Academia

It’s proven, we’re smarter and cooler!

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Also proven, these studies might make people hate us…. I have 2 pet peeves in our business that are related, the first I will give some detail to explaining, the second is pretty much self explanatory.  Pet Peeve #1: Why on earth do people when studies are released on the benefits of playing an instrument conclude that as musicians we are smarter, cooler, and more fun to be around, I mean what is the point of this other than to try and convince people who do not have musical talent or interest … Continue Reading

Dissing the Dissonance…a shout out to Alex Ross!

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Alex Ross wrote a great article regarding the challenge modern Classical Music faces in being accepted.  It is in the middle of the article that he highlights a great point that cannot be overlooked in my view.  I believe the hatred he talks about is more directed to those who present new music.  As presenters we too like the composers must be creative because it is hardly fair to complain that audiences wont accept something new, when we present it as if it is a premiere happening in 1865!…..

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Terry Teachout and how we go from Zero to Hero! – plus a mini tribute

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Ernest Fleischmann passed and I had one treasured experience with him that I want to share, but first to Terry Teachout.  Terry I say thank you for your article raising the question of eliminating regional orchestras, yes thank you!  He opened an even bigger debate than in my Context/Urtext post (it is somewhat related) which is: what is the definition of the word “artistic”?…..

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Lest We….Lebrecht!

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I have always been a fan of Norman Lebrecht.  His book Mahler  Remembered is an anthology of recollections from friends, colleagues, observers, critics and the like.  The personal nature of the book drew me in giving  me some sense of Mahler the man along with the times he lived in, going beyond his musical prowess.  It therefore puzzled me to read his blog post dismissing 10 or so current conductors personal takes on Mahler…..

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Back to School Special!!!

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Next week my class The Audience Connection starts up again and like last year it will be podcast and I will post highlights at Houndbite.  This class deals with current affairs in the arts world and so just like last year, I am asking for topic requests.  Either send one as a comment on this post or send me an email.  I will post highlights from these discussions.  Below is a clip from one of last year’s requested topics…..

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How about Savvy Music Schools?

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The Savvy Musician, a book by Dr. David Cutler comes out in November.   There is some publicity being generated about the book’s upcoming release and the potential impact it might have on those musicians seeking careers in non traditional venues.  I haven’t read it (advanced copies are available) but an article about it raises some questions for me as to the motives of schools that think that entrepreneurship is the answer for musicians who are not finding work in “traditional” musical settings.  The potential problem in music schools creating stand alone entrepreneurship programs, is that it treats it a little like alternative medicine…..i.e not taking it seriously

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Bravo, you’re making it up as you go along, let us accredit you!

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Having read the recent postings by Drew, and Joe regarding the booming music/arts school enrollments, I decided to do some digging.  There is a body that is at least partially responsible for this, an association that accredits schools to be completely autonomous i.e accreditation for proving that you are doing whatever you want to do……the ultimate “unregulatory” body (apart from the SEC!)……

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Waving the Magic Wand

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A pop survey –

  • What is the most common gripe among orchestra players?

In my experience it’s “Boy, this conductor sucks!”  I have heard it from several angles, including from inside the orchestra (I spent many years playing Orchestral Keyboards, probably the performance opportunity I miss most with having a conducting career) and from when I’m on the podium (word of advice to young conductors – just because you hear something that doesn’t mean you have to listen to it; you are out there to do job and you have to have a thick skin).  And speaking of young conductors –

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