Neo Classical – Holly Mulcahy on the future of classical music

Marketing to Procrastinators

Mon, Jan 4, 2010

by:

Holly Mulcahy

It seems to happening everywhere for symphony orchestras: low ticket sales to concerts. Unfortunately, this has become an all too familiar headline and the really surprising news is when an orchestra has a full house of paying patrons! But if the New York Times article from December 28th has any merit the ticket sales decline could be connected, in part, to something in our human nature. The author of the article explains how humans tend to procrastinate pleasure.

1 comment

The Google Philharmonic

Mon, Dec 7, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

A few months back I published an article that examined elements from Geoff Colvin’s book, Talent is Overrated. One of Colvin’s key points was how companies cultivate creativity and then use it to create better and more productive employees. Colvin used Google as one of his examples and wrote extensively about their philosophy behind fostering a very employee-friendly work environment and how it promotes and maintains productivity. Colvin’s example made me want to learn even more about Google. They provide so much to workers, I was secretly hoping to find an in-house … Continue Reading

1 comment

What Would Donald Draper Do?

Mon, Nov 2, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

One of the most popular shows on cable television lately is Mad Men, on the AMC channel. Now on its third season, the show has captivated imaginations, history buffs, and is even starting to have an effect on current fashion. But what has me most interested in the show is the style in which the 1960’s Madison Avenue advertising agency works with various challenging clients. From Hilton Hotels to Marlboro, and Playtex to Kodak; each client needing something special and different. Of course, I couldn’t help but fantasize what the star of … Continue Reading

1 comment

Talent Is Overrated

Mon, Oct 5, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

The past few weeks have provided ample time for listening to audio books during longer commutes to rehearsals and concerts. For these extended times in car, books about business, stocks, investing, etc. are regular favorites so I can learn about various styles of investing and hopefully understand and streamline my own investing skills. The time feels like a guiltless way to spend hours learning that wouldn’t normally be devoted to these activities if I were home since practicing wins out more often than not.

1 comment

Sorry, We’re Fresh Out of Mahler

Mon, Sep 7, 2009

by:

Holly Mulcahy

It’s the beginning of another orchestra season and that means it’s time to scout out the season brochures and websites of the groups I’ll be playing in to see what’s in store. It’s hard not to notice that I look through season brochures as I would a restaurant menu. I narrow down the “main courses” that look most interesting or challenging to me and start planning my practicing accordingly. Most of my concert-going friends analyze a season brochure like a menu as well and as I have Facebook discussions with them about … Continue Reading

No comments