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We use “wrangle” in many situations, but it’s worth remembering that it comes from herding livestock, and especially herding horses. A herd of horses doesn’t want to be wrangled. The horses want to call the shots on where they’re going. It’s the same with being tired. You need to learn […]

It’s vital to know the answer to the question, “Is this sustainable?” But it’s not always possible to know in advance. You can’t know what a project is going to cost – monetarily, but also in emotional labor and time. So before committing to a long-term project, commit to a […]

I remember the first IAJE conference I attended, at eighteen. I didn’t understand how so many of my teachers, mentors, and idols seemed to be so casual about missing sessions or concerts I viewed as essential. I had my conference schedule obsessively highlighted and mentally practiced the paths I needed […]

“A solved game is a game whose outcome (win, lose or draw) can be correctly predicted from any position, assuming that both players play perfectly.” (Wikipedia) For example, you’ve probably solved Tic-Tac-Toe. Assuming no mistakes, every game you ever play will end in a draw. Checkers is a solved game, […]

Hard music gets easy with practice. Often, the biggest challenge is to learn to speak the harmonic language the composer or arranger is using in the piece. Other times, it’s learning to express subtle meanings in the score. Learning to phrase effectively or sing physically demanding moments are regular challenges. […]

I need a quiet moment to write each day. And quiet moments don’t happen by accident. Between work responsibilities, home responsibilities, and the onslaught of news, podcasts, social media, and on and on, it’s very easy to make it through a day without finding a single quiet moment. It’s one […]

The archetypal larger-than-life conductor demands your respect. Expects it, compels it. Goes into a range if he doesn’t get it. (And it’s so often a he.) And perhaps this is a functional way to get an efficient rehearsal. There won’t be side conversations with that conductor at the front of […]

I always, always love the moment of shipping a new piece. It’s a great thrill to get a draft you’re happy with to the commissioning conductor and ensemble. But I always, always watch my stress level increase, bit by bit, from the moment I ship it until the moment I […]

Tomorrow begins another semester for many colleges and universities, and the first day of school in 2019 for K-12 schools across the country. With that in mind, I wish you a restful night free from first-day anxiety. You’ve got this! I know that a break can leave you feeling like […]

When I read for inspiration, I get at least as much insight and direction from things written at angles to my own work as I do from writings in my circle. Put another way – I learn a lot from reading outside of my discipline. It’s tempting to focus reading […]