The Musician's Way Blog

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words
and that which cannot remain silent.”
-Victor Hugo, The Musician’s Way, p. 5

All of us musicians feel something within us that cannot remain silent.

But to forge lasting, full-time music careers, we have to make wise choices about the kinds of work we do and the ways we live our lives. Continue Reading

“For music and service to become your way of life,
you must confront economic realities.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 299

Aspiring classical musicians commonly study in a context resembling the ancient “master-apprentice” model.

That is, they take lessons from one individual over a span of years and depend on that person to cultivate their artistic, technical, and career skills.

Does that educational arrangement make sense? Continue Reading

“How can music schools better prepare graduates for the innovation economy?”

The April 2013 issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter brings together more than 20 articles and resources pertinent to student and professional musicians.

You’ll discover creativity and songwriting tips, new websites that list performance opportunities, music education features, and a story of classical musicians who are adding fizz to their music scene by performing in a pub. Continue Reading

“If you’re dedicated to becoming a professional,
you have to prepare to compete in the marketplace.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 300

Countless young musicians aspire to become professionals, but few understand the music industry well enough to make wise choices about how to grow their careers. Continue Reading

“No pitch is merely a pitch; each one has a living quality.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 20

The February 2013 edition of The Musician’s Way Newsletter has arrived in subscribers’ inboxes and is being widely shared.

As usual, the newsletter incorporates more than 15 articles that explore issues of music making, practice, creativity, career building, technology and more.

You’ll find resources to easily publish websites, ticket concerts, and improve ear training skills. There are announcements about technological innovations and professional opportunities. Continue Reading

“Music has to be recognized as an agent of social development, in the highest sense because it transmits the highest values – solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion.”*
-Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of El Sistema

American orchestras are contracting as budget deficits compel ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony to shorten their seasons and cancel concerts. Continue Reading

“If you’re dedicated to becoming a professional, you have to prepare to compete in the marketplace.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 300

All musicians need websites to present their work to the world and build relationships with fans.

These guidelines will enable you to publish an effective site at low cost and regardless of your facility with technology. Continue Reading

“The most difficult thing about being a musician these days is not talent.
It’s sustainability.”*
–Robert Sirota, President, Manhattan School of Music

As Robert Sirota implies, hordes of conservatory graduates struggle to sustain themselves in today’s music scene.

Some people blame the weak economy, but I mainly fault music faculty for failing to incorporate entrepreneurship education into their curricula. Continue Reading

“Music is a performing art. . . . It isn’t there in the score.”
-Michael Tippett, composer (The Musician’s Way, p. 152)

The October/November edition of The Musician’s Way Newsletter has landed in subscribers’ inboxes and is being forwarded widely.

The newsletter presents a unique collection of 18 articles and resources that explore music making, practice, creativity, career building, technology and the inner workings of living the musician’s life.

This new edition also includes info about metronome apps, new online resources, social media tricks, performers who are impacting their communities, and more. Continue Reading

“One must approach music with a serious vigor and, at the same time, with great, affectionate joy.”
–Nadia Boulanger, pianist and composer (The Musician’s Way, p. 292)

When listeners visit musicians’ websites, they absorb the artists’ personalities via images, media, and bios.

All too often, though, musicians write bios that leave music lovers yawning. Continue Reading