The Dream Act

What kind of dreams do you have for your career? Take a moment to write down 2-3 top level priorities before reading on. This is a question I recently posed to a group of around 75 college freshmen. Some responded with noble goals, like bringing joy to audiences, educating middle school students, producing recordings by outstanding local artists.  Others were quite practical, naming a particular job,...

Why Arts Education Matters

Probably everyone reading this blog is an ardent advocate of arts education. But why? Is arts education truly necessary? For my next book, one chapter focuses on the importance of arts education. In researching what others have had to say about this issue, here are some videos I’ve come across. Do you agree with their points? Do you have additional arguments?         This one minute video...

9 Reasons Most Websites Fail

It goes without saying. If you’re an independent artist with career aspirations, having a website is non-negotiable. A professional without substantial web presence is an invisible one. Of course, merely putting up a domain isn’t enough.  Not by a long shot. Browsing through an assortment of typical artist websites immediately highlights numerous mistakes: too much text, not enough visuals, missing...

Tears, Elf Kings, and Michael Jackson

Anderson & Roe is not your typical virtuoso piano duo. In addition to breathtaking arrangements, they’ve built their career by making spectacular videos.  Though they’ve been featured on The Savvy Musician Blog before, their latest video productions have won another feature spot. (And on a personal note, I’m excited to be currently working on a commission for this duo inspired...

The Mistake that Topples Careers and Industries

During the second half of the 19th Century, rail transportation in the United States was a booming enterprise. Expanding to every corner of the land, this lucrative growth industry seemed unstoppable. Yet within 70 years of its heyday, rail companies tumbled. And today, their impact of is negligible (beyond Amtrak and lines of Thomas the Tank Engine toys).  What on Earth happened? Well, the world...

2011 Best Reads from the Savvy Musician

Successful artists, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators have the most interesting ideas. Not just because they’re somehow magically smarter or more creative. Part of the formula is that these individuals are voracious readers, impacted dramatically by the perspectives of thought leaders. They’re also experts at synthesizing information—taking something intended to address one situation and...

Darth Vader vs. the Jedi Cellos

Ok, ok, I admit it. I’m a complete Star Wars geek.  But even if you don’t know Chewbacca from Midi-Chlorian, this epic video by The Piano Guys is not to be missed.  You won’t be disappointed. Here’s what they have to say about it:             Long ago in a galaxy far, far away… We bring you CELLO WARS! A result of 6 months of production…our most ambitious...

Re-Imagining the Orchestra

You may be aware that the New World Symphony is America’s leading training orchestra, boasting top rate talent. And you may have heard about their breathtaking new hall in Miami Beach. But did you know that members of this group are daring to re-imagine the business model of orchestras from the bottom up? The fact that many American orchestras struggle to survive is no secret. In the past few years,...

No Need to be Nervous…

The next time you get nervous for a performance–whether soloing in Carnegie Hall or being put on the spot in a class–may be a sign that it’s time to get Fearless. This video, by the world-renowned horn player from Canadian Brass, Indiana University educator, Savvy Musician featured artist, and fearless performance coach Jeff Nelsen can help. In his talk at TEDxBloomington, Jeff freely...

Classical Music: Too Elitist or Not Enough?

I spend a good deal of time dreaming up bold and unconventional success solutions for the arts. While these proposals typically receive serious consideration from some corners, there are others who emotionally shoot them down immediately without any rational thought whatsoever. It seems the closer someone is to a position, the more threatening a fresh alternative can feel. Even if the current model is...

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