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
The Magic of a PLAN
My student’s issue is that she loses her focus during long pieces and stops being able to play well. She starts out great and then her mind wanders and thenContinue readingThe Magic of a PLAN
Why Do We Practice?
Why do we practice? While I am actually practicing, I don’t always enjoy it that much. Like running, I prefer HAVING practiced to practicing. Many days, in my practice, nothingContinue readingWhy Do We Practice?
Maybe Believe the Science
I had a session recently with a very intelligent, very self-aware guy, an oboist who largely has his act together. He challenges me and my teaching in a way IContinue readingMaybe Believe the Science