Author: David Erato
-
Tick, tick, tick, tick…
From the Alice Gallagher Clarinet Studio blog photo credit: J. Ronald LeeThe metronome was invented by Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel in Amsterdam in 1814. It was patented in England a few years later by Johann Maelzel, and the first composer to ever use metronome markings at the beginning of pieces was Beethoven, who started doing so…
-
Surprise autograph!
I ordered Sammy’s new CD at the tail end of the year. I knew it was coming via USPS this week, so every day I anxiously ran to the mail, only to be disappointed. Well it finally came in Saturday. When I first opened it, I noticed it wasn’t shrink wrapped. I opened…
-
What’s in my shed
woodshed [v.] – To lock oneself away with a musical instrument and practice, either a particular piece or in general, until the player has improved greatly or can perfectly play the piece he has been practicing. I’ve had my hands full on a couple of very difficult parts on some great arrangements of some holiday classics.…
-
Review: Vandoren M|O Ligature
The short review: I like it. Being a newer product, I haven’t seen many local stores keep these in stock. And why should they? Yet another ligature product from Vandoren, which comes in various colors and sizes, to take up shelf space. The thing is, it is a good product, at a good price, and…
-
Keep Practicing
click image for printable PDF This little gem has been making its way around my facebook musician circles. It was first created by the web comic Odd Quartet, posted on March 22nd, 2011. The original post can be found here. I’ve instantly added them to my RSS feed, as should you. My students may find…
-
Steve Schoene, woodwind repair tech
Steve Schoene is a genius, and he charges far too little for his amazing work. ~ Jeani Foster, Principal flute MSO I have to take a moment to say a few words about woodwind technician Steve Schoene, owner of Schmitt Music in Racine, Wisconsin. For two reasons, one because he’s really really good and deserves…
-
RIP Frank Foster
From A Blog Supreme/NPR Jazz: Frank Foster, a saxophonist and composer/arranger best known for his longtime association with the Count Basie Orchestra, has died. He passed away in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Chesapeake, Va., according to his widow and manager, Cecilia Foster. He was 82. Foster was a key member…
-
Childhood Music Lessons May Provide Lifelong Boost in Brain Functioning
Photo credit: dierck shaefer | Flickr.com / Creative Commons License More scientific proof of the advantages of taking music lessons. Source: Sciencedaily.com Childhood Music Lessons May Provide Lifelong Boost in Brain Functioning
-
Music on Netflix
A short conversation with a student recently revealed something I hadn’t thought of. Everybody enjoys streaming Netflix. It’s accessible, affordable, and the best way to enjoy high end, high-def blu-ray content without spending $30+ per disc. Tons of great content, both classic and new (well, somewhat new). It was just a few years ago you…
-
The Journey
If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. ~ Marty McFly Today was indeed a red letter date for me. I completed a practice goal that I had set for myself over a year ago. That goal was to complete an intensive study in clarinet technique. It began I believe 2/19/2010, and…