One in a Million

Written by and posted on Seth Godin’s blog: The chances of a high school student eventually becoming first violin for the Boston Philharmonic: one in a million. The chances of a high school student eventually playing basketball in the NBA? About the same. In fact, the chances of someone growing up and getting a job precisely like yours, whatever it is, are similarly slim. (Head of development at an...

Arts Entrepreneurship: The Student Perspective

by Emily Weingarten We’ve heard the facts many times: arts institutions are graduating more students than ever, orchestras are decreasing in number, and support for the arts is waning.  From a purely economic standpoint, many feel that the supply of musicians exceeds the demand for the art.  This has created a dilemma for young musicians: not enough of us are getting jobs doing what we have been...

Where Classical and Heavy Metal Intersect

At 24 years of age, acoustic and electric cellist Tina Guo is enjoying a varied career as a classical and heavy metal musician.  Equally devoted to both styles, Tina hopes to open the hearts and ears of audiences of these seemingly juxtaposing genres.  She balances the spiritual and technical eloquence of classical music in manipulating the music and emotion within a defined boundary, and the visceral...

Stop Thinking Like A Musician!!!

Obviously, there are many reasons why you should think and behave like a musician.  Practicing, composing, interpreting, and effectively relating to other performers all require a musical mindset. But here are some arguments for doing things differently. At least if your goal is to maximize professional success:        1.       Competitive field. Many music markets are extremely competitive. ...

2 Unexpected, Challenging, and Illuminating Questions

Musicians frequently develop rigid ideas about what they should and can do with their artistic lives.  Too often, these priorities are based on “normal” familiar paradigms, rather than burning desires inspired by creative imaginations. Such limited viewpoints often prohibit us from realizing meaningful and productive activities, even though we fool ourselves into believing the opposite. Are you...

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...