It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that things changed. I made my first pitch. I'd worked up the nerve to ask a donor to help me fund a chamber music concert of music I'd always dreamt of performing. Despite the daunting ask, my belief in the vision of this project was greater than any anxiety I had - and after weeks of going back and forth asked for a meeting. I got the funding! Believe me, the delivery wasn't smooth and effortless, but the vision was clear and the donor was on board!...

This week, we're getting the message out about the 2024 edition of the Portfolio Challenge. It starts next Monday, and we're teaching a mini-series today, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with lessons you can use to amp up your materials. (If you aren't into it, click the square above and you'll be removed from the series! You'll return to the normal Monday newsletters). On to the first (1/5) lesson! LESSON 1: Demystifying the website It’s hard to tell you the number of times a student has put...

Welcome! Dear Reader, Good morning Reader, Welcome to day 1, lesson 1! We're kicking things off with a the most vital of essential life-supporting forces, your breath. It's central to how we feel, and it's fascinating to know that it's both involuntary and voluntary! We do it when we don't think about it, and yet, we can control it when we want to. And, as musicians, our breath plays a central role in how we feel during practice and performance. And, if you're a wind player or singer, your...