Category Practice
Breathing from the Diaphragm
There is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation out there about how we, as wind players, use our diaphragm to perform. Let’s break it down…
Extra-Musical Affairs
Several weeks ago I had the privilege of presenting a masterclass at Arizona State University for Deanna Swaboda and the Tuba-Euphonium Students. I had a great time and hope to get to see many of those students in the future (I know I’ll get to see a handful at ITEC this summer). The most striking […]
Prerequisites
I’m not talking about the classes you need to take in college before you can pass your upper level jury here. When I was touring with Synergy Brass, I would often get asked by young musicians how to be a better player—usually as that related to playing high notes or double tonguing. As much as […]
Five Things I’ve Learned from Gordon Ramsay
I know I’m a little late to this party, but I’ve become a bit addicted to Kitchen Nightmares, the show in which famous chef Gordon Ramsay walks into failing restaurants and rips the entire staff a new one. I’ve always found a strong connection between the culinary and musical arts and what it means to […]
What Others Say / Arnold Jacobs
Don’t encourage mediocrity. Play at your best and don’t be second class in the head. —Arnold Jacobs, principal tubist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 1944–1988 Tweet: What Others Say / Arnold Jacobs
Five Truths of Being a Musician #3
Being a musician means you accept certain facts about the way you choose to make a living. We’ve already discussed that most people will not “get it” and that people don’t want to hear that new piece you’re working on. This week’s truth: Sometimes you will (and should) turn down a gig. Doing a favor […]
The Marketer’s Question
A while back, Seth Godin posted a blog that had this to say: Is it interesting because it happened … or because it happened to you? … Should we read your press release or come to your gallery opening or take a sales meeting because it’s important, or because it’s important to you? Marketing is […]
Five Questions to Ask Yourself
Any time you sit down in the practice room or rehearsal hall, take a minute and ask yourself a few questions … 1) Is this new? The music may not be new, but your performance of it is (or should be). If the music is new, then sell it. There’s no room for same-old-same-old in […]
More Than Playing the Ink
Most of us can handle that much. Show up to the rehearsal (or gig) and play the part. Play the ink on the page and then see who can get out the door fastest. Too many musicians become jaded and cynical because they see their job as simply showing up and playing notes on a […]
A Story Worth Telling
My mom is a born storyteller. It’s no wonder she’s a great writer and a professional book editor. “Long winded” is what we would call her where I’m from, and I mean that in a good way. Every story, no matter how great or insignificant, has the key elements of a great story: character, story […]
Long Tones: The Pursuit of a Life in Music 