Note to self:

Finale-ing for 10 hours nonstop last night was not the best idea.  I may want to avoid having to do this in the future. 

Off to rehearsal on 5 hours of sleep (but with entire pit in correct keys!) . . .


*exhausted giggle*

A Freelance Musician's Life

I'm in a lull right now, work-wise, which gives me time to (well, actually write something, but in addition) enjoy the silence, so to speak. I started the year with a nice schedule and actual days off.  

Then I took on another MT show (with lots of rehearsal hours) and juries came. Rehearsals kept me out late every night of the week, and I was driving all over the place. I had to juggle my schedule a lot, sometimes hiring subs for one job so I could go do another. It all left me feeling something like this:

As far as freelancing goes, this is the norm: waves of work followed by dead spots. Lots of driving. Finding subs. Scheduling, scheduling, scheduling. 

So I'm enjoying the fact that I don't need to be anywhere right now.  I get to exploit my other interests, like cooking . . . which I did this evening. Tonight I attempted Kung Pao Chicken again - a dish I still haven't perfected*. It wasn't bad, but it still isn't 'right'.  Sigh.

I know things'll pick up soon. In the meantime, I'm catching up on Fringe.    

* The cooking oil pumped out noxious fumes that chased my husband from the room (he managed to cough out a rough, "Smells good," as he closed the door).

Artists Drawing Pianos

Diego Manuel page l - and page 2

I Like the Cheshire Cat smile on this one

Dance Accompanist Opportunity

Musicians Mentoring Program - 

at Canada's National Ballet School

The Musicians' Mentoring Program is a five-day intensive program designed to hone the musician's skills as a dance accompanist. It is offered each year in late January and early February, though in special circumstances, alternative dates can be arranged. Participants may choose a Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday block.

Musicians will experience a variety of dance classes, including professional, recreational and adult ballet, modern/contemporary and creative dance. The flexible program is designed to meet the needs of every pianist, from the emerging musician to those with considerable experience. Areas of specific interest to individual participants can be highlighted. Each day will include a mix of observation and hands-on participation, plus a one-hour discussion with our musicians. All participants will have a final review session with Marina Surgan, Principal Pianist. For eligible participants there is also the opportunity to play for a class alongside the NBS mentoring musician.

Failed Slogan 2:

We put the ‘Borat’ into ‘Collaborative Piano’

Failed Slogan:

We put the ‘Labor’ into ‘Collaborative Piano’

I See Bass!

Professional Training Workshop Opportunities

Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute - Professional Training Workshops

*2011 opportunities lapsed*

On their Online Resource Center, there are some videos of James Levine's Master Class: The Song Continues from 2010.  They also have music curriculum ideas and other things worth checking out.