Tales From The Lane
Living Your Best Life as Creative Artist
Category: Teaching
Canceled by Coronavirus: Will the Show Go On?
What do we musicians do when public health concerns shutter our performances and make travel risky? As I write this, the concern over contracting the COVID-19 virus has gone from “If you or someone close to you have traveled recently to China” to a… Continue Reading “Canceled by Coronavirus: Will the Show Go On?”
Are You on the Wrong Train?
“Have you ever had a conversation that seemed innocent enough at the time, but with hindsight you realize was one of the most monumental moments of your life?” Years ago, when I was still living in Boston, I was living a double life. I… Continue Reading “Are You on the Wrong Train?”
Back From Vacation? 8 ways to Get Back Into Your Practice Groove.
Today is Labor Day, our modern-day signal that summer is over and we all have to get back to work. Whether you spent the last three months studying or playing at various festivals and camps? Or maybe you took some time off to travel,… Continue Reading “Back From Vacation? 8 ways to Get Back Into Your Practice Groove.”
Summer Festival Not in the Cards This Year? 10 Steps to Making This Your Most Epically Productive Summer Anyway.
Summer is here! (YESSS) If you’re off to learn/teach/perform at a summer festival or two, then you’re certainly in for a busy and inspiring 8 weeks. But what if you’re not? Whether it’s due to financial considerations or because life is just requiring you… Continue Reading “Summer Festival Not in the Cards This Year? 10 Steps to Making This Your Most Epically Productive Summer Anyway.”
My Top 10 Favorite Books for Musicians
The ends of the concert season and school year are approaching and (thankfully!) bringing along the slower pace of the summer. Even if we have a full schedule of festivals and concerts, there is a bit more free time between June and September. It’s… Continue Reading “My Top 10 Favorite Books for Musicians”
Etudes: A Love Story
Anyone who has asked me how/what I practice each day knows that I play an etude every day. Usually I just go through my books of Popper or Piatti, but sometimes I mix it up. Every so often I go through a student level… Continue Reading “Etudes: A Love Story”
The Musician’s Life: How I transition between my various professional roles (without losing my mind!)
I’ve been seeing a lot of talk in various chat groups, podcasts and musician’s facebook groups about the stress of balancing it all, and figuring out how to do it all without getting completely overwhelmed. I wanted to share a few tips that I have learned along the way on how best to transition between my various professional roles without getting stressed out
Ten Things I Wish I Had Known About Auditions When I Was a Kid
The following is a post from last May that seemed to help a lot of folks who were gearing up for auditions. As we enter a new season of festival and youth orchestra auditions, I thought I would post it again. I’d love to… Continue Reading “Ten Things I Wish I Had Known About Auditions When I Was a Kid”
5 Ways a Summer Music Festival Will Change Your Life
It’s cold and gray in Boston this third week in January, but I’ve got July and August on my mind. That’s right–it’s time to get serious about summer music camps and festivals. From 2-week long day camps to 8-week long orchestral institutes, the options can be overwhelming, and what kind of festival to attend is going to be between you and your teacher (and your budget). But what they all have in common, is the tremendous amount of growth you will achieve by attending one. Here are the 5 ways attending a summer music festival will change your life:
How to Balance Practicing & Homework
Advice for the High School Musician on Getting it All Done When You’re Being Pulled in Two Directions. I see you. Every morning, between your 7:10am chamber orchestra rehearsal and your 8:00 advisory, you sit in front of your locker and map out your… Continue Reading “How to Balance Practicing & Homework”