Mrs. Amy's Music Lessons

A Little Beaker For You

The Music Does the Talking

I am someone who has a lot to say……….except when I need to say something that is deep seeded.  For instance, I was at my brothers wedding last weekend, and I don’t believe that I told him that I loved him while I was there………good going,  Amy.

So instead, I have decided to write a composition for him. My music seems to express the emotions that…..in person…. I cannot. It keeps me from having uncomfortable moments that while forced end up sounding more like, “It puts the lotion on it’s skin.” I have found that while writing a composition–I find relief.  Relief from the well kept pain and anxiety that I bury. I would have to think that there are many people who are an awful lot like myself in this—especially all of us who have gone through painful trauma in youth.

If you are like me…..one piece of advice……don’t force yourself to use words for expression all of the time. Sometimes verbalization through words is simply to much to ask…….allow yourself to use other avenues for expression…….let your music do the talking.

The Anything Radio

I’ve been driving to a certain location to a certain Virginian town everyday.  Interestingly, this location has a radio station that is called this,  “WE PLAY ANYTHING.”  Literally. One moment they’re playing “Moon River” and the next they’re playing “Funky Town.”  I digg it.

Funny……I have wide and similar taste in music……………I LIKE ALL OF IT. It has always amused me when people get so defensive of one particular band……or musical genre. Someone, let’s say a friend, states that they hate “metal” and then the recipient of that message gets upset. Why?……..I have no idea. Insecurity, perhaps? Trying to find identity in something other than ourselves?

I think that there is something to be said when you are free enough just to be you……..and also open minded enough to be ecclectic.  That’s what I’m striving for anyhow. I look for the best in everything I see…….and then skin just the cream off the top……that way I can find something to like in everything.

Kelly Clarkson or Joe Jonas……..New American Idol Judge?

It looks as if American Idol is having a hard time trying to figure out who will replace Paula Abdul as judge. So, they are looking for either Kelly Clarkson or Joe Jonas to be guest judges………or shall we say “filler.”  It’s like having a pie crust without the pumkin filling. Bummer.

Music. Do You Really Know What Your Love Is?

Thinking today……….yes………that’s what I do.  In the middle of my preparing for an audition, I am thinking back to some days past that were painfully monumental to me. Auditions of Christmas past, Ebeneezer Scrooge.   My memories have taken me on a tour, reflecting on moments when I let the opinions of others take charge. I guess the real question is, “Why?”  Opinions are simply opinions–and cannot always be accurate nor appropriately given. But I allowed myself to take too many crushing opinions to heart—oh, yes…..and deeply.

I think that when you’re young, you either operate under assumption A.) everyone older than you knows more than you do so shut your yapper and sit down or  B.) no one understands you therefore, nobody’s opinion but yours counts. You want a reality check—neither one of these assumptions alone are going to take you where you want to go in life.  Life,  in general,  may require a little part A.) and a little part B.)—but mostly, a  balance between the two.

That being said, when you find a passionate calling—ahem……maybe music for instance—it can be a lovely career and in your journey towards developing it–or even if you are a veteran of  this career path already–periodically, you find extraordinary lovely criticism and rejection from various sources. The real question that you need to ask yourself is this…….Do You Really Know What Your Love Is?  Hmmmm.  Odd question……..I know.  Let me tell you why I’m asking this question……do you love what you do enough…….that you would be willing to stare in the face of your deepest fear–and still persevere?  I stared in the face of my deepest fear at one point…..and walked away  defeated…….I let a troubling situation take over—but digging deeper—I allowed my fear to take over. My defeat from this period of time set me back mentally for a long time.

But back to the question……Do You Really Know What Your Love Is? Since my time of defeat, over the last few years I have transitioned from loving music…….to hating music (feeling wounded)………to loving it again.  But I never really lost my love for the music, even though I thought I did…… You know what’s cool about that……I realized that music was a genuine passion of mine………something that was going to stick with me for the long haul……and when I realized that  my love for playing music was unconditional—I knew that no matter what I might up doing for a “job” or whatever obsticales might come my way—I would never loose out—becuase I choose to never let this love of mine die.  Call me a musical genious or call me the Maxwell House coffee conisour of  the second violins, but the roads we choose in life are sometimes a result of our own decisions (running towards or away from fear)……and generally the most rewarding roads we choose to walk down are the scariest—–that being said, let me repeat the question…..Do You Really Know What Your Love Is?

Amy’s Tips for Audition Preparation

Alas…………..I’m preparing for an orchestra audition. It’s been a while since I have done this and am finding that I’m having to get my brain in gear.  I’ve been greatly distracted in my pract…….oooo……oooo……how hard would it be to attach a starbucks cup holder to my baby grand piano?…….um……..sorry……practicing.  If you are anything like me, here are some tips to remember while you are enjoying your audition prep.

1.  Before you start a practice session……..workout.    Yes, exercise. Your body needs to be reminded who’s boss. Also, it will help you get energy, focus, and will help you to get some muscle tone.

2. Prepare your instrument……. Take a look to see if your instrument has anything worthy of being fixed. For instance, if your violin has a giant crack down the middle–you are not going to have a great audition.

3. Pick reasonable audition pieces.….. I think it’s natural to want to choose audition pieces that we personally believe have the “wow” factor. Often times, these pieces maybe a little showy and extraordinarily technically difficult. My only recommendation is that you choose pieces that are practical for your skill range.  I look at it like this……When I go shopping for fun things, I have to make purchases in my price range…….now, compare fun shopping to music for an audition—my skill set may be on a budget—and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.  Just like in shopping, there is no shame in buying an item that is not flashy because it fits my budget—same has to be true for the music you choose.  It will look better on you to play a piece that you can play well.

4. Don’t Stress……. Remember……prepare for an audition……but don’t stress over the outcome. The reality is……you can’t control the outcome. All you can do is to do your best—so don’t assign the pressure of having to “save the world” on one audition…..or even ten auditions.

Now, being that I just offered up this advice…….it’s time for me to listen to myself……so I’m off to workout:) Happy Monday, Everyone!

Amy’s Guide to Becoming A Famous Musician

Have you ever wondered how many of the famous musicians made it? What’s so different about them in particular? You do realize that there are hundreds of thousands of aspiring, talented musicians—-good one’s, that never make it out of waiting at Dennys? And that being said—why did Kanye make it?………because of his talent? Simple questions…….right? Maybe.

1. To become a famous musician for the long haul……you have to truly be talanted. Meaning YOU thinking that YOU’RE talented–isn’t enough. It’s not enough even for your family to tell you that you have talent. Success in this industry demands music training, hours of practice, performance experience, and discipline. You need critiques that are truthful of your progress……..and you need to accept the critisim and take it to heart.

2. To become a famous musician you need to be able to handle large amounts of pressure. I think that there is a misconception that if you sign a record deal…..you get assigned this wonderful staff that will wait on your every need……so that all you have to do now is show up for a concert, play or sing your music, and then dissapear to a resort. Uh…no. Sorry to crush your dreams……meep, meep. The reality is…..every concert counts. Every person you sing for, venue you perform at, and public appearance you make…..if not done well…..has the potential for ruining your career. Every time you perform, it needs to be PERFECT. Everything you do needs to align with perfection. Perfection, perfection, perfection…….all on 2 hours sleep. Think about that.

3. To become a famous musician you need to be business saavy. Starting out……how are you marketing yourself? You do realize right…..that your friend Bobby….who designed your homemade first album cover….probably didn’t do that great of a job. Do you know what looks good…..or do you just think you know? In order to be noticed, you have to have a professional looking presentation. This may take a little bit of money…..but if you are truely serious…..you’ll find a way to make it happen. Get a professional photographer, get a website up, sign up for all the social networking ie. Twitter, Facebook, My Space, and maybe look at Soundclick. Also, get out there frequently and take your presentation to go…..promote yourself, get into local venue’s and be willing to drive as far as you can afford.

4. To become a famous musician….you need to have a one track mind. The process of transitioning into fame is a 24 hour operation. You will not have time for many things—ie. your family. The single mindedness that is required, I believe may be the biggest sacrifice of it all. This requires just about all of  YOU….so if you like to take it easy and hang with your family….you might not like being a famous musician.

5. To become a famous musician…..you need to be relateable. There are many musicians that have not been so honest about their upbringng…..ahem. Many of the, “I grew up in a dumpster” stories are just that—-but what the artists are trying to do—they are trying build an emotional connection between themselves and their audience. You need to know who your audience is. I never recommend lying, period. But I do believe that if you understand your audience, you will not only know how to talk to them–but you’ll know what they are interested in and will bridge a connection. The more your audience feels connected to you……the more they will invest in your music.

6. To become a famous musician….you need very good music. Many people think that they are good songwriters…and they’e not and can’t see it….I hate that. You can’t have a great hit without a great tune–or at least an interesting arrangement. Learn what makes for a well written peice. Study the sounds of great song writers. Seek honest feedback from your listeners about your music……watch for reactions……..even though your listener may say they love your song……look for flat facial expressions vs. excited expressions. Get the opinions of many many people. If your song really is a keeper, send it to the Copyright office http://www.copyright.gov/ and get it protected.

There is certainly a whole lot more to this……but I think that these are some great starting points to think about first. The music industry isn’t for everyone—you have to be a little bullheaded, a little crazy nuts, a little intense, a little smart and a big bowl of great talent.   If you think that’s you—give it a shot.

Radio City Music Hall Meets Lord of the Rings

I saw that Radio City Music Hall is selling tickets for live performances showcasing the entire Lord of the Rings musical score. It’s completely interactive with a large screen behind the orchestra showing scenes from the movie –all in real time. It looks really cool! Here are some pictures from the set:

If you want to purchase tickets, here is a link to their website:
http://www.radiocity.com/events/lord-of-the-rings-1009.html

Simon Cowell…..Good Times Never Seemed So Good

I heard today that Simon Cowell was going to extend his time on American Idol. I thought that this was very interesting–I thought that he was supposed to leave……and then American Idol would be over. Not so, not so…my friend. I guess a $144 million dollar contract is calling his name—I know that he’s really the star of the show but it seems that Paula Abdul wished she would have had some of that money come her way. The bitter contract battle reminds me of a certain something…..a certain scene from…….Napoleon Dynamite……

Randy: Napoleon, give me some of your tots.
Napoleon Dynamite: No, go find your own.
Randy: Come on, give me some of your tots.
Napoleon Dynamite: No, I’m freakin’ starving! I didn’t get to eat anything today.
Randy: [kicks the tots]
Napoleon Dynamite: Ugh! Gross! Freakin’ idiot!

Amy’s 10 Worst Ways to Destroy a Musical Instrument

As you can see, I’ve been dealing with high anxiety surrounding musical instrument care. It really started a few months ago, when I opened my violin case to find that one of my bows had broken in half………..by itself……..without any warning signs. I still don’t know what to make of that. So, here it is……at least in my book……these are the ten worst ways to destroy a musical instrument.

1. Sit on it……For many instruments, that’s all it takes.

2. Drop it in the pool…….That’s right, practicing while lying on a floatee raft doesn’t get you anywhere.

3. Drop it down the stairs………Go for it. See what happens.

4. Stick candy in the holes…….I know that it’s great to have storage space for a late night snack but if you do utilize this resource…..you’ll need to start singing “Goodbye, Norma Gene.”

5. Paint it…….It’s especially effective when you also use a nice hardwood floor lacquer as a top coat.

6. Drill in attachments……..You could attach a Starbucks cup holder with built in straw. There would be no such thing getting tired during practice.

7. Tie it to your dog…….This is a great idea…..Ceaser Millan always says that your dog needs to feel useful—there’s nothing like having a dog caddy.

8. Turn it into a picture montage……Yeah, glue some pictures of your family and friends on the surface……What do they call that technique?–Decoupage. Musicians never have the privilege of working out of a personalized cubical–so you just gotta make the best of your resources.

9. Store it on the top of your station wagon while driving through Kansas….. ..You like tornado’s right?

10. Use it for target practice…….Sometimes, you need to get that tin can raised to a better height for you……back strain is a common hazard of taking part in target practice.

So with that…….I say happy Friday everyone! Hope you have a great weekend!