Bustin’ Through the January Funk
Now that we’re starting the slow winter creep, here are some things I do every year to help get my year started on the right foot.
Read MoreFiltering by Category: self-care
The Plight of the Young Musician Part II: When I Started Saying No
In Part II, I’m going to take a look at three reasons I would turn work away, regardless of how badly I needed the money.
Read MoreNew Season, New Complaints
It’s officially fall! With this new season often comes that wave of dread when the black ink layers upon itself and you wonder “how am I going to play THIS much music?” If it doesn’t come in these crucial months, it can get extremely depressing and frustrating, and it seems like there’s no way to ever just be happy. Is there ever a state of being a musician where there’s no reason to complain?
Read MoreWhat’s in a Union?
Democratic primaries for state elections have just happened in New York and, while politics are very much on everyone’s minds these days, it turns out that the musicians’ union here, Local 802, is having elections of its own. As a non-employed musician pondering the candidates, I ask myself “What should I be getting from the union?”
Read MorePlaying While Under Duress
I can't pick and choose when I'll get called to play on someone else's show or be given the opportunity to learn someone else's book, so I make do with what I have. And yes, sometimes that means playing through extreme pain that ISN'T a muscle injury that occurred from overuse of my embouchure.
Read MoreThe Lighter Side of New Equipment
Most of my summer was spent wrestling with the new Patterson Triple I got at the beginning of May. One thing I've learned is that trying horns always works in three phases for me.
Read MoreRedefining Success
Many of us classical musicians are programmed from the get go to pursue traditional careers. This can result in many talented people questioning whether or not the classical dream was really theirs in the first place.
Read MoreIn Memoriam: David Bousso
A friend of mine, a violinist and conductor named David Bousso, has died. When a friend leaves you, what are you supposed to do?
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