It’s 2:00 on a Sunday afternoon. The perfect time for a nap. Returning to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall 15 hours after last night’s applause had died away, I sobered to the next phase of my challenge: Can I tap into Inspired
The Thrill of Joy in the Back of the Section
I just returned from my first major orchestral performance in 15 years. I never have experienced a symphonic thrill as I have this evening. Not only was the music remarkable, the soloist extraordinary, but the joy that I felt running
Are you courageous enough to be calm before performing?
“If you aren’t nervous, you’re not paying attention!” For countless years I thought worrisome backstage behavior was a badge of honor. It showed a high degree of awareness, care and concern, and therefore implied a higher degree of musical development. The less I allowed myself
The Truth About Music and Performance, Hiding in Plain Sight
First, I want you to think back to your most profound experiences of music: when you felt a unity with the audience, the performer, or something greater than yourself; when your mind was very calm and your heart open. Chances are,
How to Debug Your Inspiration OS
Computer crashes…website troubles…email issues…fatal errors… Step 1. Call the IT dept. Step 2. Have THEM fix it. Step 3. Done! High Blood Pressure…flu…choleseral…cough or cold… Step 1. Call the doctor. Step 2. Have THEM fix it. Step 3. Done! Loss
Taking a Ride in the Ego-Mobile
I felt the excitement rising in my chest. Everything I was saying made perfect sense, and our small group of ten was coming up with what seemed like one brilliant idea after another—this was the best retreat ever!! I couldn’t imagine
Are you UP for the Allelujah Challenge?
I’m back in California for a week of concerts that includes a performance of Handel’s Zadok the Priest (no, Zadok isn’t from Dr. Who). This rousing Coronation Anthem is a setting of Old Testament text which emphasizes the word “Allelujah”,
What is your best possible outcome?
“Orchestra, you are free to go! Choir, just a few more spots to go over…” I put my cello away and stood for a moment watching the Pacific University choirs prepare for tonight’s performance of Durufle’s Requiem. Here were 70 singers in
Are You a Spiritually Independent Musician?
Is your spirituality tucked safely out of harms way? Have you ever yearned to bring into the secular world of the Arts the deep spiritual truths that you have experienced? Centuries ago we created a barrier separating the Arts and Sciences from the
Is Your Music Magnetic?
And if so, what does it attract? I recently heard Chanticleer live for the first time, and was thrilled by what their songs evoked in me. It was as if they were a huge magnetic force that pulled out different