The flute and its progeny (piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute) may not be considered the most important instrumental family in a symphony orchestra, but it is certainly one of the most versatile.
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What happens when nearly a hundred professional harpists converge for a reunion in a little town in Maine? For more on a remarkable celebration, read on!
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Is classical music going to the dogs? In this piece celebrating summer, I offer a classical music, shaggy-dog story about one of the most musically talented dogs that ever lived.
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Do you know which famous composer’s second symphony was called “a crass monster” and whose fifth symphony was called “riotous beyond endurance”? Even the greatest musicians get bad reviews. If you want to know what to do about them, read on.
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This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Curtis Institute of Music, arguably one of the greatest conservatories in the world. In its early years, Curtis had a secret weapon that enhanced the likelihood that its students would play major roles in the classical music world.
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Innovations in musical instrument teaching are often met with skepticism, at least initially. With artificial intelligence entering the arena of violin pedagogy, can high quality teaching survive?
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A magic bullet is an effective solution to a difficult or previously unsolvable problem. And if there is such an intractable problem in the classical music world, it is how to attract greater numbers of audience members to live events.
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Do Christmas carols written by Jewish composers make them Jewish music? Musician and arts consultant Thomas Wolf takes an insider view and identifies three characteristics of Jewish Musical Tradition that go well beyond Christmas songs.
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A special message for musicians: Do you know how to make certain your audience will demand at least one encore, and maybe several? I share my secret here. Audience members take note.
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The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in the Canadian Rockies operates according to a unique business model. Its International String Quartet Competition and Festival is a powerful example of one of its signature programs. What can we who work in the arts learn from Banff? Read this blog to find out.
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Musicians, do you want to improve your playing? Learn about renowned cellist Mike Reynold’s secret in my August blog.
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Our world is diminished when great musicians die. This year we lost two giants of the music world who not only gave much joy to many people but who admired one another and sometimes collaborated on memorable performances. Each one meant a lot to me personally. To learn more, read this blog.
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In a few days, the League of American Orchestras will be holding its annual national conference. Perhaps this is an appropriate occasion to ask: does every American city need an orchestra? For the surprising answer, read this blog.
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Is there any story that typifies the mass migration of European musicians to America during the early decades of the twentieth century? Every story is a bit different, of course, but here is one that typifies the high proportion of such musicians who found success in their new country.
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A heated debate at Tanglewood among orchestra leaders in 2001 considered the question of the proper role of music directors in the 21st century. As described in this blog, what has happened since that time went well beyond what people imagined.
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Most people don’t have a clue who is responsible for the most free concerts presented over the last three quarters of a century. Care to guess? Find the answer here.
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How many things can a talented musician do well and still achieve greatness? Read here to find out.
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My most recent blog argued that arts organizations are bloated with too many administrators. The piece seems to have touched a nerve with responses both pro and con. In this one, I share some thoughtful rebuttals from people who disagree.
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How many arts administrators does it take to change a light bulb m(or run an arts organization)? Some people might say “too many!” To learn why arts organizations spend so much on administrative costs and to come up with strategies to address this challenge, read more here.
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