Parodying the Classics

History has produced few artists as versatile as the incomparable Dudley Moore (1935-2002)–actor, singer, comedian, pianist, and composer. Though best known for his acting in films like Arthur, Micki & Maude, and 10, his first love was music.  I have always been enamored with the ways in which he combined superb skills as a jazz and classical pianist with outlandish comedic wit. In the...

Re-Imagining the Music Degree Recital

Music school curricula are filled with requirements. And all requirements show bias.  As a result of these rules, students’ priorities are heavily influenced (whether they know it or not).  So what lessons are being taught?  Are expectations likely to cultivate savvy entrepreneurial artists with the maximum potential for professional success?  Let’s consider the degree recital. Degree recitals are...

The Savvy Musician Challenge

We’re trying something new here at The Savvy Musician, hoping to engage music students from all over the country and globe, while learning from their collective wisdom.  If you or your school/group is interested in participating (or if you have questions), please e-mail info@savvymusician.com.  Details are below. Stay tuned for the results!         THE SAVVY MUSICIAN CHALLENGE Purpose The...

You’re Not Talking to the Right People!

A composer wants to get more performances of her music.  So she sends off scores to a number of competitions and new music groups.  Problem is, even though her compositions are strong, so are a lot of other pieces.  Wouldn’t it be better to network with educators, performers, and ensembles who aren’t inundated with contemporary submissions?  She’s not talking to the right people.   A string...

Putting Artists to Work in Cultural Recovery

In this compelling video, Arlene Goldbard argues the importance of putting artists to work in order to aid the cultural and economic recovery. A provocative independent voice for our times, Arlene Goldbard is a writer, social activist, and consultant who works for justice, compassion and honor in every sphere, from the interpersonal to the transnational. Goldbard’s 2006 publication New Creative...

National Arts Engagement Day

Author and marketing guru Seth Godin recently made this suggestion: Invent a Holiday...               Find an emotion that needs social approval in order to be easily expressed.  Hook it into something you sell or do.  Discover other organizations that would benefit from the holiday as much as you would.  Voila! Mother’s Day/Valentine’s Day/Festivus/New Year’s. It doesn’t...

Music Business vs. Arts Admin vs. Career Development vs. Music Entrepreneurship

There is a bit of confusion about four fields of study that incorporate music and business aspects: 1) Music Business (aka Music Industry), 2) Arts Administration, 3) Music Career Development, 4) Music Entrepreneurship.  Though all attempt to advance the cause of music-related ventures in economically viable ways, they appeal to different constituents and present distinctive priorities.  This...

Juggling Rhythm

Rhythm may just be the most universal and powerful element of music. But it’s not something most jugglers think much about.  That is, except for Michael Moschen.   Ranked as one of the world’s leading jugglers and one of America’s most visionary performing artists, Michael Moschen has transformed this ancient circus art into a mesmerizing concert form that has garnered critical...

A Better Idea than Beating Out the Competition

“Build a better mousetrap” is the strategy adopted by most musicians.  Believing that beating out the competition will lead to gigs and success, they work tirelessly to play a little better, a little faster, a little higher, a little more musically.  This same tactic is applied to building a website, architecting a concert, making a recording, shaping a teaching studio, and just about everything else...

The Working Musician: Military Jobs

With the possible exception of saxophonists and euphoniumists, few musicians dream of a military career. Yet this path can provide a dependable income, solid benefits, and varied opportunities. “This is a good four year job for just about anyone. It can be a GREAT 20+ year job for many,” explains Michael Mench, Commander of the US Air Force Band of Flight. A special thanks to Commander Mench, who...