“You must start well, and you must end well. What is in the middle is not so important because no one is listening then.” –Maurice Chevalier, singer & actor The Musician’s Way, p. 180 I chuckle every time I read Chevalier’s words, but they...
“To be on stage is to be in charge.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 179 Take a moment to recall the stage presence of some memorable soloists: Don’t they convey authenticity and enjoyment? Authenticity and enjoyment are common features of commanding performers, so it...
“If things get rocky, stay positive and engaged, and give your audience the best possible experience.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 189 Recall the last time that you were distracted during a performance: How did you cope? Onstage distractions are bound to...
“People have often said to me, ‘You’re so relaxed when you play.’ Relaxed my elbow. It’s practice.” –Benny Goodman, clarinetist The Musician’s Way, p. 199 It may seem that elite musicians like Benny Goodman excel on stage because...
“Programs are a bit like prix-fixe menus in a restaurant: We can’t serve music à la carte . . . so our menu has to be quite diverse and – tasty.” -Eckart Preu, conductor The Musician’s Way, p. 212 Musicians who can transfix audiences succeed...
“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...
“I will cast this spell: I know I can open this door and show you something unforgettable and transforming, and I’m determined to take myself there and to take you with me.” –Jeffrey Kahane, pianist The Musician’s Way, p. 177 When was the last time that you cast a...
“Your imagination with programming can make the difference between your becoming either a busy performer with an eager audience or one who performs little.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 216 Why do people attend concerts by rising musicians? Primarily because they feel...
“Before you play, you must prepare your way.” Stéphane Grappelli, violinist The Musician’s Way, p. 157 In my previous post, “The Preparation Timeline,” I contended that when we book a performance, an audition, or a recording session, a written timeline...
