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Is Where You Live Holding Your Music Career Back?
Most musicians obsess over the things they can practice. But there's one factor that quietly shapes a career more than almost anything else — and most people don't think about it until it's too late: location.
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Test of Time Challenge!
You might have noticed that I've been updating the blog less frequently. It's because I started a new job on March 1st! Having a "good time" is essential to becoming a high-level musician.
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How to Prepare for your First Rehearsal — Step by Step Guide
I was very fortunate to have an in-person performance opportunity this past weekend — playing 5 concerti with just one rehearsal. Here's exactly how I prepared.
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Key Change Challenge #2 (Miyazaki Film Ver.)
Who loves Studio Ghibli films? I do! Today I'm sharing Key Change Challenge #2 featuring music from Hayao Miyazaki films — a sequel to the holiday version.
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The Art of Cold-Calling
Today I want to share my story of how cold-calling eventually led me to play on Broadway. I hope my experience encourages you to try cold-calling someone you've been wanting to meet.
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Reading Challenge #2 (watch out for the rests!)
Happy February! Today I'm sharing Reading Challenge #2 — focused on our ability to recognize and play music with many rests. Contains 4 levels for all instruments.
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3 Tips on How to Practice Effectively
It's hard to believe it's already the last week of January! Here are 3 of my favorite tips to get the most out of every practice session.
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Polyrhythm Maker — a Tool to Figure Out Any Polyrhythm
How was your Martin Luther King Day? I was remembering a performance honoring his life in Selma, Alabama. Today I'm sharing the Polyrhythm Maker — a tool to figure out ANY polyrhythm!
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Polyrhythm Reading Challenge
How's your new year going so far? I kicked off the 30-Day Practice Challenge yesterday. Today I'm sharing the Polyrhythm Reading Challenge — PDF & MIDI reference included!
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30-Day (10min) Practice Challenge for the New Year!
Happy New Year!! 🎉 Since the Ox is the symbol of diligence and persistence, I created a 30-day practice challenge inspired by these great qualities. Just 10 minutes a day!
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4-Mallet Warm Up That's Not Boring
I realized that many 4-mallet method books have basic exercises that are not very musical. I'm all about efficiency — so I wrote a warm up based on "Twinkle Twinkle" that everyone knows!
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You Don't Need a Perfect Pitch (Interval Cheat Sheet)
I have a confession — I always envied colleagues with perfect pitch. Turns out I never needed it! Today I'm sharing my Interval Cheat Sheet to help you develop great relative pitch.
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Rhythm Challenge — Can You Read these "funny" looking rhythms?
This challenge is inspired by my experience having to learn new music with awkwardly notated music. Have you ever worked on a piece that just looked "funny"? Let me help you get ready!
Read →Timpani Tuning Challenge #1 (Happy Birthday)
Today's challenge is inspired by my DCI days as a timpanist with the Glassmen, where I played basically a tuba part on 5 drums. Can you play Happy Birthday on timpani?
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Key Change Challenge #1 (Holiday Ver.)
Today I'm sharing a brand new practice challenge — Key Change Challenge 1 (holiday ver.)! Inspired by my days performing at Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
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Free Guide #1 — 5 Steps to Play on Broadway
I put together a free guide sharing the 5 key steps that helped me get to Broadway. Click the image to download your free copy!
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Positive Percussionist Newsletter is Born!
Today, November 25th, 2020, I launched my newsletter "Positive Percussionist"! I hope to share my knowledge as a percussionist, working musician, as well as positive vibes.
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Practicing Basics 1
When I get busy with learning music for work, it's very tempting to skip the "boring" basics and jump right into learning notes. We all know that's not a good idea — so here's what I did today.
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Miss Saigon on Broadway — Opening March 1st, 2017!
I'm beyond excited to join a wonderful orchestra of musicians and talented cast for the new 2014 London production of Miss Saigon on Broadway this March 2017!!
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