involves specialized knowledge and skills.” Building on my previous post, “Applying for Music Faculty Positions,” this article offers tips to help candidates interview successfully for music teaching jobs in colleges,...
“I finished my DMA in piano from a top program a couple of years ago and have two MM degrees from one of the best conservatories in the world. . . . I have always felt that with my many abilities and terrific recommendation letters, a full-time job was just around...
“How in good conscience can we continue to graduate thousands of students a year who have no hope of getting a job in the field they were trained for?” –Michael Drapkin, clarinetist BusinessWeek.com, March 28, 2007 Amid the tumult in the music industry,...
“All the inspiration I ever needed was a phone call from a producer.” –Cole Porter, composer The Musician’s Way, p. 108 Many musicians mistakenly deem career-building tasks to be anti-creative. For them, career development equates with writing newsletters, updating...
“As a member of a quartet, you come to realize that you’re responsible for other people’s reputations and livelihoods as well as your own.” –Michael Tree, violist The Musician’s Way, p. 115 Few things in life bring as much joy as collaborative music making. When we...
“Ultimately, your musical progress will depend more on your skillfulness with the creative process than on any talent.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 313 We dedicated musicians invest heavily in growing our abilities because we know that the personal and professional...
“Whatever you value most in music, pursue it.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 312 The rising musicians who’ll thrive in today’s economy will often do so owing to a combination of their musical and entrepreneurial skills. What do we mean when we describe musicians as...
