Timothy Judd Javelin…Michael Torke (b. 1961) Find on iTunes Find on Amazon In my last post we explored a fun, eight minute piece called Javelin by contemporary American composer, Michael Torke. I asked you to pay attention to the rich orchestral colors in the music. Now go back and listen a few more times to pick up some new details. Do you hear bright, shimmering colors? Do you feel swept along by the music’s motion? Maybe …
Javelin…Michael Torke (b. 1961) Find on iTunes Find on Amazon When you listen to music do you hear colors? The idea of musical color may seem like a strange mixing of the senses, but color is an important element of music, along with motion, energy, flow and fabric.* For violinists, color is synonymous with timbre. We often choose between playing the same pitch in a lower position on a higher string …
Here are some inspiring violin videos from Youtube. As a violinist, I always enjoy soaking up the musicianship of a variety of players, as well as analyzing the way each player uniquely approaches the instrument. We’ll start with Humoresque in G-Flat Major by the Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904). This is a piece that Suzuki students know from Book 3. Itzhak Perlman and cellist Yo-Yo Ma are accompanied by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, …
The beginning of a new year is a great time to evaluate our practicing and to reaffirm our commitment to consistent, thoughtful practicing. How we practice is as important as how much we practice. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1. Practice Every Day In some ways, practicing is like exercise. If it’s sporadic you won’t see progress and you’ll be constantly frustrated. When practicing becomes a part of your daily routine, …
Last month I invited you to Join The Listeners’ Club and explore some of my favorite music. Now, in Part 2, we’ll examine these pieces more closely. Here are some of my thoughts about what makes this music so great. Enjoy the discussion and then go back and listen again. Use the comment thread below to tell me what you hear. What inspires you? What are your favorite parts and why? …
Welcome to The Listeners’ Club! This month I’m excited to launch the first installment of what will become a regular feature of this blog. My goal is to help you develop a fun, meaningful, life long relationship with some great music that you might not otherwise get to know. We’ll explore music that people of all ages will enjoy. Along the way I’ll share some of my thoughts on what makes this music …
Quotations from Nurtured By Love by Shinichi Suzuki: About Children: They have no thought of self-deception. They trust people and do not doubt at all. They know only how to love, and not how to hate. They love justice and scrupulously keep the rules. They seek joy, live cheerfully, and are full of life. They know no fear and live in security. About Education: Any child is able to display highly superior abilities …