Lessons learned from a Dog Show

This past weekend, RTP and I went to a dog show for the first time. Now we've watched shows on TV before, but I can say there are things you notice in person that are not apparent from the couch. First of all, the dogs are for the most part well-trained and on task...just like musicians ready to take the stage. I don't know what I was thinking, but I expected a lot more barking and dog poop...Everything was very orderly. Many times I was tempted to go pet one of the cute dogs, but I could tell that he or she was getting ready for the judges. I can relate as a musician, since we need to find our own quiet space before a performance to get focused and mentally prepare for the concert. Secondly, the tension is almost palpable between the different owners/handlers. We observed on more than one occasion, some jealous eyes checking out the competition. And then in a flash the decision is made and if you don't place, your dog is quickly escorted outside. Just like an orchestral or band audition. You may observe (or block out) the competition in the warm-up room, the audition takes only a few minutes compared to the hours/years that you have prepared, and then in a flash the decision is announced. Instant excitement or disappointment. There must be a lesson that we learn from entering these competitions or people/dogs must just love to compete, because ultimately there is always only one winner. Why else would musicians spend so much money taking auditions and dogs allow humans to brush and spray their coat 1000 times in preparation for one walk around the ring?

Midweek Mutterings

It would appear that RTP's days of freedom are coming to an end. Today he had his second interview for a day job with the state. While I would not recommend this line of work for the long run, it has provided a necessary income and RTP may find that earning a small income does relieve stress. Stay tuned...

I am in the process of finalizing a project with a recording engineer. Last week I recorded an unaccompanied piece. First I'd like to say that it's a shame that there aren't more competitions for musicians over the age of 30. In light of the current job market, a flutist might be in their 30s before they are hired for a college job or selected for an orchestral seat. Entering competitions is one way to not only expand the resume, but sharpen the skills. The MB competition is open to flutists of all ages.

What I've found over time is that the recording process trains you to be musically consistent. That has been a very valuable quality to me as I've performed concertos and rehearsed chamber music. A true professional can play the excerpt perfectly multiple times and many times students are quite irregular. They may play horribly in a lesson and exclaim that they played the piece much better in practice. (Of course that may be a cover up for not practicing, but I believe there to be some truth to that.) My HS voice teacher, Joan Boytim, always made us record our lessons. Now I'll admit that I didn't always have time to listen to that tape until the day before the lesson, but listening to yourself is an excellent way to understand the teacher's point. One of my goals when I am in a college teaching position again is to incorporate this into the weekly lesson. More about this perhaps another time.

Mickey Mouse meets Troy

Wow! What a week! Last Monday I performed a recital and masterclass at Troy University in Alabama and the following weekend I taught and performed at the Florida Flute Fair in Orlando. Kudos to Hui-Ting, my accompanist and Tammy Phillips who joined me for the concert at FFF. Things went well.

Here was my program:

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something FSU"

8 Pieces for the Musical Clock by Haydn
Sonata (1975) by Harold Schiffman
Aria by Ernst von Dohnanyi
Le Merle Noir by Messiaen
Maya by Ian Clarke
Fantasy, Op. 79 (2 flutes) by Faure

RTP was kind enough to take some pictures during the performance and masterclass in Orlando.
Here I am working with 6th grader, Roy Xiao at the Junior Masterclass. I talked to him about taking full breaths every time he plays and bringing out the dynamics in his solo.

Here I am working with a talented 8th grade flutist, Alex Ishov, who performed the Minuet and Dance from the Blessed Spirits by Gluck.