The success of failure ‘A live donkey is better than a dead lion, isn’t it?’- -Shackleton, to his wife, upon returning from a failed polar expedition. It’s 1914 and you’re leading an expedition to be the first to cross Antarctica by ship when your vessel gets trapped by pack ice. Months go by and you […]
The success of failure Read More »
“Can I speak to you for a minute, Valerie?” Samuel (not his real name), an extremely bright and talented cellist, had started showing up to class late, looking suddenly much thinner, with dark circles under his eyes. I was concerned. One day he asked to speak with me after class. We went to find a
How I lost my career and found my calling Read More »
I’ve a new blog post over on Music Teacher’s Helper entitled Creativity- the Universal Gift. It’s fascinating research that is truly empowering.
Creativity- the universal gift! Read More »
Lately, I’ve been riveted by Daniel Pink’s book, “Drive”, and have been stimulated to new ways of thinking about teaching and coaching. I’ve just written an article here about how to begin to apply Pink’s principles to music – or any kind of teaching.
Drive – what it is and how to have more of it. Read More »
Following last week’s post on traditional carols, I’m sharing some of my favorite contemporary settings of carols over at Music Teachers Helper. They are delicious!
Silent Night 2.0: Modern Christmas Music Read More »
Krystian Zimerman recently announced that he has decided not to perform in America any more after his current commitments are completed, as a response to recent American politics. When I informed my husband, he decided to write an open letter to Mr. Zimerman, which I find eloquent and convincing.
Letter to Krystian Zimerman Read More »
As a teen, I remember being woken daily before dawn, so that I would be able to fit in part of my piano practice before school. I would slouch downstairs in my robe, dress shivering before the gas fire, eat a quick breakfast and set to work. Up to the age of fourteen or so
Creative Discipline, Creative Freedom Read More »
A professor from one of London’s top music colleges contacted me the other day. This person had been considerably affected by Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and was wondering how to get in touch with other musicians similarly affected. I often receive emails from musicians with RSI as I wrote a dissertation on the subject. What
What It Means To Be Free To Create Read More »
Rufus Wainwright’s Want One is the non-classical album I’ve played most over the last year, and I’m STILL not tired of it. The son of talented and famous folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, Rufus was drenched in all kinds of music from an early age. By his teens, he was closeted away
Fabulous music of a non-classical nature Read More »