For most of you who studied music in high school or college, you’ve been in a performing ensemble. These ensembles are usually run by a music director, or a conductor. Knowing the role of the conductor and how you fit in with them will help you to become a better player and ensemble member. 1….

Continuing on last week’s blog, here are a few more genres to explore this summer. I encourage you to especially listen to songs or albums you’ve never experienced before! Funk/Soul/R&B: I Got You (I Feel Good) [album] or any other album, James Brown Songs In the Key of Life, or any other album, Stevie Wonder…

As the school year winds down, I am giving my high school students summer listening lists. They are not required to listen to anything on the list, but it serves as a jumping off point for music they are interested in listening to. Here, I share my own list that contains some music that I…

The Impressionist movement took place in the late 1800s in France, sparking a new style of music. With jazz influences from America, melded with traditional classical elements, composers were able to create a soundscape of music that was unheard of before. The Impressionist movement is a sub-genre within the Romantic era, a period in time…

With allergy season in full swing, many people will be affected in some way. Besides getting sick, allergies are a singer’s worst enemy. Here are a couple of ways to combat mother nature during the springtime. 1. Raspy/phlegmy throat: Try gargling with saltwater or baking soda and water to clear your throat up. Try using…

With the absence of classes, summer is the perfect season to check out new and/or live music. Music was truly meant to be heard and seen live, this being it’s rawest and most invigorating form. Many of these summer concerts are free. Here are just a couple you should check out! 1. NY Philharmonic Concerts…

There are many mental and physical benefits to singing in a choir. Whether it’s a community choir, professional choir or your school choir, singing in an ensemble helps with many aspects of your life. Here are a few ways you can benefit from choral singing. 1. Singing cures stress: Studies show that singing in a…

Everybody has weeks where it becomes difficult to practice. Whether it is from a vacation, illness or just too much homework, we can easily fall into the trap of not practicing at all. The key to getting better at an instrument is consistency; so if it is for even just five minutes or less, try…

Especially due to the upcoming NYSSMA season, it is important to know what role an accompanist plays and how it affects you. Here are a few tips of what to expect: A-comp-a-nist: I can’t think of too many other musical terms that are more mispronounced. The most common mispronunciation I’ve experienced is “a-comp-i-a-nist”. Remember, it’s…

Here are a few tips that helped me to get good scores on my NYSSMA pieces when I was in high school: 1. Be Prepared: It sounds simple but those who practice more way in advance will usually have the better scores. You should start looking at your NYSSMA solo AT LEAST 6 months in…