The Musician's Way Blog

“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

“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

“I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning. …Every day I find something creative to do with my life.”
-Miles Davis, trumpeter and composer (The Musician’s Way, p. 309)

Thanks to the code-happy primates at MailChimp.com, the August 2012 issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter has now arrived in subscribers’ inboxes.

The issue features links to diverse resources of interest to both aspiring and veteran musicians. You’ll find insights from music industry insiders, practice tips, inspiring stories, news, and much more. Continue Reading

Marin Alsop coaches OrchKids students

“Some of your most gratifying musical experiences
will be those that serve the greater good.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 299

Whether we’re looking to raise money to support the likes of touring, presenting, project development, or music education programs such as OrchKids, it can be challenging to identify funders and write effective proposals.

The following resources help grantseekers do both. Continue Reading