2010 December | Part Time Musician . com

Thoughts on the Old and New Years

As this year draws to a close and a new year approaches, it’s a perfect time to pause and take stock of the ups and downs of the past and consider the year ahead…but there’s no reason we can’t have a little fun with it. Feel free to join in!

Last year was a good, but hectic, year. Like everyone else with too many irons in the fire, it’s a struggle for us to find time to work job(s), keep up with family, practice, play, and tackle additional necessary tasks – like posting! This year will be better.

Music is usually best when it’s shared with others, and most of us share it most of the time with friends and family. We had a great time last year in informal jam sessions, intimate concerts, chamber gigs, and orchestral performances…and we’re really looking forward to more in the year ahead!

Medical struggles of friends and family alike have taken some bandwidth over the past year, but thankfully, outcomes have been (overall) quite positive. Things like that also tend to make you more thankful for the people in your life, so let me pass it along: thank you all for being a part of our lives. Now, go hug your kids and call your family & friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Really.

Hollywood may not “get it” in many ways, but they’re starting to understand the value of a good soundtrack. This past year (the past few years, actually) has seen some good music roll forth from the movie & TV moguls. While many parts of society fail to recognize the value of music education and music in general, it’s true that popular entertainment helps drive values. Admittedly, that cuts both ways…but in this case, movies and TV are doing a good thing. Enjoy it, support it, and encourage it!

For the next year, I’d be happy if we just added to the high points of the past year and turned down the low. Nothing revolutionary, but incremental improvement is more than most accomplish with new year’s resolutions. Meeting more great PTMs, refining and sharing the music, and experiencing more of life with loved ones as we go: can it really get much better than that? :-)

Wishing you all a joyous, fulfilling, and musical new year!

Kathy

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How to Make Acoustic Panels

If you’ve ever wanted or needed to record yourself, you’ve probably found the acoustics in your spare room, garage, basement, or outbuilding aren’t exactly optimal for a proper recording. We’ve published an article previously about building an entire studio, but if that just isn’t a possibility for you, read on; smaller-scale solutions do exist!

Brought to our attention by our friends at Instructables, this article describes how to make acoustic panels that dramatically improve a space’s acoustics while blending with their surroundings…and without breaking the bank. Following the steps described, it’s possible to build several panels for about $24 each – and maybe much less, depending upon what material options you have available.

The outbuilding I’d mentioned in the previous article about building a soundproof studio remains without soundproofing; frankly, it’s just too much project for me to tackle right now. But crafting a few acoustic panels could actually fit into a weekend…so again, the wheels turn.

If you’ve done this already – or are just further along in the process than I am (!) – please drop us a line or post a comment. The more we all know, the smarter we all are. :-)

Keep playing,
Mark

Joke of the Day: Least Spoken Phrase

I’m not sure if this originated with him or not, but the late, great Johnny Carson used to say something that, as a musician, still strikes a funny chord with me…so I thought I’d pass it along to you as well. Enjoy!

“The least spoken phrase in the English language is ‘That’s the banjo player’s Porsche.’”
Johnny Carson, king of late-night comedy

With apologies to Steve Martin and all of the other exceedingly talented banjo players out there who may also own Porsches. :-)

Keep playing,
Mark

Neverland School of Music

As the parent of some very talented musicians (as many of us are!), I am always interested to see news of educational opportunities for future generations of musicians, part-time or otherwise. As such this tidbit really caught my eye.

New Music School?

This article from our friends at Just So You Know claims that Michael Jackson’s former residence/compound, Neverland Ranch, could become a top-notch music school. Colony Capital, now owner of the King of Pop’s expansive property, has filed plans with Santa Barbara County and awaits approval, but it’s difficult (for me, at least) to envision a better use for the place or a nicer tribute. The intention is to develop a school of Juilliard’s reputation on the other side of the country. So…why not?

Assuming they can pull it off, and once the required investments are made and leading teaching talent assembled, would you encourage your kids to attend? Would you steer clear until the school’s (and not just its teachers’) reputation is established? Or does the idea of another music school just leave you shaking your head, wondering where all the graduates will go for work? :-)

Drop us a line or post a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Keep playing,
Mark

Joke of the Day: Drummer vs. Conductor

This little nugget of humor came across my desk the other day and I just knew I had to share it. In one stroke, it manages to pick on both percussionists and conductors; the only thing it’s missing is a good-natured swipe at violists, pipers, or accordionists. :-)

Enjoy!

A musical director was having a lot of trouble with one drummer. He talked and talked and talked with the drummer, but his performance simply didn’t improve. Finally, before the whole orchestra, he said, “When a musician just can’t handle his instrument and doesn’t improve when given help, they take away the instrument, give him two sticks, and make him a drummer.” A stage whisper was heard from the percussion section: “And if he can’t handle even that, they take away one of his sticks and make him a conductor.”

Keep playing (or conducting!),
Mark

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Thoughts on the Old and New Years

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