This hilarious video presentation, by cellist/composer and TSM artist Zoe Keating, answers the age old question “Should you quit your high-paying tech job to become a professional musician?” While her talk is tongue and cheek, it does present some of the unique challenges that face touring...
Posted by
David Cutler on Jan 12th, 2010 in
Money |
4 comments
This year, I will begin inviting guests to contribute articles to The Savvy Musician Blog from time to time. Today’s post comes from Melissa Snoza, flutist and Executive Director of the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble.
By Melissa Snoza
I first became acquainted with The Savvy Musician’s David Cutler when he was doing research for his...
Posted by
David Cutler on Jan 9th, 2010 in
Marketing |
14 comments
Perhaps you’ve been toying with the possibility of a website, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. After all, there’s a lot going on in your life, and carving out the time necessary isn’t easy. In the hierarchy of things, how important is this, exactly?
For those hoping to thrive as a professional musician, the question is easily...
Posted by
David Cutler on Jan 6th, 2010 in
Music Videos |
4 comments
The piano undoubtedly has many advantages over other instruments: the possibility of thick harmonies, complex textures, and a wide range. But it also has limitations, especially in terms of tuning and inflection. During a performance, it is impossible to play notes “in between the keys.” Pianists are not able to perform...
Posted by
David Cutler on Jan 3rd, 2010 in
Career |
6 comments
A new year, and decade nonetheless, present an optimal opportunity to reflect, re-assess, and re-calibrate our lives. As you jump into 2010, what resolutions do you have to advance your career?
Below are 23 (my favorite number) proposed resolutions to consider. Obviously, don’t resolve to do all of these! It’s much more...
Posted by
David Cutler on Dec 29th, 2009 in
Mindset |
8 comments
It’s hard to believe, but here we are, at the dawn of a new decade. Personally, the past 10 years have provided a wild and exciting ride. During this period I got married, had a child, built friendships, travelled four continents, pursued a host of musically fulfilling projects, got a university gig, worked with talented students, and...
Posted by
David Cutler on Dec 23rd, 2009 in
Music Videos |
5 comments
It’s not often that a group of monks bring down the house at a holiday concert. Especially if they’ve been sworn to silence. Yet, that’s exactly what happens here. Please enjoy this rendition of 100% mute monks performing Handel’s Hallejah Chorus. (OK, maybe they’re...
Posted by
David Cutler on Dec 21st, 2009 in
Mindset |
4 comments
You gotta have talent. Great training can help. Brains and vision are crucial. And do add some sizzle to the steak…
…But that’s not enough. These elements, alone, rarely work. In fact, you’re missing the most important ingredient.
P E R S I S T E N C E
We often give up far too easily, even when a potential winner is...
Tens of thousands of classically trained musicians dream of obtaining full-time employment in a top-tier orchestra. In some cases, they believe this is the only desirable prospect available for achieving a successful life in music (though anyone who has read The Savvy Musician surely understands that many other exciting and feasible paths...
This presentation by TechDirt founder Michael Masnick, featuring 280 Power Point slides in just 15 minutes, hypothesizes why Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails has been so successful. The formula he derives is simple:
Connect With Fans (CwF) + Reason To Buy (RtB) = The Business Model ($$$$)
Masnick explains his choice to study...
DAVID CUTLER balances a varied career as a jazz and classical composer, pianist, educator, arranger, conductor, collaborator, concert producer, author, consultant, speaker and advocate. Dr. Cutler teaches at Duquesne University, where he also serves as Coordinator of Music Entrepreneurship Studies.
