Someone recently called my attention to an address by Karl Paulnack, pianist and director of music at the Boston Conservatory. Since reading it, several thoughts have been bouncing about in my mind, reminding me just how important music is to me, to you, and to everyone.
Firstly, this address was penned and delivered by (pianist) Karl Paulnack, as mentioned above; but it was posted on (cellist) Lynn Harrell’s blog. I’ve never met (or even spoken with) Mr. Harrell, but a dear (cellist) friend of mine has and has nothing but praise for him. Additionally, Mr. Harrell’s article was forwarded to me by another good friend (and fellow trumpeter), Glenn Bengry (thanks, Glenn!). I am frequently amazed at how few “degrees of separation” there really are in the music world, even for those of us who don’t make it our primary career. If you haven’t seen that yet, rest assured, you will. 
Secondly, the article itself touches me deeply, and I’m convinced it will do the same for you. There is a great deal of sense in Mr. Paulnack’s speech, and it goes a long way toward confirming, and in some ways explaining, why music reaches our innermost depths and brings order to chaos. Click here to read the full article – you’ll be glad you did.
As you go through your busy day today, take a moment to think about all that art in general, and music in particular, offers us: personal connections, expression, the opportunity to create and transcend, and so much more. It truly is a gift for all.
All the best,
Mark
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This quote is for those days when nothing seems to go right. I reference it often – far more often than I’d like! – and hope you find it helpful, too.
“Our limited perspective, our hopes and fears become our measure of life, and when circumstances don’t fit our ideas, they become our difficulties.”
Benjamin Franklin
Scientist, Inventor, Printer, and American Founding Father
When you can’t seem to buy a victory, try to remember that as bad as things may seem (or be) at the moment, they’re just circumstances…and circumstances change. Be patient, be persistent, and you will triumph!
Now, get back to practicing. ;-)
All the best,
Mark
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If you’re feeling a bit stale in your musical explorations, here’s an idea to spice things up: pick up a new instrument.
No, I’m not talking about expanding your collection of axes with “yet-another-one-of-a-kind” that differs from your others only by serial number or label year and puts you on the outs with your spouse…not that I would know anything about that. :-) I’m talking about a different instrument.
Our friends over at Making Music Magazine – one of your PartTimeMusician.com ad partners! – published this article pointing out how picking up a second instrument that is related to one you already know can expand your horizons and breathe new life into your music. It’s well worth the read.
A word of caution from someone who is a multi-instrumentalist, though: take care not to spread yourself too thin. The old expression “jack of all trades and master of none” was coined for a reason, and trying to do too many things often results in doing nothing well. If you feel yourself getting discouraged with your progress on either instrument, refocus…and remind yourself that it’s all good.
Taking up a second instrument can indeed broaden your horizons and rejuvenate your music-making, and choosing an instrument similar to one you already know allows you to apply your growth to both. If you’re stuck in a rut on your musical path, consider branching out with a second instrument. You just might rediscover what made you fall in love with playing music in the first place.
All the best,
Mark
P.S. – If you’re a multi-instrumentalist already or are considering becoming one, please leave a comment below or drop us a line; we’d love to hear your thoughts. The more we (all) share, the more we (all) know!
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Being fans of the Finale® family of products, we’ve had some exposure to other music notation software, but not much. Sibelius First may change that for us, and I’m certain it will attract others as well. Let’s take a quick peek at what it has to offer.
According to this article (and confirmed by information at the Sibelius website), Sibelius First streamlines the user interface, focusing on ease-of-use. It includes keyboard and fretboard windows for those who prefer them to a score or part view, and it allows for publication and sale of created works at SibeliusMusic.com. This last feature may be the most intriguing aspect of all. Finale has long allowed distribution of Finale-based music via Finale Showcase™, but a facility to actually sell your music has been missing. Sibelius has a full-blown store, offering composers/arrangers/transcribers a venue for their products.
I hope to post a review of Sibelius First soon, but if you’ve kicked the tires on it already, please drop me a line and tell me what you think! I doubt I’ll ever let go of Finale, but Sibelius First might just earn a spot in the musical tool belt. 8-) Has it in yours?
All the best,
Mark
P.S. – Sibelius offers a 30-day trial, or you can buy the full version from them for $129. Through the PartTimeMusician.com Amazon store, it’s only $101.99…so if you’re looking to buy, please remember to support your PTM family! You save money and support the PTM community at the same time – a win/win in anyone’s book. :-D
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This quote gets deeper and richer each time I read it. I hope you enjoy it as well.
“Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
American essayist, philosopher, and poet
May music continue to startle your wonder.
All the best,
Mark
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Tags: actual, dim, Emerson, music, quote, Ralph, secret, startle, Waldo, wonder
Quote of the Day | Mark January 7, 2010 | 
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