Getting Real with Classical Music, Part 3

OK, so I’ve written before about classical music checking in with reality and just giving the general public some of what they want, in order to rebuild trust in our …

Excellence vs. Opportunity

I heard someone mention excellence and opportunity awhile back and I can’t stop thinking about it. I chose a career in “excellent performance” once I began music schools, intent to play bass in a …

Classical Revolution Detroit event playing Brahms Clarinet Quintet 2011

Classicism vs. Classism

I took part in a place-making workshop last week in Detroit. Despite the usual negative reports, my hometown is actually receiving huge private investments from billionaires, local corporations, and major …

Beyond Dumbing Down

This post is the speech I delivered at SphinxCon last week. (Video) Yes, it’s long at 15-minutes… but I’ll bring in some of the more interesting pictures from the slideshow. …

Getting Real with Classical Music, Part 2

So I left off here writing about the need for our major institutions to go beyond dumbing down to reach the casual community. In support of that statement, I was at a …

Classical Revolution Detroit event playing Brahms Clarinet Quintet 2011

What Did You Learn Playing Classical in Bars, Rick?

I was recently asked in a meeting what I had been learning by sight-reading (unrehearsed) and performing (rehearsed) classical in bars, clubs and restaurants. Where do I start? I learned …