There is method to the mastery
As Kramer says in Seinfeld’s “The Wig Master” episode, “I don’t argue with the body, Jerry. It’s an argument you can’t win.” Sooner or later, we all learn the truth of that statement, …
Continue Reading about 013: Violin fitness – staying healthy or playing hurt →
Some people were just born to do what they do, and Hugh Fink was born to be funny. Or was he born to play the violin? Because even though comedy has set the course of Hugh’s life, he has performed …
Continue Reading about 012: Hugh Fink, playing Carnegie and writing for SNL →
In this day and age, when an orchestra can broadcast its performances worldwide (as the Berlin Philharmonic does with its Digital Concert Hall), why would a group like the LA Phil pack up and lumber …
Continue Reading about 011: Orchestra tours – the good, the bad, and the ugly →
If you’re a musician and you have a young child, do you start him on an instrument? If so, is it the same instrument you play? If so, do you teach him? Or do you make sure your kids steer clear of the …
Continue Reading about 010: Stand Parents – Nathan’s Mom and Dad on raising a violinist →
Summary What would you do if you showed up to an audition and heard, “OK, when I give you the signal, play something intense. Then on the next signal, more intensity!” Well, that’s exactly …
Continue Reading about 009: Nate Farrington, on stage and on-screen in Hollywood →
Akiko is back to take on what could be a depressing subject: the inevitable erosion of your skills as a violinist when you play in an orchestra. But don’t every violinist’s skills go away eventually, …
Continue Reading about 008: The decline and fall of an orchestra player →
