As musicians we often believe that we do one thing, and only one thing, really well. The reality is that musical training provides a wide range of transferable skills that are unmatched by any other discipline. Critical thinking, listening, problem solving, cognitive and physical sharpness, poise, discipline, teamwork and leadership are all present in any[…]
Read MoreSome musicians feel that they must dumb-down their music in order to be “successful.” I once had a conversation with Maria Schneider in which she made an interesting observation: many musicians who are focused solely on making money underestimate their audiences. She commented that some musicians seem to think that if they write or present […]
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[Nick Kitchen is the founding first violinist of the Borromeo Quartet, ensemble in residence at NEC. In addition to receiving the Artist Diploma from NEC, the quartet has gone on to win the 2007 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Lincoln Center’s … Continue reading →
I once was invited to be part of a panel discussion at the International Trombone Association’s annual convention. The subject was orchestra opportunities for trombonists. When I arrived at the venue, I looked at the sessions and concerts that had gone on in previous days, and I saw that a sackbut quartet had given a […]
Read MoreHere’s an article that appeared in the Entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times last week. The author says she is cynical and that is apparent, but I’m even more cynical about the article itself. It’s definitely representative of “old school” thinking. See if you agree. Culture Monster All the Arts, All the Time The[…]
Read MoreIn my February 1, 2010 blog I wrote about the Baltimore Symphony’s plans for a fantasy camp, (my words) for adults, and how the amateur musicians would be working with the pros of the orchestra. It is the brainchild of Marin Alsop and apparently it has legs. Two hundred fifty amateur musicians, now called “Rusty[…]
Read MoreFor a professional musician this is important. Your image lives within the minds of the market, and not within your wishful thinking. You can try to put forth the image that you want, but your audience (in the broadest sense of the word—co-workers, contractors, conductors, producers, etc.), actually creates that image. Image, Identity and Positioning—What’s[…]
Read MoreWhat is the first thing you think of when the company Coca-Cola is mentioned—how about Apple or Mercedes? These are all strong brands that have distinct images associated with them. As a musician you also have a brand. You, Inc. means something to those who want to hire you. Let’s think about that in business[…]
Read MoreOK, so we all agree that it’s tough out there in the real world. Nobody argues with that, but we don’t let it get in our way. Successful people in music are drawn to the music itself. It may sound corny but music and performance can be very addictive. The music profession calls us, and[…]
Read MoreWe read about orchestra financial pressures all the time. Musicians demand a decent wage and when communities and boards have difficulty supporting them, an impasse results. Of the 51 ICSOM orchestras , there are ten with minimum scales over $100,000. Not surprisingly these orchestras are in large metropolitan cities like New York, Boston, Chicago and[…]
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