How to Avoid Micromanaging Your Colleagues, Peers, Ensemble Members

September 27, 2016 In: Sound Bits

No one likes being micromanaged.  You know the feeling – someone you are working with, or working for, tells you how to do everything, checks in frequently, reminds you of things that don’t need reminding, etc.  This can quickly lead to frustration and resentment – two things that you don’t want your colleagues, peers, or […]

Spotlight on Innovation: Eastman Saxophone Project

September 19, 2016 In: Sound Bits

Have you had the pleasure of hearing the Eastman Saxophone Project live in concert?  If not, you still have time to register to attend the exciting one-day conference on October 8th in Rochester, NY – INNOVATE. LEAD. MUSIC. a conference examining creativity, leadership, and vibrancy in today’s most innovative ensembles and organizations. Included in the […]

Do You or Your Ensemble have an Action Plan?

September 13, 2016 In: Sound Bits

It is always good to have a plan. Whether or not we choose to stick to the plan – well, that is another question.  An action plan should set out specific goals that you, your ensemble, or your organization want to reach, but you should feel free to change those goals and supporting steps as […]

PRJC Grant Recipient DÜNYA Reflects on Performances of “Othello in the Seraglio”

September 8, 2016 In: Ahead of the Beat

This article was written by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol, president and Robert Labaree, vice president of DÜNYA, a Boston-based musician’s collective.  DÜNYA was a Paul R. Judy Center grant recipient in 2015 – they were awarded funding to support performances of their production “Othello in the Seraglio.”  In the article below, Mehmet and Robert reflect on […]

Top 6 Reasons You Should Attend the INNOVATE. LEAD. MUSIC. Conference 10/8/16

September 7, 2016 In: Sound Bits

The Paul R. Judy Center for Applied Research at the Eastman School is presenting an exciting one-day conference on October 8, 2016.  Here are the top 6 reasons you should consider attending: Networking You will meet speakers and attendees from around the country who are leaders at some of the field’s top ensembles and organizations.  […]

Inside the Innovations at River Oaks Chamber Orchestra

August 31, 2016 In: Ahead of the Beat

River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO), based in Houston, TX, is a very creative an innovative ensemble, and in this article, Artistic Director Alecia Lawyer provides insight into how ROCO has conceived and launched innovative projects for more than a decade.   In founding ROCO (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) in 2005, I was lucky not to […]

Paola Prestini to Present Keynote at 10/8 INNOVATE. LEAD. MUSIC. Conference

August 30, 2016 In: Sound Bits

From the website of Composer Paola Prestini: “I have dedicated the past fifteen years to collaborating, and I have learned that collaboration can be an arduous process, and it is the balance of respecting people’s ideas, how to let certain ideas go, (and how to know which ones you will not let go) that allows […]

A Musical Pep Talk for Fall

August 23, 2016 In: Sound Bits

For many, the late summer and early fall means back to the fall/spring grind – either as a student, teacher, administrator, or performer.  Sometimes we need a pep talk and reminder about why music is important and vital in our society. Last year, I came across these statistics from Nielsen, where they indicate that “93% […]

Why ‘Story is King’ and What that Means for Musicians

August 16, 2016 In: Sound Bits

In the book “Creativity, Inc.” Ed Catmull explains that the phrase “story is king” was one of the key things that Pixar learned after making the film “Toy Story 2.”  They realized that a great story was the most important element of making a great film – not the flashiest animation or effects, not the humor. […]

Don’t Forget to Market to Your Existing Customers

August 9, 2016 In: Sound Bits

It is easy to get focused on attracting new customers, or audiences in the case of many musicians.  While gaining new followers and patrons is certainly important, it is also crucial to not forget about your existing customers.  Just because someone has become a customer of yours doesn’t mean you should stop marketing to them. […]