Education – Sticks and Drones

It’s proven, we’re smarter and cooler!

December 4, 2015April 23, 2015 by Ron Spigelman

Also proven, these studies might make people hate us…. I have 2 pet peeves in our business that are related, the first I will give some detail to explaining, the second is pretty much self explanatory. Pet Peeve #1: Why on earth do people when studies are released on the benefits of playing an instrument conclude that as musicians we are smarter, cooler, and more fun to be around, I mean what is the point of this other than to try and convince people who do not have musical talent or interest … Continue Reading

Spilling good INK – Guest Post

November 10, 2014October 9, 2014 by Bill Eddins

The following is a guest post by Viswa Subbaraman, Artistic Director of the Skylight Theater in Milwaukee. He’s a very interesting young man.

More Fence Sitting Needed!

May 19, 2013 by Ron Spigelman

I’ve taken up “fencing” working as an Administrator and Music Director, I see more clearly one problem that orchestras need to address, and NOW!…..

We Have Met The Enemy….

April 26, 2011 by Bill Eddins

By now many readers will have read this excellent post by Bernard Holland, distinguished music critic and writer for the New York Times (assuming that the NYT, in their infinite wisdom, will not try to charge you for access). Mr. Holland, in his opus from ’03, has succinctly put forth a very elegant and reasoned argument for why orchestras in this country are going the way of the Dodo. Only one problem – he didn’t go far enough.

Dissing the Dissonance…a shout out to Alex Ross!

December 1, 2010 by Ron Spigelman

Alex Ross wrote a great article regarding the challenge modern Classical Music faces in being accepted. It is in the middle of the article that he highlights a great point that cannot be overlooked in my view. I believe the hatred he talks about is more directed to those who present new music. As presenters we too like the composers must be creative because it is hardly fair to complain that audiences wont accept something new, when we present it as if it is a premiere happening in 1865!…..

Terry Teachout and how we go from Zero to Hero! – plus a mini tribute

July 1, 2010 by Ron Spigelman

Ernest Fleischmann passed and I had one treasured experience with him that I want to share, but first to Terry Teachout. Terry I say thank you for your article raising the question of eliminating regional orchestras, yes thank you! He opened an even bigger debate than in my Context/Urtext post (it is somewhat related) which is: what is the definition of the word “artistic”?…..

A colleague joins the fight against Putting the ASS in clASSical!

March 27, 2010 by Ron Spigelman

Just a quick post this week about possibly the most insanely ridiculous idea to attract the very young to music I have ever read about! Take random noises, mix it in with a debunked theory and add screaming children….presto MUSIC IS SAVED! A blogger hit this one out of the park, we need to to start calling out these ridiculous programs….

Quick Takes: What is Success?

November 30, 2009 by Ron Spigelman

The word success is defined for many in the performing arts as the accomplishing of a personal goal, to be continuously engaged, to reach higher positions, to be critically acclaimed and all of the above. Is it really success when it is only about ourselves? Is success not something that also given from ourselves to others? To take a great work and to give it a great performance actually pales into insignificance compared to a performance resonating to the point that that it alters someone’s being, gives them pause to reflect on themselves or even potentially saves a life!…..I pose a question….