Bravo! Your performance is over, and you walk off the stage. It went well! Or maybe some things could have gone better. You might feel exhilarated, relieved, disappointed, or some combination of all three. You might wonder, why did that place in the music...

Have you ever finished a concert with the feeling that something was missing? Did you ever feel like the audience wasn’t quite with you? Let’s talk about four things you can do to improve your stage presence at your next performance. Use your eyes The...

In performance, any musician can experience performance anxiety. It can manifest itself in many uncomfortable ways. We might get a dry mouth or perspire heavily. Our bodies may become tense, and we may feel unable to play our instruments the way we practiced....

How do you achieve that last two percent of performance readiness? Last week, I discussed ways to address rhythm, tempo, and intonation issues. This week, I will touch on some advanced small group rehearsal techniques you can use to finalize your preparation...

Your concert date is approaching. Your chamber music group’s rehearsal time is dwindling. You have so much work that needs to be done! How can you rehearse well and efficiently so you’re ready when your concert date arrives? These small group rehearsal...

When we commit to making chamber music with a group of musicians, we put ourselves in a very vulnerable position. Musically, everything we do is audible and affects every other musician in the group. Interpersonally, we risk harming others or being harmed,...

A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure of being with the SAKURA Cello Quintet as they rehearsed for a video shoot and their upcoming Spring 2024 concert tour. Along the way, I witnessed the group employing some skills that make the music better...

You’ve put your chamber music group together. You’ve scheduled your first rehearsal and found a place to have it. Everyone has been practicing their parts, and everyone is excited to get started. What else do you need to think about? What goes into making...

Among the most rewarding and memorable experiences any musician can have is to perform as a member of a small group—a group that plays chamber music. If you’ve been a member of a band or orchestra, you know what’s expected of you: practice to have a good...

Let’s say you have a new composition or arrangement and you have found a publisher who wants to publish your piece. It’s really good, and no one else has anything like it! You’re really excited about bringing your great music to musicians. What’s the...