Every now and then we discover a famous Part-Time Musician (PTM) and it’s always fun to share it. This time, our discussion takes us to the White House!
Our friends at Violinist.com posted this article about the three American Presidents (to date!) who have been violinists. While it’s impossible to lay all of the credit (or blame) for any of their accomplishments to their study of music, it does speak to the contribution that being a musician makes to a person’s drive and dedication to accomplishing their goals.
Our hats are off to Presidents Jefferson, Tyler, and Nixon for their pursuit of music and all the benefits it brings to those who play…not to mention those who listen.
There has been much discussion recently about cell phone interruptions during performances. Many lament that this is a sign of the times, indicative of societal decline, or something warranting fines and/or physical violence (as in the recent NY Philharmonic performance). While it is indeed sad when a magnificent performance is affected by a thoughtless interruption of any kind, cell phones ringers are really no more disturbing than coughing patrons, unhappy children, or people snoring nearby. There are right ways – and wrong ways – of dealing with them.
The video that follows shows a graceful way of handling such an unfortunate interruption. When the cell phone rings, this wonderful violist doesn’t just try to ignore it; he embraces it! By responding in this manner, he politely points out the offense while impressing the crowd with his handling of it…recapturing the audience in the process. And how does he do this? By improvising.
Improvisation is something theater people work hard to polish. While some areas of music stress improv – jazz studies, for example – many don’t. Frankly, it’s a life skill that carries over into all aspects of living, if one consistently practices it.
Life throws all of us curves, every day. Working to develop your improv skills in music teaches you to “think on your feet”, to try to make a continuous flow of whatever is dropped into your lap on short (or no) notice. It’s a great skill to have, and one that can always be bettered. It’s frustrating and fun, challenging and (very) rewarding.
Strive to improve your improv and you’ll improve your life in the process. Thanks to PTM and dear friend David Carter for passing this along. :-)
General, News | admin February 12, 2012 | 
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