“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...
“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...
“Nothing sparks innovation better than an opportunity to share music with an audience.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 75 The August issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter offers a unique collection of articles for both aspiring and veteran musicians. There are tips to...
“To escalate the tempo of newly learned material, you first have to reduce the effort required to play or sing it at your initial tempo.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 73 Some of the thorniest challenges we encounter in practice surround increasing the tempos of newly...
“All musicians should be able to address audiences confidently.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 176 Speaking from the stage can powerfully enhance audience-performer rapport, provided that we musicians polish our public speaking skills. Here are six public...
“How you shape your practice schedule will in many ways determine the course of your creative life.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 11 Consistent, deep practice is the rocket fuel of musical development. When we live by regular practice schedules we reap countless benefits....
“Performing from memory can be a beautiful thing.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 82 As someone who has performed countless solos, I know the upsides and downsides of playing with or without a score. We musicians often debate whether to memorize or not, so...
“Rich artistic futures await the musicians who are unafraid to cut loose from predictable moorings.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 109 The December/January edition of The Musician’s Way Newsletter looks into creativity-boosting strategies, low-cost CD/DVD production...
“Your habits in the practice room make you the musician that you are.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 20 I’m pleased to present this guest post by Dr. Lisa Dawson of Indiana Weslyan University. -GK The Musician’s Way by Gerald Klickstein is being used by the Voice...