-
48 Hours in Amsterdam
Ever since I moved to Paris, I’ve developed a severe case of wanderlust. The geographical proximity to so many amazing places combined with insanely cheap budget airlines have turned me into a travel addict, and I’m always thinking of the next place to visit. It’s common for me to peruse Google Flights (or SNCF Voyages if I’m looking into travel within France) while I have my morning coffee, and my friends here are used to my random outbursts (“I can fly to Stockholm for €45!) I went to Amsterdam for the first time last week, where I spent a jam-packed 48 hours exploring this beautiful city. Since my trip was so short, I made…
-
So You Want to Study Music Abroad
Throughout this past year, I’ve received many questions about my experience studying clarinet in France. I believe studying abroad (whether it’s music or any other discipline) is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures while creating lifelong friends and memories. I encourage anyone interested in studying abroad to make it happen, and I hope this article helps if you’re considering studying abroad. Below are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with some questions from my Facebook page. Disclaimer: These responses are based on my own experiences and won’t necessarily apply to all study abroad situations. Before moving abroad, do as much research as possible for…
-
Wanderlust-Inspired Compositions
One of the unexpected effects of moving to Paris has been my increasing sense of wanderlust, or the desire to travel and explore new places. A quick search on Pinterest or Instagram will reveal that I’m not alone – it’s human nature to dream of faraway places. Visiting other cities, countries, and continents expands our cultural appreciation and knowledge of the world. New environments force our brains to think differently than usual, often resulting in surges of creativity. Wanderlust (whether fulfilled or not) has resulted in some magnificent pieces of classical music throughout history. Listen to these pieces and take a journey around the world without even leaving your home! Ralph…
-
A Clarinetist’s Guide to Paris
When most people think of Paris, images of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and other famous monuments come to mind. These are all must-sees for any tourist, but I’ve collected a few places clarinetists shouldn’t miss. So, if you’re a clarinetist and planning on visiting Paris in the future, here are my recommendations of places to see and things to do: Instrument Manufacturers, Repairs & Accessories Vandoren Paris: Not only is 56 Rue Lepic the culmination of 110 years of quality clarinet and saxophone accessories, but Vandoren’s Paris headquarters houses an impressive collection of clarinet sheet music, recordings, and books. You can also try any piece of Vandoren equipment in one…
-
My First Year in Paris in 10 Photos
Here’s the part where I tell everyone how quickly the time has flown during my first year in Paris – an overused cliché, but true nonetheless. After a whirlwind year, things are finally slowing down enough for me to breathe and get caught up on some much-needed blog posts and updates. Instead of a long-winded account of my year, I thought it would be better to choose 10 meaningful photos from this past year and say a little about each one. (Disclaimer: Some photos are from my travels and aren’t technically in Paris.) I would be remiss to not include a photo of Philippe Cuper, who is the main reason I moved…
-
5th European Clarinet Festival – Belgium
What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been! In preparation for our performance at the 5th European Clarinet Festival in Belgium, the Versailles Clarinet Choir had almost-daily rehearsals. Naturally, this was the perfect time for me to get sick. Combine these with the beginning of classes (with hour-long commutes to and from Versailles), and you have the perfect storm of chaotic scheduling. Although it was a stressful couple of days, I had an amazing time in Belgium and am so grateful for such an incredible opportunity! After an early-morning train ride from Gare du Nord (which I spent trying to stop an incessant cough), we arrived in Ghent around…
-
Clarinet Choir, Versailles, Giverny, Père Lachaise, and Paris Philharmonie
Paris really is a great place for musicians. There is always a concert or recital happening if you know where to look. I recently attended a performance by the Nonette de Clarinettes Denner, performed at the Eglise Saint Pierre in the 19th (right by the Parc Buttes-Chaumont – a great place to have a picnic on these almost-autumn days). The concert was on a Sunday. To me, Sundays are synonymous with concerts in Paris. I’ve been to a concert each Sunday since my arrival. In previous blog posts, I’ve discussed the organ auditions/recitals at St. Eustache (there is no experience like hearing Bach is such a large cathedral!), but the…
-
Montmartre and Museums
This week has been an absolute blur of sightseeing and practicing! I’ve established my routine (at least until classes start) of practicing as soon as I wake up so I can spend the day wandering and sightseeing guilt-free. I don’t know about anyone else, but it stresses me out to have practice lingering at the back of my mind all day, and it’s SO easy to come up with excuses later in the day – I need to make dinner, I’m right here at the Eiffel Tower (or insert other inconvenient location to access clarinet), I would love to take a nap, I’m tired, etc etc. It’s also great to…
-
Sunday in Paris
Ah, Sundays in Paris – there’s nothing like them (all two that I’ve experienced). Today was no exception, with a walk down Canal St. Martin and a stroll through Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Word of advice: hope you’re using a Stairmaster regularly, because it is a STEEP hill walking up through the Belleville street/neighborhood, and it gets steeper in the park! I copied the locals and sat on the grass while enjoying the talented accordion player nearby. Paris is full of “free concerts” if you just stop and listen. Speaking of concerts, I attended my first one tonight at Eglise St. Eustache, where they were having organ auditions via live…
-
Croissants and Culture
So far, this week has been an incredible blur of Parisian beauty and sightseeing. I’m enjoying my schedule of sleeping in, practicing new music, and wandering around the city. Everything feels more leisurely in Paris, and the days seem much longer without a strict schedule to follow (which will change when I start at the Versailles Conservatoire in a few weeks!). I spend my mornings practicing pieces for upcoming projects and collaborations (more info coming soon!), then I choose an arrondissement at random to explore. Highlights from this week include: Les Halles Forum, Eglise Saint-Eustache, Pantheon, Palais Garnier, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Palais of Justice, Jardin des Plantes, Arenes des…