Sitting in the fire
There are just some days where perspective fails and we are convinced that playing music sucks. Or rather, that as we are attempting it, music sucks. Both are false, but that’s not much consolation when you’re in the middle of…
Category archive
for your listening pleasure
This is one of my favorite old-timey songs. It’s been that kind of day: swaying around the house, listening to crackly mono recordings, looking through old magazines, drinking experimental iced tea blends. I hope you take a moment to sway…
feedback
I’ve been secretive about book #2, but I suppose it won’t hurt to divulge the general idea: it’s a series of études for the repertoire, designed to help cellists on their first passes through some of the hallmark pieces .…
the Amazon
While it does not net me nearly as much revenue as my beloved Lulu, it is pretty exciting to have my book offered on Amazon! I am working feverishly on the next text, which is not the sequel to AMCM.…
dammit, YouTube
In response to and support of GottaGoPractice’s Fauré efforts of the same ilk, I was posting “relaxed Dvorak” videos over on YouTube. This one ran longer than 10 minutes due to one particularly hammy cat whose name begins with an…
alas.
One of my students, upon receiving my book and inspecting it offered the following: “If you’d like a nicer cover, I’d be willing to help you.” Thanks. Thanks for that.
Fired
Again, from the Twitter files: why would I “fire” a student? First, you should know that “firing” is a term I use with humor. Very rarely do I have to genuinely dismiss a student with unpleasant connotations. Normally, it’s a…
from the mailbag
Oooh weeeee I LOVE a request! Wendy wanted me to talk a little more about breathing after a conversation she had with a tuba player. (we won’t tease her too much about that). First stealthy secret about breathing: If you…
Cheerful Relentlessness
Maybe some of you remember Devin. He was a very special student of mine who, despite a massive brain injury that resulted in virtually no ability to retain information for more than 2-3 minutes, managed to make major strides on…
It’s official.
I’m moving to DC in July! More info as I get it. It’s not too soon to contact me for lessons: After my first course at Hopkins in mid-July, I’m going to have August nearly free. Although this was not…