“Whatever music you play or sing, your objective is to express musical ideas, not spew out notes.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 24 Accomplished musicians bring vibrancy to every sound they make – there’s an emotional power to their music that...
The April 2014 edition of The Musician’s Way Newsletter has landed in subscribers’ inboxes and is being shared across the Web. This new issue brings together 20 articles and resources geared to performers, educators, students and music lovers alike....
“With a commitment on your calendar, your practice becomes targeted toward an exhilarating purpose.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 108 Some musicians relish daily practice; others struggle to work consistently. Whatever our relationship with practice might be,...
“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...
“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,...
“Establish an honest dialogue with your teacher.” -Wynton Marsalis The Musician’s Way, p. 293 Vast numbers of students take music lessons, but I’ve observed that few speak authentically with their teachers. The following guidelines, adapted from...
“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...
“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...