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, [...]
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 [...]
As if we thought it couldn’t be done……. Here is a very original take on Britney Spears, “Toxic.” Notice the Mel Brooks, “Young Frankenstein” violin solo in the intro……..what do you think that the musicians are saying by including it?
Sqweeeeeeeeeeeeech. That’s the sound of me pulling my soap box to the front of the class. Today, I want to talk about the 10 worst habits musicians struggle with—always remember this post—steering clear of these mistakes will make you outstanding!
1. Avoiding Constructive Criticism—If you are a true musician, you have to be open [...]
I saw this video last night on a great music forum www.muzicforums.com . This is the most creative performance that I’ve seen in a long time. Watch the whole thing—there are interesting details scattered throughout the whole piece.
Do you remember Home Alone I? Think back to the scene where Kevin’s mom–while on the plane–realizes that she left Kevin at home. At that point the weird Uncle Frank looks back at her and says, “Horrible, simply horrible.” At that point, she needed him to say–”You’re ok. You’re a great mom. Accidents [...]
Today, I had the opportunity to observe a summer string camp rehearsal. Lots of violins, two viola’s, two cello’s and two double base. The conductor, though very knowledgeable, really didn’t know how to talk to the students. He would say to the viola’s, “Alright, you aren’t playing the f-sharps accurately, raise your second finger. Try [...]
This weekend I was reminded those great old feelings of dread that I used to carry with me while warming up for an orchestra audition. Generally, it seemed the pre-audition warm-up area was held in a huge, empty lecture hall of some sort. I would look around the room, listening for the competition, and would [...]
