Today’s video comes for the TED Conference. TED (Technology Entertainment and Design) is a global set of conferences curated by the American private non-profit Sapling Foundation, formed to disseminate “ideas worth spreading”[1]. Author Elizabeth Gilbert presents: “A new way to think about creativity.”
Ms. Gilbert states that “creativity and suffering are somehow inherently linked and that artistry, in the end, will always lead to anguish…are you cool with that idea?” Leave your thoughts below.
This is the first in a multi-part series about Graduate School Preparation. I made many mistakes when preparing for Graduate School, and would like to help prevent others from doing the same.
The first, and perhaps the most important, step in this process is to make a list of schools where you are interested in applying. When I was making my list, there were several factors which I thought were quite important in evaluating my decisions. These included, but were not limited to, teacher chemistry, performance opportunities, and post-graduation placement. (more…)
How does great “ensemble” music making happen? Well, I don’t claim to have the answer completely, but, I suspect a large part of it has to do with “unity”. Unity of purpose, goals, and chemistry of existence.
I think most of us have several memories of great “seasons”, “shows”, or special music experiences. Most of those seem to come from an extended period of time spent with others (on a tour, or series of repeated concerts) who share the same experience as you. This can happen on some sort of tour, or a high school or college percussion ensemble rehearsing many hours for one highly anticipated concert. Why do these experiences tend to be more special than those without that investment of time/commitment by all involved? (more…)
Randy Max joined the Rotterdam Philharmonic as principal timpanist in 1988, where he performed the European premiere of the Timpani Concerto No. 1 by William Kraft. He has also performed extensively as timpanist with the Budapest Festival Orchestra, with whom he has appeared as soloist and toured North and South America, Europe and Russia.
Randy’s new timpani book and CD, Orchestral Excerpts for Timpani, provides authentic parts for 57 of the most-requested audition excerpts for timpani. On the enclosed 78 track audio CD is an orchestral performance of each excerpt, plus 21 play-along practice tracks. Today’s lesson is from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1. (more…)
Rob Slack, principal percussionist of the Pacific Symphony, sat down with percussionist Jerry Friedman to chronicle his life in Vaudeville and the NBC studio orchestra. For more information about Rob, check out his website and snare drum videos on YouTube.
Jerry Friedman is a living historical treasure to the world of percussion. Born in 1912 in Chicago, he still plays the marimba daily at a virtuoso level. His career spanned from Vaudeville in early childhood to live radio broadcasts through the life of television from its beginnings in the early 1950’s with the ABC studio orchestra to the late 1970’s with the NBC studio orchestra. It was a joy and inspiration to meet with him, and his love and enthusiasm for playing percussion are as fresh today as earlier in his career. The following is an interview with Jerry Friedman. (more…)
Everyone knows how important it is to use a metronome as part of your daily practice routine. There are many sizes, shapes and models of metronomes available on the market ranging from $15-$170. I am sure everyone is familiar with the Roland’s Dr. Beat and Tama’s Rhythm Watch. Today, I am going to review 3 metronome applications for the iPhone/iPod Touch. Make sure you leave your recommendations, thoughts and comments below. (more…)
