“For musicians and arts organizations to achieve financial sustainability, it’s vital that they develop new audiences and build communities of supporters.” -Gerald Klickstein* If we aim to increase attendance at our concerts and, in the process, attract loyal...
“Technique represents the interface between imagination and creation.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 94 The Fall 2023 issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter is now available, and it features dozens of articles and resources, all curated by Gerald Klickstein. Readers...
“If your programming ideas aren’t working, don’t blame your audiences.” The Musician’s Way, p. 212 For aspiring musicians, career sustainability depends on audience growth. Problem is, a standard conservatory education doesn’t equip graduates with...
“Don’t give up the dream, but build your competencies so you can pursue many dreams.” -Gerald Klickstein On March 18, 2019, I was pleased to record an interview in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with pianist Kai Talim for his outstanding “Skip the...
“Memorable concerts don’t merely deliver what’s expected; they also take audiences beyond what they can envision.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 211 Although we musicians devote years to refining our artistic and technical abilities, few of us study the...
“Without inclusive preparation, musicians can’t be cool in high-stakes situations” –The Musician’s Way, p. 148 Performance anxiety stifles the ambitions of countless musicians. Yet the path to becoming a fearless performer is open to any musician who chooses to...
“As you perform, radiate the character of a composition.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 189 I’ve attended thousands of classical concerts, and despite my love of the music, I have to admit that fewer than 10% of those concerts were wholly or mostly enjoyable....
“Elevate both your music making and your confidence to the highest possible levels.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 201 Rising performers who put on their own public concerts reap numerous benefits. They advance their careers, polish their artistic identities, refine their...
“When you step on stage, your awareness of your material will anchor your control and set your creativity free.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 37 Having coached countless aspiring musicians, I’ve found that many commit an avoidable misstep that profoundly limits their...