The era of the symphony orchestra is done. I’ve said this with a heavy heart for the past fifteen years. It has gone the way of dozens of other artistic mediums (portable mp3 players replaced CD players that replaced their tape predecessors; digital photos taken by camera phones replaced film that replaced its predecessors, etc.) It is no longer commonplace for every city to have a professional symphony orchestra, but rather a luxury for certain cities and for those patrons that can afford to keep it going (private and corporate.) Don’t get me wrong – I really hate stating the obvious, especially since I am a lover of classical music. I love playing it, studying it, practicing it, and teaching it. The history of each piece is so unique and representative of the times in which they were written. The great works will always withstand the test of time. However, the number of people who will pay to see them performed live is dwindling. The costs are going up, yet the demand is going down.
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Once upon a time (every good story starts with this, yes?), there was a young woman who eagerly wanted to be a part of the magic at the Walt Disney World Resort. She was still in college, and knew that she wanted to play violin there. But how? There was no weddings department, yet. There were no regular positions for classical violinists, let alone an orchestra. She did her research and visited the theme parks and resorts. She asked other musicians who were performing, and called the main number for the company to try to find out if there was place for her skill. There was, however, a college program orchestra that worked through the summer. “Aha!” she said. “That’s how I will get to play there. I am in college, so I could do this!”
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There is a double standard when it comes to women as professional musicians in rock music. Men can be ugly as sin, but if they play a guitar or sing in a band, many women are almost instantly attracted to them. But for female musicians, that standard is much different. It seems that the appearance/sex appeal has to be first and foremost, then the talent has to be greater than the average male to support it. This is solely based on my observations and conclusions as a professional musician for over twenty years, but it’s my blog about my opinion, yes?
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I must admit it – bigger is better sometimes. The Amway Arena is huge, and I am absolutely thrilled to be performing here tonight with Classic Albums Live. It gives you taste of what you want – to be on stage in a huge room. At least that’s how I feel. I love playing smaller venues for their intimacy, but every time I get to play an arena show, it makes me giddy! Private dressing rooms, catering, every need met with security and private shuttles between hotel and venue.

As a performer, we spend so much time perfecting our craft. Hours upon hours in practice rooms, lessons, listening, recording – all for NO audiences; no appreciation. We LIVE for the performance! Being on stage with a live audience that is excited over the tiniest things. Nothing compares. Nothing.

It’s the rock star life and many simply dare to dream it. I absolutely love it! With that responsibility, I feel it is also my obligation to enjoy it and share it with anyone interested in reading about it. This is why I post photos and short descriptions whenever I can. It’s a glimpse into a fantasy world, and I am so honoured to live the fantasy life. I can’t stop smiling! Ask me what you want to know, and I’ll try to tell you (within reason, of course!)

Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend and fellow musician, Steve Moore with http://musicsquareone.com and http://buttermilkmedia.com. He is an alumnus from my husband’s college, and they reconnected via social networking. Steve is a musician, but is also an entertainment attorney who has been in the music business for many years. One of our many topics discussed was how the value of musicians themselves has not increased over the past thirty to forty years. We shared stories of tours and other musicians, as well as discussions of how bands have played bars “for the door.” He spoke of how bands made more money “back in the day” than they do now as many are still just playing for the door. It’s not just that the bands keep this vicious cycle going, but that the “door” price also has not increased in over twenty years!
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This is the time of year where I usually ask my students what are their goals in music. It’s near the end of this semester, and we review what we have done, and plan our next summer sessions and goals. For my students completing their junior year of high school, this is where I really want to know what are their plans for college. Do you want to play/study music in college? Are you planning a career in the arts? What accomplishments have you completed that will aid your entrance into your college of choice? Are you ready for the audition process? These questions and their answers give me the information I need to give them the tools to succeed.
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Sometimes I have had to do a job I didn’t especially like to pay the bills. I think most of the US population has been or is currently in this position. What many people neglect to do is to gain as much knowledge as they can during that time, including learning more about that job and studying other subjects for a role they do desire. This self-discipline is one of many keys to my being what I consider successful in my musical career.
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Live music and entertainment is the center of most corporate events. Meeting planners often think of the entertainment as an afterthought, or as background. In my many years of experience with corporate gigs, the entertainment seems to be the LAST item booked. What many forget is that the music is why the guests remain in the room long after the last dish is cleared. As a good friend and agent Richie Compton said, “Wow! These table linens and centerpieces are gorgeous! Let’s extend a half hour to admire them a little longer!”
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When you love what you are doing, time seems to move swiftly (often too fast for true appreciation). Contrary to this, when you don’t enjoy something, time seems to pass so painfully slow. It is all a matter of perspective and perception.

When I’m on a gig, time moves faster than I can ever recall. I absolutely LOVE performing, and I usually don’t want to stop once I’ve started. Then my physical body reminds me that I need to take a short break, and then I’m refreshed and ready to go again.
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A friend reminded me of this pricing lesson from Picasso:

A woman was strolling along a street in Paris some years ago when she spotted the world famous painter Pablo Picasso sketching at a sidewalk cafe. She plucked up the courage to approach him and asked him if he could do a sketch of her and charge her accordingly. Picasso obliged, and minutes later she was the owner of an original Picasso. She then asked what she owed him. “Five thousand francs” he replied. “But it only took you three minutes” she politely reminded him. “No,” said Picasso, “It took me my entire life.”
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