Working with musicians from all over the world has always been a pleasure. I personally met Julio in early 2019 as we organized a concert and master class. The experience was out of this world! Seeing Julio Cristaldo deliver a true royal master class on Agustín Barrios reminded me of the master classes I took with Eliot Fisk, David Russell, and man...
Many musicians avoid Paganini because of its difficulty and the responsibility it requires. This however is not the case for Nuné Melik. Paganini is one of the most relevant virtuosi composers for violin and his music does not only requires the skills to play the notes. If you are going to even try to play Paganini, you know you first need the gut...
Sometimes, in our daily life, we get stuck in normal routines where basic rules are never questioned. But Art will come by sometime and challenge our perception of reality in a subtle way. Are you paying attention? Most of the time, we know the difference between up and down. It is easy to remember that buildings stand still and have a specific&nbs...
If you think you have no opportunities because you're in the middle of nowhere, you have already lost your battle and you should stay home and stop trying. The honest truth is that in this world, talent and $3 will get you a cup of coffe at Starbucks. Talent does nothing by itself. One needs to work hard and be ready for o...
Being afraid is a natural human response to situations that in our brain appear to be life threatening. Statistically speaking, people fear public speaking far more than death. This seems irrational. Nevertheless, the social implications of public humiliation could carry everlasting repercussions. Public opinion after death is ...
All of us come to moments of truth where we realize that our past does not reflect who we are. Change is not an option: it becomes a responsibility because we have learned that it is time to step hard and say "this is who I am". Serene had that realization and left her job at Google to be who she really is: a professional concert pianist....
Stranger things is a show that personally did a lot for me. This is a great surprise because this video is pushing even more buttons that what the TV show did. First of all, as I was talking with Nathan about the blog, I was excited because of the value and variety he is bringing to the world of nylon strings. However, things accelerated quite...
Being a musician is one of the hardest things because of the nature of the art: anything we ever do we have to be able to reproduce over and over again. The sad news is that the key to success is endless boring repetition. This sounds like a terrible idea for many but as a musician, there's no way to sugarcoat this... ...
Many young musicians dive into a school, conservatory, or institute because they feel music as a path to live life and unfold oneself. I will say that this is a normal path because it coaches us structure and good habits. But as everything in life, it has a negative side because they stifle your versatility. Vincent Corver is an inspiration because...
So you have finally landed your first gig playing at a wedding. You are part of an ensemble and you are the one gathering information and coordinating music for the ceremony. You want to create music the wedding party will always remember Their experience with you will make an impact whether you are a viable and legit musician. How do you start?&nb...
Being a Music Mentor is a challenge because it takes a lot of work and dedication. This past weekend we came across the studio of a very talented violinist in the Bay Area who asides of being an incredible musician, has built a very good studio. And this is why I am blogging today. By a very good studio, I mean that Jennifer Tzeng has a ...
Astor Piazzolla was a composer of incredible talent that figured out a way to navigate both worlds of Tango and Classical Music. As a Classical Pianist and composer, he was winning world-renowned competitions and had the privilege to study in France with Nadia Boulanger (one of the best piano teachers at the time). On the other side, as a ...
The 2018 Sierra Nevada Classical Guitar Festival & Competition is right around the corner and it's time to get signed up and ready to compete. As a classical guitar player myself, entering in competition mode is fun because it helps you focus and become a better player. No matter how the results unfold, you already know that if you sign up, you...
We all know it and we all say it: Social Media is an addiction! But how many of us really simply shut it off? The honest truth is that we musicians have to use it for business purposes but keeping some important issues at bay. Social Media is a tool. Obviously, you will not be making money directly from social media but there is an art on how ...
Everyone (including myself) has fallen into the trap of "purchasing" a music degree via an established institution. It took me a verry long time to realize that the cost in "Time and Money" had no tangible Return of Investment. This is is main topic of the article. The schools are not properly educate us musicians in the business of music...
I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage. by Maria Callas Today is a special day to remember Soprano Maria Callas as the 40th anniversary of her death still casts a shadow on the hearts of every opera enthusiast in the world. Callas had an exceptional talent that led her to develop a fascinating career. However, there was more than...
Listening to Anikó playing music from my country was a wonderful experience this morning. The truth is that this was also a wonderful surprise. Anikó and I met via Instagran and my immediate reaction when I heard her selection to feature in the blog was a bit of that emotional bittersweet sensation that Tango leaves in your throat. I know that Ani...
Your web presence as a musician is important but it should complement the objectives you have for your career. A fundamental truth is that technologies can only evolve into the most extreme absolutes and we must take profit of having a site that opens doors to an infinite world. Today, building a website is fast, easy, simple and cost efficien...
We decided to feature Olivia Chiang beacuse it is an example of how musicianship can be inspired at an early age. The important part of the message is not the awards and the success but remembering how much time and hard work we must put into building up musicianship and virtuosity. This Discipline is essential no matter how young or old any player...
Natasha Paremski has a fascinating piano career. Her piano studies began at the age of 4 with Nina Malikova at Moscow's Andreyev School of Music and they concluded in New York with Pavlina Dokovska at Mannes College of Music. After 2007 and the conclusion of her academic life, her professional musical engagements allowed her to travel and per...