by Gerald Klickstein | Jun 28, 2015 | creative process, music education, music practice
“Nothing motivates better than success.” The Musician’s Way, p. 107 Do you typically finish practice sessions feeling that you’ve achieved meaningful goals? If not, these tips can help you invigorate your practice with clarity and accomplishment. See...
by Gerald Klickstein | Dec 15, 2014 | creative process, music practice, The Musician's Way
“Gauge your sound and internal experience against the benchmarks of excellence.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 58 How can we master unfamiliar music in ways that are both soulful and efficient? In a few words, we have to be proficient with what I call the 3 components of...
by Gerald Klickstein | Dec 7, 2014 | collaboration, music careers, music practice
“We’re smart enough and clever enough to give each other room to live in, to have respect for each other’s personalities.” -John Lewis, pianist, Modern Jazz Quartet The Musician’s Way, p.120 Unlike when we play or sing in conductor-led ensembles,...
by Gerald Klickstein | Sep 21, 2014 | creative process, creativity, music practice
“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” -Charles Mingus, bassist The Musician’s Way, p. 55 Musical problem-solving requires creative thinking, yet the style of thinking that’s commonly...
by Gerald Klickstein | Jul 16, 2014 | collaboration, music practice
“Wise artists seek out critical evaluations.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 297 Musical collaborators come together out of a shared passion for music. And intense feelings about art can stir up ardent criticisms. How can we harmonize the critical give-and-take that’s...