Adaptistration

Does This Violin Make Me Look Fat?

Can a passion for the perfect instrument become incapacitating? Holly Mulcahy examines the issue in her latest article at The Partial Observer, which serves as an excellent companion to the article Jason Heath just published over at Arts Addict about what string players go through to find the "perfect bow." On a related note, I'm pleased to announce that Holly's column will become a permanent addition to the Inside The Arts lineup starting next week. Her column, Neo Classical, publishes a new article on the first Monday of every month. Thanks to Mark D. Johnson, The Partial Observer's editor, for his willingness to share Holly with us. I regularly post links over to her articles each month so it made since to make her a permanent part of the cultural blogging exchange. In the meantime, you can find all of Holly's articles here.

All in all, Holly's column, along with Jason Heath's Arts Addict and Frank Almond's non divisi, should be at the top of the online reading list for every manager and board member out there. These three players provide a very different, yet enormously useful, glimpse into the world of professional orchestra players, the benefits of which I'm certain don't need to be mentioned. After all, I know firsthand that a number of musicians who frequent this orchestra management blog gain a better understanding of what their managers and board members deal with on a day-to-day basis and the benefits have been very positive. So for all of you who aren't already familiar with the daily realities of being a professional musician, take some time to check out the blogs authored by Holly, Jason, and Frank.

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Although this notice could be filed under "better late than never" I wanted to take a moment to point out an article which appeared at The Partial Observer at the beginning of April by Holly Mulcahy which examines the realities of numerous job openings in one orchestra. Holly does an excellent job of walking a reader through reasons why copious numbers of openings in the same ensemble should serve as a warning to potential audition candidates (not to mention potential managers and staffers). Personally, I think Holly's article is even more poignant given the recent news about the continuing surge in music school enrollment. Now, more than ever, students poised to enter the audition circuit need to do so with eyes wide open. Not to scare them mind you (something which music schools have misplaced fears about), but to better prepare them to avoid the sort of pitfalls and perils that would snag an otherwise talented musician who could contribute to all aspects of the business in a number of positive ways. So take a moment and give Holly's article a read.

Are You Suffering From Trombone Envy?

Holly Mulcahy posted what I thought was a fascinating article last week at The Partial Observer which examines how even professional orchestra musicians are sometimes unaware of the occupational pitfalls of their musician colleagues. The gist of the article is that a little knowledge goes a long way toward improved understanding and job satisfaction and that made me think about two specific issues…

Another Perspective On Conductors Talking From The Podium

Has talking before each piece taken the mojo out of a performance? I know from personal experience that in the past few seasons I've found myself wishing that the conductor would wrap it up and get to the music. On other occasions, I've thoroughly enjoyed listening to what a conductor has to say, regardless of how long he or she takes. However, The Partial Observer published an article by Holly Mulcahy that examines the issue from an intriguing perspective, one which asks whether presenting an interpretation during a pre-performance talk can rob a listener of their own perceptive. It left me wondering if efforts to reach out to listeners can actually turn some away.

They Pay You For Something That’s Fun?

In her recent article at The Partial Observer, Holly Mulcahy examines why she feels it is time to stop feeling guilty for being a musician. The piece reminded me of the wonderful Take A Friend To Orchestra contribution from Jim Palermo which starts off with the line “A few years ago it dawned on me that I was becoming apologetic about working in the arts.” Jim went on to say that he has vowed to stop apologizing for loving and understanding classical music and Holly’s piece adopts a similar tone but from the perspective of a performer…

Walking In Eyes Wide Open

The Partial Observer published an article today by Holly Mulcahy which examines how aspiring musicians learn about their desired career path. More to the point, she talks about how high school and undergraduate students don’t learn enough about the realities of becoming a professional musician unless they are fortunate enough to encounter a private teacher or other professor who assumes the responsibility for laying it all out there…

Adults Only

Adult education programs is a well worn topic here at Adaptistration and regular readers already know that I favor a sizeable increase in the quantity and quality of educational activities targeted directly toward adults. Meaning, it is high time to move beyond the static lecture style activities which focus on having someone talk at a group of people...

Is There Value In Being Green?

My wife, Holly Mulcahy, published an article at The Partial Observer in the beginning of this week which examines the value in orchestras going green. There are a number of worthwhile hurdles to the notion but at the same time I think there are equally worthwhile considerations...