“You’ve got to think about ‘big things’ while you’re doing small things so that all the small things go in the right direction.” –Alvin Toffler, author When we veteran performers practice, we begin with objectives and learning methods in mind. If we’re preparing a new...
“I ignored all my body’s warning signals in the name of ‘dedication’ to what I was doing. I had absolutely no idea that this little problem would in fact threaten my career.” –Christine Harrison, violinist The Musician’s Way, p. 238 We may not like to admit it, but we...
In this, the concluding portion of his interview with Gerald Klickstein, Joseph Robinson recalls his teacher Marcel Tabuteau, recounts some of the complexities of orchestral work, and offers sage advice to rising musicians. [Update: Joseph Robinson’s memoir,...
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” –Thomas Edison, inventor Parts I and II of this post show that we musicians need inclusive abilities and solid work ethics if we’re to seize opportunities in the new economy....
“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.” –Stevie Wonder In Part I of this post, I claimed that industrious musicians can earn ample monetary and psychic incomes owing to the vast demand for music products and services. But I questioned whether students...
“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” –Sergei Rachmaninoff I expect that all of us music lovers concur with Rachmaninoff – our passion for music continually nourishes our souls. But does a rising musician’s love affair...
“If excellence is a habit (which it is), then students must consistently play in ways that are fundamentally excellent nearly all the time.” -Robert A. Duke Whether we’re practicing or performing, all of us musicians are striving for excellence. But do students really...
“Only accessible material enables students to acquire the habits of mastery that beget secure, artistic performances.” Time and again, when I hear students audition, some will attempt to perform music that’s beyond their capacities. “This’ll be...
Introduction to The 4 Types of Music Editions Have you ever performed a piece of music for a teacher or coach only to learn that the printed edition you’re using contains errors or odd revisions? This post describes the 4 types of music editions: 1. Facsimile 2....
