TQOD

03. November 2009 · Comments Off on TQOD · Categories: TQOD

I neglected a TQOD yesterday, didn’t I? So you get two today:

1:

Quick coffee in One @ WMC – soprano giving it both barrels on attrium stage so having a Land of Song moment. Oboe next – time to drink up

2:

Ah, it’s only a clarinet. Avoided irrational oboe fear.

Yes, these are by the same person, and appeared in succession.

For Young Musicians

03. November 2009 · 1 comment · Categories: Links

This article is giving advice to young musicians. Here are the suggestions, in a nutshell:

  • Do the crossover thing
  • Go for a comically named girl group. (But don’t lose your integrity.)
  • Awards (like Cardiff Singer of the World) are a waste of time.
  • Buy an expensive instrument. Or borrow one. Or something.
  • Learn self-control. Don’t go into the spotlight until you’re ready.
  • Put image before talent. (Yes, I copied this exactly as it is in the article.)
  • Screw over your peers. (Again, copied directly.) And it goes on to say, “A ruthless ego will get you everywhere in the classical world.”
  • Release your own CD.
  • Don’t sit in your room and practice all the time. Get out and play in groups.
  • Be a commodity. Be a self-promoter.

    Okay … thoughts? I think I’ll just wait and see what others have to say. After all, I’m not a young musician.

Top Ten

03. November 2009 · 1 comment · Categories: Brass, Videos

Many thanks to Elaine, of Musical Assumptions, for drawing my attention to the group tenThing brass ensemble. This group of ten women plays pretty darn well, if you ask me. (Of course I’m just an oboist … what do I know?)

(Somehow I’m guessing they are “mouth syncing” here … they really wouldn’t be playing out in the freezing cold, would they? With mittens on?)