Challenging Conventional Wisdom

Each day, we make decisions based on conventional wisdom: what makes a good parent, where to spend money, why education is important, how to view politics, which activities lead to happiness and success.  We are unduly influenced by sound bites that dominate the news headlines, and seek simple short-term solutions to complex predicaments. The problem with this, of course, is that conventional wisdom is...

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

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 musicians.         Share and...

Nonprofit vs. For Profit, or Both?

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 book. I was delighted to be able to contribute some of Fifth...

Why YOU Need a Website

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 answered. Without a website, you don’t exist.  You’re...

The Piano’s Newest Relative

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 microtonal scales (typical of many non-Western genres and some...

23 Resolutions

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 helpful to focus efforts on a few, rather than overwhelming...

Dear 1999

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 published a book. There were many challenges along the way as...

Hallelujah–Silent Monks!

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 impersonators…)           While there are hundreds of thousands of great performances...

More Important than Talent, Training, Intellect, and Good Looks…

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 within our grasp.  We don’t practice enough.  We move on...

The Working Musician: Full-Time Orchestra Member

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 exist!).   In their minds, an orchestral job is the ultimate...