by Kenneth Woods | Jun 21, 2010 | A view from the podium, Lists
Concluding thoughts- Being a concertmaster is an extremely high-stress job, in which you have to work to a very high standard, while often sublimating some of your own instincts and ego as a musician. You may well miss opportunities to work with less pressure or to...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 21, 2010 | A view from the podium
Where it gets complicated- Remember how we discussed the difference between preparing a recital and an orchestra work? The key difference is that in one case you are aiming for a coherent artistic vision (yours!), and in the other one you are preparing to be able to...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 21, 2010 | A view from the podium
In Part II, we look at the space in which musicianship and leadership skills come together in the job of the concertmaster. Musical Leadership- This is the most complex and important part of your job, in which you have to combine your skills as an artist and a leader,...
by Kenneth Woods | Feb 19, 2009 | A view from the podium, Mahler
Well, in just a few hours, I’ll be in Pendleton for our first rehearsal for this concert cycle. Like many rural orchestras, we have a couple of rehearsals with just our local core musicians, then bring in the rest of the orchestra for the weekend of the concert. In a...
by Kenneth Woods | May 2, 2007 | A view from the podium, Nuts and bolts, Study with Ken
Any smart conductor knows that one thing you never want to tell an orchestra, unless you absolutely have to, is anything along the lines of “watch me,” “follow me” any other turn of phrase that can be translated as “obey my will, you scum.” On the other hand, there...
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