Some 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 […]
Read MoreAt the end of this blog is a letter to the editor that was published in the December 13 Louisville Courier-Journal. In it the writer laments the absence of an orchestra at this year’s Nutcracker performance. The tone of her letter is typical of what I had read in the past when ballets have opted […]
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Alarm Will Sound is an ensemble of twenty members that presents innovative performances and recordings of today’s music, ranging from Aphex Twin to Edgard Varese. The group is making an impact on the contemporary music scene. Perhaps I’m just sensitized to it, because it was formed at the music school where I teach, but I often see them featured or mentioned in the New York Times. Their story is an interesting one and chronicles one ensemble’s journey to “success.” I decided to tell it in my recent book, Lessons From a Street-Wise Professor: What You Won’t Learn at Most Music Schools. Here is an excerpt from that book.
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If you’re an older person with copyrighted material you probably have a different view toward protecting and publishing your creative work than a younger person. Here’s an interesting blog from Andrew Taylor in Arts Journal that was posted on 6/7/11. It seems that times could be a changin’. On profits, proliferation, and piracy It’s a […]
Read MoreThis is always a difficult question to answer and it varies from person to person. It stands to reason that if you do one thing and take it to the max, your chances of being superior to the person who does two or more things is enhanced. With a few exceptions most musicians who are at […]
Read MoreThe ultimate measures of success are trial and repeat, and the buyer is the final judge. If a manufacturer of just about anything, from dishwashing detergent to automobiles, gets you to try their product, and you are satisfied and return to purchase again, that is success. Using a music example, let’s say you get a […]
Read MoreIt’s important to understand image. Your brand exudes a certain image and is made up of the following: Tangibles & Intangibles[i] Tangible—Can you play accurately? Do you show up on time? Are you a good sight-reader? Intangible—Do you have a beautiful sound? Are you musical? Do you make the notes come alive? Do you add […]
Read MoreHere is the third installment in this series of blogs that discuss the musician as a brand. If you are new you can catch up quickly by reading the two previous posts. You’ve probably heard the cliché, “To get ahead it’s not how you play, but who you know.” Certainly having connections or a network […]
Read MoreWhat Is a Brand and Is Yours a Good One—What Is Your Brand? The last blog gave a few definitions to work with. Now think about your brand. And it isn’t just about your playing, but we can start with that. What do people think of when they think of you? Make a list and […]
Read MoreThe next several “lessons” will center around the professional musician as a business—a store—where clients can get musical expertise. If you buy into the idea that musicians are small businesses, you can take it a step further. Companies spend a good deal of time and money thinking about, developing and protecting their brands, and there […]
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