Canadian Flute Convention by Viviana Guzman
From start to finish the Canadian Flute Convention was both a complete success and as well as a source of
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From Body Cast to Belly Dancing Flutist Viviana Guzman’s Inspiring Life
Viviana Guzman is a phoenix bird. Rising out of the ashes of a difficult early life, she has emerged like
Read MoreSupporting Composers: by Sy Brandon
I believe that it was the late Dr. Neil Humfeld, former Trombone Professor at the University of Texas at Commerce, who had a requirement that all his students giving recitals needed to contribute in some way to expanding the repertoire of their instrument.
Read MoreComposing for the Flute: Far Corners and November Sonata. by Bruce Lazarus
Throughout my career as a composer I’ve been fascinated with the the expressive and technical possibilities of the flute; its apparently unlimited agility, high register which may be strident or delicately bell-like, breathy harmonics, and the darkness of its lowest tones.
Read MoreThe future of American orchestras: Three Approaches
Orchestras have come under a great deal of pressure in the last few years to be more inclusive, to reach out to their communities and create innovative programs and embrace various art forms and musical styles. As a result many interesting concerts are happening – some more successful than others. Orchestras are creating programs that relate to their particular demographic and that work to build audiences.
Read MoreFlutes by the Sea
As I write this listening to the waves crash by the sea, it is difficult to not be inspired by these surroundings. Viviana Guzman’s Flutes by the Sea masterclass, in its first year, was a combination of masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and concerts from flutists of all ages set in the beautiful, oceanfront city of Half Moon Bay, CA.
Read MoreBETA BLOCKERS: stage fright cure or unfair advantage?
A hot topic in the sports world is the use of performance enhancing drugs. From Lance Armstrong most recently, to any number of Olympic athletes and professional baseball players, there is a lot of controversy surrounding this issue. Why? Quite simply, steroids give athletes an unfair advantage. Athletes have been fired and their titles stripped because of the use of steroids. Classical musicians are under the same, if not more, pressure than athletes to succeed and play flawlessly.
Read MoreFlute Hoot! by Jodi Bortz
Anybody who’s been shopping with me (and I love to shop) has heard me say “I must be looking for a blue unicorn again.” By that I mean, I know what I want, but somehow, what I’m looking for doesn’t exist. This happens to me over and over. Probably happens to you too, right?
Read MoreRecovering Flow and Creativity: by Niall O’Riordan
‘You are a unique, wise, creative being. You really can do whatever you dream if you put your mind to it, be kind to yourself and let your artistry flow.’ Sitting in a busy cafe in central London I thought to myself, ‘what do I want to say’ immediately be above message came to me loud and clear.
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