A Good Representation of What Being a Pro Musician is Like

For students (or anyone) who has interest in being a professional musician, I always recommend they read Mozart in the Jungle.

Oboist Blair Tindall recounts her decades-long professional career as a classical musician, from the recitals and Broadway orchestra performances to the secret life of musicians who survive hand to mouth in the backbiting New York classical music scene, trading sexual favors for plum jobs and assignments in orchestras across the city. Tindall and her fellow journeymen musicians often play drunk, high, or hopelessly hungover, live in decrepit apartments, and perform in hazardous conditions. These are working-class musicians who schlep across the city between low-paying gigs, without health-care benefits or retirement plans—a stark contrast to the rarefied experiences of overpaid classical musician superstars.

An incisive, no-holds-barred account, Mozart in the Jungle is the first true, behind-the-scenes look at what goes on backstage and in the Broadway pit.

There is also an Amazon Series of the same title. There is more creative license taken, and I cannot vouch for it's appropriateness for younger viewers, but wanted to share.

As a #amazonassociate we earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Comments

Encouraging Music Students to Play at Home

Encouraging Music Students to Play at Home One of the most important parts of becoming a skilled musician doesn’t happen in the classroom or studio—it happens at home. Encouraging music students to play outside of lessons helps them develop confidence, creativity, and consistency. Yet, many students struggle to practice regularly. Creating the right environment and motivation can change that Students are more likely to play when they want to, not just when they feel they have to . Teachers and parents can nurture intrinsic motivation by: • Helping students choose pieces they genuinely enjoy. • Linking music to their personal interests—like playing songs from a favorite movie or game soundtrack. • Celebrating small achievements, such as mastering a short phrase or playing for a family member. This sense of ownership turns “practice” into “personal expression.” Consistency beats intensity. Encourage students to: • Set aside a regular time each day, even if only 10–15 minutes. • Keep thei...

A Guide to Encouraging Your Young Musician to Practice

Encouraging Your Child to Practice Their Instrument: A Parent's Guide As parents, we want the best for our children. We want them to excel in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. One such activity that holds immense value is learning to play a musical instrument. Whether it's the piano, guitar, violin, or any other instrument, the benefits of musical education are plentiful. However, getting your child to practice their instrument consistently can sometimes feel like a challenge. In this blog post, we'll explore some effective strategies to encourage your child to practice their instrument with enthusiasm and dedication. 1. **Set Clear Goals**: Help your child set achievable short-term and long-term goals related to their musical journey. These goals could include mastering a particular piece, improving technical skills, or participating in a recital. Having clear objectives gives your child something to strive for and helps them stay motivated. 2. **Create a ...

Lots of News to Share

Congratulations to Rebecca Spadacenta, Heather Kent and Liam McCafferty for getting accepted into CMEA Southern Regionals Festival. Your hard work paid off! The winners of the large snowman dolls at our Holiday Party were Alyssa C and Siohban R. I'm sure they are going to be happy with you. Congratulations to Rachel S. for making the jazz ensemble at her school.

Keys & Strings Music Studio

Search This Blog