Back to School Challenge

Here we are again, at the beginning of a new school year full of promise. Hopefully all of you involved with this academic ecosystem are rested, rejuvenated, and rearing to go. Within a matter of weeks or days, urgent deadlines will start to emerge with ever increasing frequency. Stress levels will rise, your to-do list will grow long. All good...

Powerhouse Website Suggestions

As part of a May 21, 2011 Facebook event hosted by the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy, I invited music teachers to submit their websites for observation and critique.  Thanks to all who participated. No matter what kind of art you make, I hope these comments provide inspiration and direction for your own...

The Savvy Music Teacher Scavenger Hunt

Attention music teachers!!! On Saturday, May 21 2011, I am hosting a Facebook event sponsored by the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP), focusing on issues relevant to private music teachers.  Please feel free to join in on the conversation and advice by clicking here.  Our schedule is as follows:          9 AM...

This Summer, Build Your Career with the Savvy Musician

Though it may be hard to believe, with snow still melting on many of our sidewalks, summer is rapidly approaching.  This season—when school is out and many gigging scenes slow—is an ideal time to reflect on your career trajectory and strategically plan the path forward.  If you’re so inclined, I’d love to help you plot that journey at...

5 Questions Every Music School Should Ask (and Answer)

Below are five essential questions every music school should be asking. And answering.      1.  How is our school training excellent musicians (and what exactly does that mean)? Technical/musical ability? Musicianship/analytical skills? Historical perspective? Ensemble contributors? Other musical areas of emphasis? Multiple musical skill...

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...

The Coming Melt-Down in Music Higher Education (and some hopeful solutions)

Seth Godin—bestselling author, one of the world’s leading marketing experts, and a personal hero—recently published the article The Coming Melt-Down in Higher Education (as seen by a marketer).  In it, he argues that academia may be an industry in peril in today’s new economy.  To support this thesis, he cites 5 major...

An Exciting Approach to Arts Entrepreneurship Education

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit Millikin University, a small liberal arts college in Decatur, IL.  While there, I was delighted to learn about their unique and (as far as I know) unprecedented approach to arts entrepreneurship.  The model in place illustrates one powerful way universities can support a culture of...

New (School) Year Resolutions

Believe it or not, it’s back to school time again!  Before things get too hectic, here’s a question for music students (and professors, and the rest of us): What specific actions will you take this academic year to advance your career?  Sure, you’ll improve playing and other artistic specialties.  But from a professional...

Does Conservatory Really Prepare for Business Success?

Everything I Know about Business, I Learned at the Conservatory is the title of a recently posted TSM article by Brian Pertl.  In it, he argues that his (enormous) successes as an employee with Microsoft were the result of Conservatory training.  Here are 5 attributes Pertl claims are valuable to the business world and developed in music...