CONDUCTING
Thoughts on the music-making process
Over the past few years, I've enjoyed collecting quotes from mentors and people I admire. Many of these quotes have greatly shaped who I am as a person and musician, and how I approach the music-making process. As I continue to grow, my approach to making music continues to change as I learn what works, what doesn't, and how I can better connect with the people around me.
*Attributions noted when possible. Over the years I can't remember exactly who's said what...if you know, please let me know!
Fail big, fail forward.
Rehearse for attitude. -Michael Votta
Invest in the experience, don’t take from others.
Conquer the league you are in.
It's not the rate of change, but the rate of the rate of change. -Michael Votta
The ideal musician should think with the heart and feel with the intellect. -Nadia Boulanger
Indifference and music making cannot coexist.
Music demands a permanently passionate attitude regardless of the level of aptitude. -Daniel Barenboim
Situational Awareness...Are you aware of your situation?
Truth isn’t handed to you, it’s pursued.
Backup instinct with craft. The more you have a craft, the more instinct you can release.
I want to find out how it ends…. Play with purpose!
“... making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.” -The Alchemist
Outer tempo vs. inner tempo
Outer music vs. inner music
The darkest hour of the night comes just before dawn.
Emotions are our fuel.
Character development…musically, personally