2010 Best Reads from The Savvy Musician

Knowledge is power.  In my experience, the savviest musicians prioritize reading and lifelong learning alongside performing, composing, teaching, and other musical activities.  Reading the right books challenges how you think, expands your horizons, and helps you imagine new possibilities for your art.Below are 10 of the most influential books I...

Are You Prepared for X-Mas? My Piano Is!

Working titles for this video: Oh Christmas Tree–Why Is There So Much Junk in My Christmas Tree??? or…. Oh Christmas Tree–Are You Prepared for Christmas???? or possibly….. Oh Christmas Tree–What Would You Think If I Cut You Down, Made You Into a Piano, and Gently Placed Ping Pong Balls on Your Strings????? or maybe...

How to Sell $200 Concert Tickets at the Last Minute

Recently, I was contacted by a friend in a predicament. She would be hosting a fantastic benefit concert in downtown New York City with a cast of virtuosi including two who were WORLD FAMOUS musicians.  Tickets were *just* $200 apiece, a small price to pay for such a glamorous, epic, and meaningful event.  A once in a lifetime opportunity,...

Fun Christmas Music Videos

Here are some fun and unusual music videos for the Christmas season that you probably don’t know.  Happy Holidays, and please enjoy!!!!!             An iBand Christmas A group of musicians from North Point Community Church perform Feliz Navidad on iPhones and iPads. Dan the Unwise Man My good friend Lance LaDuke, trombonist and...

Flops, Failures, and Fortitude: 5 Keys to Success in any Creative Endeavor

by Natalie Wickham The young teacher finished arranging the game pieces for the first planned activity of the evening just as the doorbell rang. A few minutes later, the first student was seated on the floor, eagerly anticipating the fun he would have during the group class. He was soon joined by another cheerful face, and the teacher chatted with...