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New Years Resolutions Every Musician Should Make
It’s that time of year again, when we swear off carbs, late-night Netflix binges, and vow to spend every spare moment at the gym. There’s something magical about a new year and a fresh start, and even if you don’t make resolutions, it’s a great opportunity for you to assess what went well the past year and how you can improve…
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‘Twas the Night Before the Concert
‘Twas the Night Before the Concert ‘Twas the night before the concert, when all through the hall not a note was sounded, not even a trumpet call. The reeds were tucked into their case, the best one first in hopes that the best would not become worst. The musicians were tossing all night in their beds, nightmares of squeaks and…
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Holiday Themed Warm-up Routine for All Ages
It’s that time of year again – when the fireplace crackles as you sip your skinny peppermint mocha under a fleece blanket and watch It’s a Wonderful Life for the umpteenth time. The air is filled with magic (unless you’re a bah humbug) and a slight chill to the air. For musicians, why not add some holiday cheer to your…
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Holiday Gift Ideas for the Musician in Your Life
Depending on how you look at it, musicians can be really easy to shop for (cash is king) or really difficult (a 1982 unopened box of reeds from Mount Everest – just kidding). Whether you’re a non-musician who doesn’t know the difference between a violin and a viola or someone who can wax poetic on the legacy of lesser-known composers,…
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Quick Fix Friday: Use A Dictionary
You’re working on a new piece of music. Life is good. You know all the right notes. Rhythms? Piece of cake! Accidentals? Got it covered! But what about those extra-musical words? It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll look those up…tomorrow. You’re doing yourself a huge musical disservice by ignoring the text. After all, there’s quite a difference between dolce and…
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12 Days of Clarinet Christmas
Spread the joy of proper fundamentals, great warm-up routines, and good musicianship among clarinetists! Whether you are shopping for a special clarinetist in your life or getting a head-start on your own musical New Year’s resolutions, this list will keep you practicing for many hours into the holiday season and beyond. I hope this list spreads holiday cheer and inspires…
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What to Pack for Your Audition
Congratulations! You’ve passed the recording round for a competition, made it past a preliminary round, got accepted to an honor band (or All State Band), got your audition time for your college audition, or sent in your application for the latest orchestra audition. You know the obvious next steps – and if you don’t, take a look at my audition…
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The Prepared Musician’s Guide to Planning for Auditions
Every musician’s favorite time of year is quickly approaching…audition season! Whether you’re preparing for college auditions, conservatory auditions, All State auditions, summer festivals, solo competitions, or some other kind of audition, it can be hard to plan the logistics of getting to and from each place (let alone play well at each audition!) That’s where I can help. You see,…
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A Very Clarinet Thanksgiving
Today is the day we should all take a moment to reflect on the things that make us grateful. After careful consideration, here are a few things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving: That Nielsen only wrote one clarinet concerto That the Mendelssohn “Scherzo” is only 92 (…or sometimes 88…) I’m not playing Daphnis & Chloe anytime soon I don’t…
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Quick Fix Friday: Be Happy
We’ve all been there. A frustrating practice session where nothing seems to go right. Not wanting to even think about your instrument after a long day. Feeling doubt and wondering why you even bother anymore. Losing an audition. And a million other reasons being a musician ain’t for the weak. So why do it? Hopefully, you still enjoy playing your…