arrange • compose • conduct
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. Julia […]
In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones. Touchstones […]
When you are making projects – recordings, arrangements, compositions, performances – there is a time when the work is complete but no one else has it yet. It’s an exquisite moment to be in sole possessions of your new work of art, particularly if you are feeling confident in its […]
A month and a half ago, lots of people jumped into projects with both feet. Probably too many projects. Lots of them have fallen by the wayside – too big a dip, too much work, or just too much distraction. And lots of us have now fallen into new routines. […]
If I had to add one thing to my Virtual Choir guidelines, it would be this: don’t listen back. Tell your students to let their standard be to say, “That one was good” when they finish recording, rather than one they are satisfied with when they listen back. Listening objectively […]
If something is durable, it’s meant to be reliably stable for a long period of time. It lasts, and it lasts despite wear and tear. If you are comfortable in your day-to-day, then you’ve build in some durability into your life. But durability has its limits. Replace regularly scheduled school […]
We started a marathon today. Say it out loud. It’s a marathon. The biggest mistake you can make in a marathon is start out like it’s a sprint. Especially if you haven’t really done the training to do a marathon, and let’s face it – no one has. Don’t try […]
Twice a year, the heavenly Italian bakery near where I grew up, Bommarito’s, hangs up a sign on the door that simply says Time for a Break They’re gone for a couple of weeks and then they’re back. Businesses don’t work like that – haven’t for a long, long time. […]
There are many ways to manage those nerves you feel when you go onstage for a performance. A few examples: Distract (conversation, a game on your phone, a dance party) Mental Checklist (everything you need to do, and when, until you walk onstage) Meditate Mitigate them with a medication like […]
When the going gets tough – when you’re stressed, busy, tired, sick, or otherwise preoccupied – you lean on familiar habits. That’s why I eat poorly when it’s the week of the musical – those familiar habits were built long ago. It’s because we don’t have to think – the […]