Center Stage

It is often asked if artistry can be taught/learned as opposed to being an innate skill one is seemingly gifted with. Usually a question without answer, we will examine a few examples in an attempt to understand this mysterious side of performing. Artistry is the ability to take good technique (execution of the notes) and…

This month we celebrate one of the most famous Baroque era composers’ birthdays, George Frideric Handel. Born February 23, 1685 and died April 14, 1759, Handel was German in origin, but made his living predominantly in England. During his life, he was well known throughout Europe, even more so than other Baroque composers, whom of…

After seeing the general landscape of 90s music and culture, it’s time now to dive into a few bands and artists of the era. Here are a few groups and people from different genres that were key contributors to 90s music. I’ve also selected these based on what I think you may be interested in…

With the brutal winter weather well upon us, it is important to take care of your instrument. Your instrument is an investment that is both worth money and perhaps sentimental value. Here are some tips and reminders to keep your instrument happy and healthy! 1. Humidity: Too much or too little humidity can cause your…

Very often, a parents’ involvement will drastically change the experience of their child’s music lessons. Here are a couple of ideas to help your child reach their maximum potential in their musical studies! 1. Communicate: Communication is key to understanding what your child is doing in their lesson. Especially for young children, the parent is…

Instructor Angela O’Reilly playing violin solo NYSSMA Level 1: The Clown by Etling   Instructor Angela O’Reilly playing violin solo NYSSMA Level 2: Minuet No.2 by J.S.Bach   Instructor Angela O’Reilly playing violin solo NYSSMA Level 3: Bouree by G.F.Handel

Instructor Kelby Khan playing Piano Solo NYSSMA Level 1: First Sonatina by Olson, L.   Instructor Kelby Khan playing Piano Solo NYSSMA Level 2: Minuet in G by J.S. Bach   Instructor Kelby Khan playing Piano Solo NYSSMA Level 3 (part 1): Arabesque by Burgmuller, F.

With NYSSMA season soon approaching (early March for most of you), it’s important to make sure that you are staying in shape with your practicing. Here are a couple of goals you’ll have wanted to complete by now – if you haven’t, consider it a red flag and fix it before it’s too late! 1….

With our most recent Center Stage recital just passed, I thought it would be a good idea to share some thoughts on the event. To me, there are three parts of performing, two of which are obvious; practicing for the performance and the actual performance. The third part of performing is the post-concert analysis, so…

While we are bound to concentrate on proper technique during a practice session or a performance, there are other elements to executing music on stage. Stage presence plays an important role when bringing your performance to a higher level of artistry. It’s what captivates the audience and can add an extra spark of excitement. Here…