Photo by Claudio Papapietro
The Road to Success
First of all, thanks for writing in, and I'm glad that you liked the audition article. I suppose "tremendous success" in our business is sometimes defined as having won a major orchestral audition and then securing tenure in said orchestra.
Finding a New Path Forward
Almost 25 years ago, more than 100 leaders from every facet of the field put forth a bold vision: An American orchestra should be “responsive to and inclusive of its community” and “representative of the cultural and racial diversity of that society.”
Aspire Award Speech Transcript
(2016)
Thank you to everyone at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program. I’d like to give special thanks to Adrienne Thompson for helping organize my participation, and to Stanford Thompson for his introduction and friendship.
I’m very appreciative for this particular opportunity, because whenever I work with young, talented, minority students, I inevitably see my former self.
Great Thinkers Inform Aspiring Musicians
College audition season is coming to a close. Students will soon be getting their acceptance and rejection letters, and then the time to make the big decision will be here. So much time is committed to making the correct choice, as it should be. However, regardless of where you choose to spend your next years, the single most important factor regarding your success is your mindset.
Advancing Inclusion
Over the past year, orchestras have mobilized in significant ways to create pathways into the field for musicians of color. Orchestras, working together with funders, educational institutions, and professional organizations, have forged strong alliances to solidify pathways towards greater diversity. While these efforts to reach outward are crucial for advancing diversity, it is equally vital for orchestras to look inward at strengthening inclusion.
ICSOM Conference Address
(2015)
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Bruce Ridge. He had just seen a new documentary film that beautifully depicts the impact music education has on the lives of young people. One of my now former students and I are two of the principal subjects of the film. The film is incredibly powerful and beautifully filmed, and I hope that you enjoy the trailer that has been prepared for you to see. Perhaps noticing that I have a passion for teaching, as I’m sure many of you do, Bruce reached out and asked me if I would share some words with you about the film and the value of music education.
A Basketball Legend Informs Audition Preparation
For those seeking some guidance, I'd like to provide a few helpful thoughts, supported by the words of someone much wiser and more successful than myself. All quotes are from John Wooden, the legendary coach who led UCLA's basketball team to 10 NCAA Championships in 13 years.
Orchestral Sectional
The time in a young musician’s life when they begin the journey of auditioning for professional level opportunities is truly exciting. A combination of enthusiasm, hope, and anxiety builds once the process of submitting a resume and preparing repertoire begins. Unfortunately, these feelings are often quashed after waiting, sometimes for several weeks,only to be denied an audition opportunity due to “lack of qualifications,” even for part-time or regional positions.
Words from Wynton
I’m a huge fan of Wynton Marsalis. In my opinion, he is the standard bearer for great musicianship in our generation. When it comes to playing, pedagogy, communication, and advocacy of the craft, it’s hard to imagine that anyone is really his equal. I take time out of my hectic schedule as often as I can to hear him play, most often with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and they NEVER fail to impress. Even more than his playing, I am always enamored by Wynton’s ability to speak to people in way that is relatable to them. In person, he has that rare ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room.