Sound Bits: Page 19

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.  […]

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 […]

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% […]

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. […]

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. […]

Food trucks are thriving in many cities throughout the US, offering creative food prepared in trucks that travel to key locations where they meet their customers. One such city is Portland, Oregon, where the local opera company has used the concept to come up with an innovative way to bring samples of opera to the […]

Musicologist Frank M. Cooper recently recorded an extremely informative presentation on the topic of public speaking and writing for musicians. Cooper is a gifted speaker, communicator, and educator himself, and his presentation gives a wide-ranging historical perspective on public speaking for musicians.  Looking to improve your speaking at concerts and events? Take some time to […]