My husband and I are building a new house on a little lake in Seattle. Don has been an independent contractor and for the last 22 years a construction supervisor at The U of Washington. Naturally I thought he would use all his connections to find trades people to build our house. But no-
We bought our windows from my cellist friend’s neighbor. The framing was done by my opera singer friend’s brother. The lights are bought from my recording studio friend’s associate. The tile guy was a recommendation from a flute student’s mom. The landscaping is being done by my bass player friend. So really, this is the house that musicians built!
Archive for July, 2012
Want to build a house? Ask a musician!
Saturday, July 7th, 2012Keep Learning
Saturday, July 7th, 2012My sister and co-author Cindy and I just returned from the Music Teachers Association of California convention. One of the most inspiring teachers we talked to was about 75 years old and wheelchair bound. But that didn’t stop this lady. She told us with enthusiasm about her thriving studio and she bought both books because as she said, “You want to always keep learning and bringing new ideas to your studio.” I wish all teachers had that same great attitude (and also bought both books!!)
Practicing- it works!
Saturday, July 7th, 2012My student Katy Ladner transferred to me when she was in 8th grade. Her tone was bad, her technique was bad, and musicality?? I set out to “fix” her but nothing seemed to work for the whole first year. Then she attended the winner’s recital for the Seattle Flute Society Horsfall contest and heard some of my other students. Katy was transfixed. “I want to do that!” So she practiced 2-3 hours a day. Every day-even when she went on an Alaskan cruise. The next year Katy won 3rd place in the contest, the following year she was 1st, the last year she won 2nd place in the MTNA nationals and a nice scholarship to Eastman! Katy later received her Master’s degree from Rice and now, having won three auditions, will be the new 3rd flute/picc player for the Nashville Symphony!
What are the lessons learned?
1)The playing of your older students can influence and inspire your younger students so plan events where they can mingle
2) Wow. Practicing works. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Luckily, Katy had both.
3) There are jobs out there!