The Musician's Way Blog

“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

“It’s your internal motivation that opens the creative spigot.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 105

Those of us who create day after day know that things don’t always go smoothly. Sometimes our work flows; other times difficulties slow us down.

But whether we’re dealing with good days or not, one simple practice helps keep our creativity rolling. 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

Andre Watts performs from memory with the Atlanta Symphony

“Performing from memory can be a beautiful thing.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 82

As someone who has performed countless solos, I know the upsides and downsides of playing with and without a score.

We musicians often hash over the issue of whether to memorize or not, and pianist Stephen Hough thoughtfully examined the pros and cons in a 2011 article in The Guardian. Continue Reading

“Rich artistic futures await the musicians who are unafraid to cut loose from predictable moorings.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 109

The December/January edition of The Musician’s Way Newsletter looks into creativity-boosting strategies, low-cost CD/DVD production services, and exciting innovations in the music world.

Music teachers will find valuable resources, too, including tips for improving students’ practice habits and attitudes toward practice. Plus, singers and voice teachers will find important ideas for sustaining vocal health and advancing artistry. Continue Reading

Mindfulness Gives Performers an Edge

Those of us who watched the 2012 Olympics witnessed some athletes who triumphed and others who choked under the stress of performing.

What differentiates those two groups? 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

“A concert may end when the applause fades, but your artistic work and your responsibilities as a performer are far from complete.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 196

As you exit the stage at the end of a performance, how do you typically feel?

Then, when you interact with listeners and coperformers, how do things go?

Continue Reading

Claudio Arrau

“I don’t say that I never feel fear before a performance,
but I have learned to channel it.”
–Claudio Arrau, pianist (The Musician’s Way, p. 162)

Imagine that you’re arriving at a venue 90 minutes before you’ll perform.

You have to set up the stage, check the lighting and sound, confer with technical staff, warm up, and change clothing.

How do you carry out all of those tasks and still prepare to give an inspired show? Continue Reading