The Plight of the Young Musician Part II: When I Started Saying No
In Part II, I’m going to take a look at three reasons I would turn work away, regardless of how badly I needed the money.
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Man of La Mancha!
This production of Man of La Mancha, at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT, is touching and incredibly well-staged. Here are a few things that make this special production work from an inside view!
Read MoreNew Season, New Complaints
It’s officially fall! With this new season often comes that wave of dread when the black ink layers upon itself and you wonder “how am I going to play THIS much music?” If it doesn’t come in these crucial months, it can get extremely depressing and frustrating, and it seems like there’s no way to ever just be happy. Is there ever a state of being a musician where there’s no reason to complain?
Read MoreWhat’s in a Union?
Democratic primaries for state elections have just happened in New York and, while politics are very much on everyone’s minds these days, it turns out that the musicians’ union here, Local 802, is having elections of its own. As a non-employed musician pondering the candidates, I ask myself “What should I be getting from the union?”
Read MoreMore Side-Gig Shaming, With a Happy Ending!
Playing While Under Duress
I can't pick and choose when I'll get called to play on someone else's show or be given the opportunity to learn someone else's book, so I make do with what I have. And yes, sometimes that means playing through extreme pain that ISN'T a muscle injury that occurred from overuse of my embouchure.
Read MoreAn American Hero: A World War II Musical
One of the most gratifying projects I've been a part of this summer was working in the pit of An American Hero: A World War II Musical as a part of the New York Musical Festival, or NYMF Kenneth L. Stilson did a great job writing a book that makes you feel like you're hanging out in a time from long ago, and Cody Cole wrote music that is funny, dramatic, and haunting at times. He pulls from many sources of inspiration, and melds them together pretty seamlessly.
Read MoreRedefining Success
Many of us classical musicians are programmed from the get go to pursue traditional careers. This can result in many talented people questioning whether or not the classical dream was really theirs in the first place.
Read MorePlaying On No Sleep!
Ever tried to get a practice session in when you haven't had enough sleep? Here are a few things I do to get myself through a rough morning and still continue on to have a productive day.
Read MoreOn Being a Kind Freelancer
Some recent conversations I've been having with colleagues have got me thinking about the importance of being kind to others that we meet on the job, on social media, and especially those who are often not kind to us.
Read MorePlaying Like it's the End of the World
This sentiment has guided almost every major musical decision I've made in my career. From choosing summer festivals to reading scores, I often ask myself: "if this is the last time I get to play this piece, is this the decision I want to go out on?" It has permeated the way I listen to music, and it's probably what keeps me locked into the passion I have for being a horn player.
Read MoreA Day In the Life of a Freelancing Mom
Today's snow day couldn't have come at a better time, because I was running on fumes by the end of last week. Here's a snapshot from a day that made me think "Whew, it's good to be a horn player!".
Read MoreOne Step Away From...
Sometimes it's a link to a news article, and sometimes it's an inspirational banner, but the message is the same: don't quit because your big break could be around the corner. ..they offend me so much that I've taken to the blog!
Read MoreTo Humblybeg or Humblebrag?
When the cards are not in your favor, what's the best way to turn the tide? Is it better to put those cards on the table in front of your colleagues, or is a brave face the side to show?
Read MoreThe Musicians of Now
We are the bulk of the people working in the industry, and I think we deserved to be celebrated in our own time, not after we embark on a path that redefines who we are. We are directly in touch with our audiences and we have the power to shape the way people see classical music in a hands-on way, on a daily basis. We're working, we're living, and sometimes we're freaking out: we're the Musicians of Now. And we're awesome.
Read MoreThe Vulnerable Freelancer
Nowadays, if you judge people by the face they put up on social media, everyone is working and having a great time...why is it so hard for me to be honest about where I'm truly coming from?
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