It has long been my experience that, once I get started, practicing is almost always an enjoyable experience. I appreciate how playing long tones and basic technical passages helps me improve and maintain my skills, and also works like a sort of soothing meditation in my soul. I enjoy the feeling of improving on various …
Plans to Practice
When I was in school, back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I used to think I could play anything, given enough time to practice. Back then, I was practicing 4-6 hours a day and thought most things were possible. I am ever so grateful I practiced like crazy, learning all I could back then, but, …
Try New Things-Make New Friends
I was recently invited to play onstage for the Joffrey Nutcracker as a “flamboyant Hungarian klezmer musician.” I do not feel that any of those adjectives particularly apply to me, normally, but I was willing to make a daring, extroverted attempt. It was quite a journey. First, I practiced the special part the Joffrey arranger …
Value of Experience
I am sure it is true in most every area of life, but it is hard to explain or over-value the benefits of experience in music. I remember being young and dreaming of the amazing musician I would be “some day.” That person would walk confidently onstage and produce captivating performances of works like the …
CIA (Clarinet Intelligence Association)
I sincerely hope that after spending time with me, my students subscribe to the so-called “Clarinet Intelligence Association.” By this, I mean that they learn habits that will help them be smart about their practicing and performing. What would it look like to use “Clarinet Intelligence”? 1. One would habitually warm-up, like an athlete, with …
