Jef Raskin died of pancreatic cancer yesterday at the young age of 61. When I heard this on the radio this morning I recognized the name, but that was all. They said “the inventor of the Mac has died.” That caught my attention, of course, being a MacPerson all the way. While getting breakfast I [...]
Archive of entries posted on February 2005
Oops!
Update: I just heard from Terry Teachout and he clarified: that post at About Last Night was written by his co-blogger, Our Girl in Chicago. My sincere apologies to OGIC and to Terry as well! —–
Reading & More
I just finished reading Norman Lebrecht’s The Song Of Names and was wondering what to pick up next. (I still have Eco’s The Name of the Rose sitting on my night stand. It’s been there for years. And still I’m not in the mood. Go figure.) But anyway, I went to read Terry Teachout’s blog, [...]
Music Quote
What every true artist wants, really wants, is to be paid. -Terry Pratchett, Soul Music —–
The Concert
After I finished with my small portion of today’s concert, I headed on up to the top of the balcony where they seat latecomers. (WHY do they seat people in the middle of a movement though, I wonder? And why do the ushers go in and out of the hall, allowing the door to shut [...]
Only Dreaming
In my dream last night (or, more likely, this morning, since I usually dream right before I wake) I dreamt that I was playing in Carnegie Hall. So I was thinking, “Oh good, I can add that to my bio.” Oh well. I seem to recall, too, that I was playing something very funky. I [...]
Being Known & A Ramble
There are things I wish I could write about. But I can’t. Things I’d grumble about. But it’s not possible. Things I’d tell you, but, well, it “wouldn’t be prudent.” I suppose I should have made this blog anonymous. Then you all would be getting an earful right now. But on to other things … [...]
Music Quote
In our street, we have friends with lots in common. We discuss new books, films, popular culture, politics – everything except serious music. That shuts everyone up. I don’t think they even know what I do. -John Adams (American composer) (I found this quote here.) You might want to scan the article while you’re at [...]
A Shorter Bit Of Ramble (maybe)
Yes, I’m supposed to get ready to teach … give me a minute, would ya? Because Drew drew (hah!) my attention to Jeff Tsai’s site, I’m reading more of it. There’s one post where he talks about his new iPod. In that entry he writes: Obviously, any concert/playlist with unrecorded music is incomplete (my playlist [...]
A Short Bit Of Ramble
Dreq McManus wrote some very encouraging words about my post on what I do. Thank you Drew; the voices of insecurity were very loud and reading your post helps keep those guys quiet. At least for a while. He also wrote about musicians not really understanding manager’s duties and vice versa. This isn’t quite the [...]
Music Quote
The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils; The motions of his spirit are as dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus; Let no such man be trusted. -William Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice. Act. v. Sc. [...]
Just a Little More Rambling
Okay, I’ve been home for a while and I still am not sure where to start on this whole “part-time” job thing. Maybe partly because it doesn’t ruffle my feathers, and partly because I joke so much about playing for a living. Music is my job. It is full time (or at least close to [...]
Part Time and “Real” Job
Drew McManus writes that another blogger, Jeff Tsai, calls the members of a ROPA orchestra “part-time musicians” here. Drew proceeds to write about why using the term part-time musicians is not a good idea. Both his post, and Jeff Tsai’s response to that post are worth reading. Me? Well, I suppose I’m guilty of something [...]
Before You Select A College
Just a few notes, since some of you readers out there are getting those college acceptances! If there is more than one oboe instructor at the school (generally this is at conservatories) find out how you are assigned a teacher. Take a lesson from the oboe instructor if you are able to. If you can’t [...]
Becoming a Member
Okay … here’s the story. You simply have to become a member to utilize the discussion option. Sorry, but there you go. If you are concerned that I would sell your email address (I would never do that) or bombard you with emails (nor would I do this), then you’ll have to email me privately [...]