Do Over

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Everyone wishes at one point that they could go back and tell the younger version of themselves a thing or two. When I teach violin lessons to budding conservatory students or to recent graduates trying to get orchestral jobs, I share what I wish I had been told.

These are concepts no music conservatory has in the curriculum. During the next few blog entries, I will share some of these ideas and thoughts that people involved in the arts should know but aren’t usually taught.

In February we’ll examine what makes us happy, why unhappiness is contagious, and how we need to constantly train ourselves to look for happy points in our careers. Also, how we treat others directly impacts how we enjoy our own lives.

Happiness Quantified, Humanist Qualified

  1. What defines you as a person? Is it your job? Your skill? Does having a particular job qualify you as a better person? A better artist?
  2. If you’re not in the place you want to be, should you live unhappily until you reach your ideal job or goal?
  3. It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice, a reminder that we are human beings and that we need to treat our fellow humans with more dignity and respect.

In March I’ll share various menu plans and recipes that are catered to the busy musician or arts lover who wants to save some cash while creating elegant and healthy meals.

Food; Graceful not Wasteful

  1. Limited cash flow does not mean you have to stick to a strict diet of Ramen Noodles or dollar menu items.
  2. Using leftover ingredients instead of throwing away unused food saves time, money, and the environment.
  3. Sharing a menu plan with friends saves time, money, and is a win-win for all.

April will be devoted to reminders of why we do what we do and why we need to be mindful of how we present ourselves.

Impressions and Appreciations; a gentle reminder for all artists and supporters

  1. A reminder why we are involved in our art.
  2. How we can perpetuate what we love without turning people away.
  3. First impressions matter, everywhere and every time.

About Holly Mulcahy

After hearing Scheherazade at an early age, Holly Mulcahy fell in love with the violin and knew it would be her future. She currently serves as concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. She spends her summers at the celebrated Grand Teton Music Festival. Believing in music as a healing and coping source, Holly founded Arts Capacity, a charitable 501(c)3 which focuses on bringing live chamber music, art, artists, and composers to prisons. Arts Capacity addresses many emotional and character-building issues people face as they prepare for release into society. Holly performs on a 1917 Giovanni Cavani violin, previously owned by the late renowned soloist Eugene Fodor, and a bespoke bow made by award winning master bow maker, Douglas Raguse.

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