Percussion Axiom TV: Episode #94 “Experimenting with the Programming Process” – Part II
Today we continue with Part II and “set the tone” in our new series of episodes that gives some insight to the programs I’ve developed for some upcoming concerts. For more background read my post from last month and check out Part I to catch up. And.. most importantly, what do you think? Answer the question of the episode and leave your comments below.
Flashback: Being Coachable
By Shane Griffin
If there is one personality trait that differentiates amazing players from mediocre players, it’s the ability to be coached. Not only to receive the coaching and input, but to do something about it. And not only to do something about it, but to do something about it willingly. And finally, not only to do something willingly, but to actively pursue that input and change.
I’m not an expert, but my experience makes me think that too often people allow their egos and their pride get in the way of bettering themselves. Why we do this I don’t know, but I do know that I’ve been guilty in the past. Think about this: has a teacher ever given you an instruction, and rather than implement it, you defend your old way? Has a conductor ever made a request that you scoffed at under your breath, despite his being in a better place to hear the overall sound? Have you ever been instructed to improve your technique, but… [Continue Reading...]
Elliot Cole – Preludes for Bowed Vibraphone (No. 2)
This is from the first book of preludes by Elliot Cole for vibraphone. This performance features a performance by So Percussion So Percussion on May 1, 2012. Click hereto watch the other preludes.
Percussion Axiom TV: Episode #93 “Experimenting with the Programming Process” Part I
We are back with a new PATV today, one that reinforces my post from last month. In Part I we outline the series and seek your feedback and experience. Leave it below the post.
9 Pro Musician Rules to Follow
Over the past couple of years, we have discussed freelancing on the blog and on several podcasts, including this one with Tony Edwards. Today’s post comes from a good friend and co-founder of the IronWorks Percussion Duo, Axel Clarke . On April 14, 2012, Axel presented a master class at the Southern Utah Percussion Festival entitled “9 Pro Musician Rules to Follow.” For this post, he has listed the 9 Tips and added descriptions. Let us know if there is anything you would add to his list. What would you suggest that worked or didn’t work on some of your previous freelance gigs? Leave a comment below.
9 Pro Musician Rules to follow
By Axel Clarke
1. Be friendly at gigs and auditions, not pushy or desperate
It is a tricky balancing act when you are making a first impression at a gig you would to love to have…or desperately need. You certainly do not want to leave the idea that you are ambivalent or not… [Continue Reading...]
“Parallel Isometry” by Christopher Deane
I have an amazing respect for Christopher Deane as person… and composer! So, today we feature the world-premiere performance of “Parallel Isometry”. Performed by the TTU Percussion Ensemble on April 15, 2012. Many thanks to Eric Willie who has worked tirelessly to bring us some amazing new percussion ensemble works. What is your favorite Christopher Deane work? Leave your thoughts below the post.
Differentiation
The more I learn about sales, marketing, and branding, the more I’m thoroughly convinced about the importance of one concept being at the core of all of these endeavors: differentiation.
Of course, there are many, many ideas, concepts, and skills one must grasp when approaching these three areas, but I want you to take 5 minutes today to figure out how you are differentiating yourself from the competition.
Depending on your genre and your role in music, this may be difficult, and if you want the easy way out, you’ll make an excuse about how being different would hurt you rather than benefit you, after all you’re an orchestral player. Unless you’ve scored a full-time gig with a symphony and you have no other artistic interests, then consider these questions.
At what am I an expert?
What skill set or knowledge makes me unique from all other players?
How am I making this skill valuable to my target ‘prospect’?
Your target prospect may be potential students. It may be other players. It may be… [Continue Reading...]
Cage: Percussion:1
Third Coast Percussion has started publishing a series of blog posts about the research they did, including scanned images of magazine and newspaper articles about Cage’s percussion concerts in 30′s and 40′s, concert programs from that era, and lots of other fun stuff. Today’s post features one of these posts. Third Coast Percussion is releasing a CD and DVD of John Cage’s percussion music on Mode Records on May 22. Check out a preview video and make sure to purchase a copy.
Cage: Percussion:1
John Cage was many things in his lifetime: a composer, an author, a philosopher, an inventor, a poet, a pianist, an orator, a fundraiser (both for his own projects and for Merce Cunningham), a leading mycologist. Among his many inventions and innovations, he is credited with writing the first piece of electro-acoustic music (Imaginary Landscape No. 1), inventing the prepared piano, incorporating concepts of Zen Buddhism in music vis-à-vis chance operations and indeterminacy. He was uncompromising – spending… [Continue Reading...]
The Amazing Gene Krupa
Today we check out a classic figure in drumming. You won’t be disappointed!
Let’s Hear From You
Last summer we hosted a series called BookChattr. It was DrumChattr’s Summer Book Club. We read
The Percussionist’s Art – Steven Schick
There is a poll below. Please vote and let us know. If you are interested, please put some suggested books in the comments. One book I am very interested to read this summer is The Cello Suites: J. S. Bach, Pablo Casals, and the Search for a Baroque Masterpiece. There are also a couple of business/social media books I would like to read. We are posting this question to our community… [Continue Reading...]
