Growing up in Denver it was easy to be fascinated with the history of the RMS Titanic; after all, Denver was home to the Unsinkable Molly Brown and her house is still a popular tourist attraction. And every couple of years I would get a tour of her house and a bit more of the history absorbed. But it was a random statement from my Ear Training professor during my Peabody Conservatory days that I first became interested in the Titanic musicians.

“Not bad for a local boy.” That was the phrase that stuck in my colleague’s mind from a conversation between students at the Aspen Music Festival and School when discussing violin soloist, Eugene Fodor. Hearing this story from my colleague, reminded me of some of the backhanded compliments musicians bestow on one another I have heard over time. They usually go something like this: I can’t believe how good that flute player is in that per service orchestra, she must be hating life, and she’s been there 20 years! [divider_flat] Did you hear ... Continue Reading

Upon getting my website redesigned, the developer recommended including a page about my violin. He asked me to write a little blurb about it and include something that makes it personal and special to me in addition to the obligatory who owned it, who made it, etc. Remembering how the violin found me was quite a nice memory and a little bittersweet since the person I purchased it from passed away this time last year. I had all but given up finding “the” violin, but while visiting my parents in my home ... Continue Reading

I often take for granted how much musical knowledge has been stuffed into my head since the first time I picked up a violin at age 10. And like many of my colleagues who have equal or more knowledge than me, it is so easy for us to judge others ignorance or stupidity when they thoughtlessly criticize the career of a musician. So easy is it for me to get up on my soap box and defend the ubiquitous and offensive comments people make in the online newspaper articles about any given ... Continue Reading

Who doesn’t like to feel like their opinion counts? One of the best things about the internet is the ability to share opinions on any number of things or services. It’s satisfying and empowering. Using reviews from one of my favorite websites, Yelp.com, I have found my hair dresser, dry cleaner, and restaurants that would have otherwise been overlooked but are now some of my regular favorites. The reviews are not only helpful, but Yelp encourages interaction by allowing users to acknowledge the value of reviews by rating them “useful,” “funny,” or ... Continue Reading