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

“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

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

“We first make our habits and then our habits make us.”
–John Dryden, poet (The Musician’s Way, p. 20)

When you practice, are you consistently focused and productive? If not, the reason may lie in chronic habits that undermine your attention and creativity.

Here are 7 ways to replace unwanted practice habits with those that foster deeper learning and higher creativity. Continue Reading

“Practice holds a place of honor in the life of a musician.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 4

All of us veteran musicians share the same twin aims when we practice: we intend to polish our skills and prepare music for performances.

We also know how to accomplish our goals efficiently. 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

“I continued to play with a sore arm with the rationalization that I could play through the pain and that the discomfort would just miraculously go away as I got into better shape as a cellist. But the pain didn’t go away. It got worse.”
–Janet Horvath, cellist (The Musician’s Way, p. 231)

High-level music making brings immeasurable rewards and also comes with risks of injury.

But if we understand the risks, we can minimize them and position ourselves to keep performing for life.

This post spotlights the 5 main causes of musicians’ injuries (aside from those that affect hearing) along with ways in which we can sidestep common mishaps. Continue Reading