Recently I played a two week run of My Fair Lady in Chicago. It was superbly professional, so it ran exactly the same every show, 8 shows a week. RecentlyContinue readingVuja De
Oboes and Cars
I was working with an oboe student who was struggling on her back-up oboe. Nothing wrong with the instrument, it was fine, but all oboes have their quirks, and theirContinue readingOboes and Cars
Practice Filters
I was talking with my FLOW group about our upcoming recital. Most of my participants have their pieces in pretty good shape, with a month to go. This is fantastic!Continue readingPractice Filters
The Work is Never Wasted
I heard a colleague complaining about having practiced music which was later cut from the concert. What a waste of time, she griped! Something about that attitude rubbed me theContinue readingThe Work is Never Wasted
When in Doubt, Play Beautifully
What does it mean to Play Beautifully? That’s what one of my FLOW oboists asked in our group this week. My teacher, Richard Killmer, used it as a mantra – “When inContinue readingWhen in Doubt, Play Beautifully
Glorified Long Tones
Last week I had the pleasure of hearing a student who SIMPLIFIED her air, her embouchure, and her approach, trusted the oboe, and let an entire slow movement gently unspoolContinue readingGlorified Long Tones
Five Thoughts on Returning to the Stage
I’ve had FOUR orchestra concerts now, in our new transitioning-to-post-pandemic world. We are so lucky, here in South Bend, to have management and a board that are forward thinking and prioritizeContinue readingFive Thoughts on Returning to the Stage
Taking Up Space
I’m thinking about the instinct we have to avoid taking up space, especially, though not exclusively, as women. I was in a zoom group coaching session recently and found myselfContinue readingTaking Up Space
Zooming Back to Work
Zoom has been a necessary evil this year – but emoting through it has been an obstacle that turned into an opportunity. It’s liberated my playing, and I invite you to let it liberate yours! … Continue readingZooming Back to Work
The Element of Surprise
I’m working with an adult oboist who can play beautifully but tends to melt down as soon as anything at all doesn’t go her way. And because it’s the OBOE,Continue readingThe Element of Surprise