Entrepreneurial Musicianship at NEC

Jussi Reijonen - Tour Reflections

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:23:00 -0400

Musical highs unlike any I’ve ever experienced in my life; 8 months of non-stop preparation; visa problems too numerous to count; one armed robbery and a stolen passport; one band member having to stay behind at the last minute; our 1st Lady (our bus) Amanda; -27 Celsius temperatures; frozen gas tanks; the sauna; Moose and Camels; very bad humor; Santa Claus; Sverige; 8 packed concerts and 5 clinics in 8 cities around Finland; overwhelmingly positive concert reviews… the images that flood my mind thinking back to the two weeks my quintet - myself on fretted/fretless guitars and oud, Utar Artun from Turkey on piano, Bruno Råberg from Sweden on acoustic bass, Tareq Rantisi from Palestine on percussion and our special guest vocalist Eva Louhivuori from Finland - spent touring Finland this past February quickly become quite a blur, to say the least.

Prior to this tour, I hadn’t played a single gig in Finland in the almost 5 years (since moving to the US in 2008), and hadn’t played in my hometown in 13 years. This was a homecoming that had tremendous personal meaning to me.

It’s fascinating to observe one’s own thought process while being in the middle of something like this as it is actually happening. Our concert at Kulttuuritalo Korundi in my hometown Rovaniemi, which is a town of 60,000 people or so, about 4 miles from the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, was an occasion that made me quite nervous in advance - and I very seldom get nervous before concerts. The daylong drive northward from our previous clinic and concert in Joensuu found me in quite a contemplative mood. Out of all the concerts on the tour, this was one of only two door gigs, so I had quite a few things going through my mind - will there be anyone there? Can I keep myself together onstage? How will people living on the Arctic Circle react to a music that is a collage of influences from around the world, a diary of a search for Home after a childhood spent moving between Northern Finland, Jordan, Tanzania, Oman and Lebanon? Can we connect with the audience?

After getting settled in our family’s house and doing the mandatory Arctic Circle sightseeing and taking the guys to meet Santa Claus, we started to get ready to play again. The venue proved to be - bias or no bias - the most beautiful out of all the places we played on the entire tour. Built into a renovated old factory warehouse, Kulttuuritalo Korundi was a medium-sized concert hall with beautiful acoustics and gorgeously atmospheric lighting to set the mood. The parallels of reunion were many: in keeping with the theme of going full circle, I’d asked Timo Rehtonen, the same guy who had engineered, mixed and mastered my very first studio recording back in 2000, to do our live sound.

Adding to the emotional charge as we took the stage and begun the concert with “Bayatiful” was that not only did it turn out that the concert was nearly sold out, but I saw so many familiar faces spanning my entire life - there were childhood friends, high school friends, family and relatives in the audience. Perhaps most significant of all, my parents were there; my father had not heard me perform in thirteen years. When Eva joined us to sing a heavily improvised piece I’d written as homage to part of my roots in Finnish Lapland, “Kaiku”, I felt like I disappeared and dissolved completely. I don’t remember much after that except feeling a tremendous sense of both peace and energy. The response from the audience was overwhelming; when, after playing through the material that comprises my debut album un, we ended the encore with an Eva-reinforced trio version of “Nuku Sie”, which I dedicated to a childhood friend’s newborn son who I’d just met that morning, not only both Eva and I, but many in the audience as well, were in tears.

That night, after we’d already got back to my family home, I got an email from an unknown person thanking me for the concert. Reading it, I was left completely speechless. As my mother read it, she cried. Little did I know that the man writing to me was also the columnist for Lapin Kansa, Lapland’s largest newspaper, and that he would publish much of what he wrote to me in a column the following week with the title “The Value of Art is Immeasurable” (my translation):

“…I closed my eyes as the familiar tune [“Naima”] from a jazz legend [John Coltrane] played and opened them later to make room for tears. The music that Reijonen had composed as a sonic photograph of his Lappish roots [“Kaiku”] was so beautiful that I felt as if it had cleansed me. All the pettiness, jealousy and bitterness that had gathered in me peeled away, and what was left was only the human being I would like to be. They were tears of joy that flowed, hot and unhindered, onto my cheeks. I suppose it was a spiritual experience, although I have never experienced anything spiritual in the religious sense before.”

- Jouni Kantola, Lapin Kansa, 10 February 2013

To wordlessly connect with another like this… the power of music never ceases to amaze me.

Jussi was awarded an EM grant in Fall 2012 to complete this tour.

Firebird Ensemble Director and NEC alum Kate Vincent joins us...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:59:33 -0400

Firebird Ensemble Director and NEC alum Kate Vincent joins us this spring to share her rich experience building a dynamic new music ensemble. Vincent will focus on the process of building fruitful collaborations—specifically interdisciplinary partnerships with dancers, poets, actors, filmmakers and visual artists—and best practices for shaping community-based performance programs.

Meet EM, Part Nine - Rachel Roberts Posted from: MA, USA A...

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:58:00 -0500

Meet EM, Part Nine - Rachel Roberts

Posted from: MA, USA

A spreadsheet wiz and calming presence, Rachel’s the woman behind the department. Hide your pigs, folks…because she makes a mean piece of chocolate covered bacon!

PART NINE

Rachel Roberts - our fearless leader

1. Tell us about yourself

I’m a flutist (and sometimes piano accompanist) originally from a small town in south-east Iowa. I love food (and may have a *slight* reputation for making chocolate-covered bacon), love being outdoors (hiking, kayaking, and running), and have the sweetest and most awesome 14.5-lb orange tabby cat named Buddy. I’m also a twin! Dr. Sarah Roberts is a fabulous jazz and classical saxophonist, currently working as Professor of Woodwinds in Tyler, Texas.

2. What was your path to NEC?

I didn’t connect all of these threads until a few years ago, but being an entrepreneur helping to improve the music world has always been a part of my life. In junior high, I was the librarian for my town’s little summer community band. In high school, I was basically the assistant to my band director (when I graduated and left, they replaced me with a full-time paid position). At Eastman, I became actively involved with their Arts Leadership Program, and after graduating accepted my first job as Artistic and Production Assistant with the Houston Symphony. I was then accepted into a one-year orchestra fellowship program, and upon finishing became the Atlanta Symphony’s first Director of Strategic Planning Engagement. Through a completely unexpected series of connections and conversations, I learned about NEC’s desire to start the Entrepreneurial Musicianship Department, and was lucky enough to be asked to lead its creation. I moved to Boston in September of 2009, and throughout all of this journey, I’ve kept up my love for playing, performing, and teaching flute.

3. Why are you working for EM?

Because I love music, and I genuinely care about creating a sustainable environment for the arts to thrive beyond our own individual careers! I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of how to integrate tangible survival/career skills into a music-performance centered environment. My goal is to provide the tools to empower NEC’s young musicians to become leaders and change-agents for the success of the arts in our communities worldwide.

4. What is your favorite musical memory?

There are so many!! I’ll choose just two … From fifth grade through my college years (and then some – like this past summer!), I’ve played the Stars and Stripes piccolo solo with my mom on the 4th of July in our little Iowa community band.

My other favorite musical memory is with my twin. We would enter all kinds of competitions together in junior high and high school, and since we both played our wind instruments and piano, we accompanied each other everywhere we went. (I sorely miss having a built-in accompanist!!) While we aren’t identical, we still loved to surprise judges with our dual roles – the first appearance once would be with our instrument and the other on piano, then the second appearance we’d switch roles. Talk about a conversation starter!

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?

Hands down, my second career would be working with animals! I love them. All of them! I’ve often thought about what life would be like working in a zoo and taking care of animals (are there parallels to my current life? :-)), or I’ve also thought about what it would take to become a veterinarian. Who knows, in another 30 years once the music field has had enough of me, you might likely find me with a second “retirement” career with animals.

6. What is your favorite food?

I know, you’re probably thinking “she’s going to say chocolate-covered bacon”. You’re right! (however, I really love all food as long as it’s GOOD!)

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?

Carnegie Hall! (2002 New York String Orchestra Seminar)

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?

My home. Second to that? Anywhere in Boston! I love this city. :-)

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?

Travel the world. So many great sites to see, so many interesting people to meet, and so much good food to eat :-)

10. What are you doing this weekend?

This weekend I’m teaching flute lessons, finishing my holiday shopping, doing a bit of work at home, cooking something delicious, and enjoying dinner with friends.

Meet EM, Part Eight - Michelle Zwi Posted from: MA, USAMichelle...

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:40:00 -0500

Meet EM, Part Eight - Michelle Zwi

Posted from: MA, USA

Michelle is a gig office veteran turned EM supporter. She knows the ropes when it comes to Bridge and the Music Referral Service, and is always helpful when questions turn up. Her most recent office endeavor included sprucing up the place with home-made holiday decorations.

PART EIGHT
Michelle Zwi - the gig service pro and holiday elf

1. Tell us about yourself
I’m currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Oboe, and I also did my masters at NEC. I originally grew up in the Washington D.C. area and spent the last 2 years of high school living in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I’ve been living in Boston for 7 years, so I guess at this point I’m pretty much a Bahstonian!

2. What was your path to NEC?
I completed my bachelors down the street at the Boston Conservatory, so I spent a lot of time hearing the awesome work of NEC students and falling in love with my teacher’s style of playing. It was only natural that this was my first choice for grad school!

3. Why are you working for EM?
Before the offices merged, I spent 2 years working in the old gig office. I just adore everything about this job! Not only are all my co-workers a blast, but I’m able to meet so many great community members that come into or call the office. I’ve also learned so much about being a competent freelancer, so bonus points for life lessons! It’s an added plus that now my mind is tuned to marketing and entrepreneurial ideas, too.

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
This is a hard one! I’m going to cheat and pick two; on a tour of South Africa, we did a cultural exchange where we performed at a center for youth with HIV/AIDS. They sang and danced for us and we taught and learned so much from each other. It was a beautiful experience! The other would have to be bringing my outreach group to an orphanage for battered children in the slums of Brazil and watching as some of them saw an instrument and heard live music for the first time in their life; it was absolutely magical.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
A neurological researcher! I think music has huge implications for science/health and vice versa, and I’m positive that there’s a physiological link between music or organized sound and pre-natal to early childhood neurodevelopment. I’ve tried to teach myself neuro-anatomy on the side (yay for coloring books!) and have been taking some pre-med classes on my free nights, but I wish I could just clone myself and do both full time!

6. What is your favorite food?
A Brazilian black bean stew called feijoada with rice and collared greens. Oh…and brussell sprouts! And ice cream! Now I’m hungry…

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
At the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan. Not only was it jaw dropping gorgeous scenery, but there was some festival going on where there were floats and dragons everywhere so it was just an awesome spectacle.

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
I’m with Caroline on this one and have to say the reflecting pool, right in front of the church. It’s so beautiful there! Also, right in the middle of the Mass Ave bridge in the summertime :)

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
Happy

10. What are you doing this weekend?
I have a lesson so I’ll be making lots of reeds! I’ll also be working at the Pine Street Inn downtown in their annual gift-wrapping where we package socks, toothbrushes and other useful items for the homeless who are currently sheltered there.

Meet EM, Part Seven - Eva HeinsteinPosted from: MA,...

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:46:00 -0500

Meet EM, Part Seven - Eva Heinstein

Posted from: MA, USA

She’s the one that can pull off funky glasses, hip scarves, fantastic shoes, and a rockin’ blazer - all while ripping your resume to shreds, and making you sound like the most accomplished musician in your bio. Eva is EM’s Assistant Director and has been an integral part in the department’s growth and expansion.

PART SEVEN
Eva Heinsten - The one with the eloquent anwsers and advice

1. Tell us about yourself
I’m originally from Berkeley, California—the stock of a rational Berkeley native and a passionate Moroccan Israeli mother. I spent most of my youth trying to dodge my mother’s Middle Eastern flare, now I try to channel it.

2. What was your path to NEC?
I made my way to NEC via NYU and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where I studied Ethnomusicology and Hebrew Literature. I took a soft turn from academia to curating public programs for an arts presenter in Boston, excited to take my ideas about Jewish cultural revival off the page and into clubs, theaters, gardens, and living rooms. I attended free concerts at NEC with friends, and curiously followed the development of the Sistema Fellows Program and the Entrepreneurial Musicianship Department. Then a job posting turned up, and I thought why not? The job represented a way to bring together many of my seemingly diverging interests—piano performance, ethnomusicology, program curation, cultural start-ups, writing, and more. A touch of luck, and a few interviews later, I was here.

3. Why are you working for EM?
I love the process of starting new projects. The ideation, uncertainty, pluck, trial and error, and satisfaction of bringing something to life that wasn’t there before. I get to play a small role in so many new artistic projects and draw great satisfaction from watching students move through the process with such creativity and determination.

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
Music has always been central to the way my family celebrates, observes, and grieves. Though recent, I would say one of my favorite musical memories is of my mother singing La Arosa, a traditional Jewish Moroccan song, on my wedding day. She has such a beautiful, layered voice, and the mix of Hebrew, Arabic and English (translated for the occasion) in her song wonderfully captured the many threads of my family’s heritage.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
I would be a computer programmer. I find peace in complex, detail oriented projects. That, or a scarf designer. I love scarves.

6. What is your favorite food?
I spend much of my day thinking about food—what to make for dinner, when to dive into my afternoon snack. So, I’ll qualify that Shakshuka is one of my favorites: it’s a simple Middle Eastern dish that involves warm tomato sauce, eggs and enough garlic to kill a horse. It’s hearty and healthy and great with a heel of olive bread. (See recipe from Smitten Kitchen if you’d like to give it a try).

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
The Berkeley Piano Club—an exquisite private performance space nestled behind the Bertha Newell House in the heart of the city. It is such a warm, inviting space and remains one of my favorite venues.

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
I love the Forest Hills Cemetery—it is beautifully landscaped, peppered with incredible monuments and sculptures, and is one of the few spots in Jamaica Plain that isn’t teeming with dogs (and thus a peaceful place to walk my own feisty Brittany Spaniel, Jasmine).

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I’ll take a page from Tim’s book on this one. I’d like to do what I do now, only better.

10. What are you doing this weekend?
I am planning to spend a few quality hours with a new cookbook, Denis Cotter’s For the Love of Food. All of the recipes are impossibly complex, but I’d like to pick one to put in Thanksgiving rotation. This is my first T-day as a vegetarian—wish me luck!

Meet EM, Part Six - Daniel ParrettePosted from: MA, USAAnother...

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:54:00 -0500

Meet EM, Part Six - Daniel Parrette

Posted from: MA, USA

Another fantastic student worker, Daniel gives Tim some back-up when it comes to the male to female ratio in the office. In his third semester working for the music referral service, he’s the guy to know if you want some gigs!

PART SIX
Daniel Parrette - The other dude on a yoga ball

1. Tell us about yourself
I’m a clarinetist in my 3rd year of undergraduate study at NEC. I enjoy cooking, eating, playing ultimate frisbee, and performing for young audiences. I’m originally from West Point, NY where I’ve lived my whole life.

2. What was your path to NEC?
My parents met in their undergrad programs at NEC. They were both Class of ‘87. I’ve been visiting the school ever since I can remember. I never expected to come here, but I’m finding my own way at NEC and I know that it is the best place for me.

3. Why are you working for EM?
It’s a great opportunity to learn about the music world and work with people who are so creative and inspiring!

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
Performing Stravinsky’s Danses Concertantes in The National Festival Chamber Orchestra. That piece is not meant to be played without a conductor, but we made it work and it was an incredible experience.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?=
Third baseman for the NY Yankees.

6. What is your favorite food?
Fish and chips!

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
One summer festival we performed in a church in upstate NY with a ton of windows with no screens. The concert was at 8pm, so it was literally swarming with bats. The audience had a freak-out.

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
Comm Ave. during Christmas time.

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to perform music I love with people who inspire me.

10. What are you doing this weekend?
Going to a musical theater frat party, BSO, and CPP public speaking workshop! (Sunday at 2pm in Pierce)

Meet EM, Part Five - Caroline Scharr Posted from: MA,...

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:50:00 -0400

Meet EM, Part Five - Caroline Scharr

Posted from: MA, USA

Caroline is another one of our smiley and fun, yet task-oriented, student workers. Soon, she’ll be heading up our exciting series called Project 231 – a student run, dialogue driven series that addresses your life-in-music questions. Intrigued? Chat with Caroline for more details!

PART FIVE
Caroline Scharr - she’s holding a pumpkin!

1. Tell us about yourself
I am currently working on my graduate degree at NEC studying oboe performance from John Ferrillo. I grew up in Cape Cod, MA. Before I got serious about music, I was a pretty serious figure skater. Boo ya!

2. What was your path to NEC?
I started going to NEC prep every Saturday during high school to get a better understanding of orchestral style playing. I started my undergraduate work studying oboe performance at UMass Amherst, but after two year at UMass I was looking for a more intense music school and decided to transfer to NEC.

3. Why are you working for EM?
I am working for EM because I believe that every musician needs to have basic business managing and marketing skills to make it in the music industry today. By working in EM I get to learn about all the cool ways of doing so, while helping others along the way.

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
When I was about eight years old, my Dad’s symphony orchestra invited musician’s children up to the stage to play Haydn’s “Toy Symphony” with the orchestra. My instrument for that concert was the triangle and I had no idea what I was doing. I was so nervous and confused to why people wanted to watch me, a child, with other children my age play instruments so poorly. But as I get older, I am beginning to understand how powerful music can be!

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
I would work in a hospital, I really like helping people.

6. What is your favorite food?
SUSHI!

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
A carnival… in Maine…with fried dough, freak shows, cotton candy…the whole nine yards!

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
The Reflecting Pool. What? I’m from Cape Cod, I need to be around bodies of water.

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to play in an orchestra that exhibits great passion, technique and skill. It is my dream to be a member of an organization that helps move and change people through their musical talents.

10. What are you doing this weekend?
I am going to a Halloween party! Any suggestions for a great costume?!?!

Meet EM, Part Four - Michelle Doolittle

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:57:00 -0400

Posted from: MA, USA

Shelly’s bubbly personality always brings an extra spark to the office. She helps maintain the Bridge database, but also helps everyone maintain a positive outlook during the workday. Check back again next week for a new profile!

PART FOUR
Michelle Doolittle - the voice of calm

1. Tell us about yourself
Well, my name is Michelle but my friends call me Shelly, and I’m in my 2nd year of grad studies in Vocal Performance. I grew up a block from the ocean in Santa Cruz, California. It’s probably one of the coolest places in the world to be from (not that I’m biased or anything…). I did my undergraduate work at Cal State Fullerton. Go Titans!

2. What was your path to NEC?
Going into my senior year of college, I decided that I wanted to pursue a graduate degree. I asked teachers and friends for recommendations of schools and teachers. NEC was at the top of the list, and when I found out that Lisa Saffer (now my teacher!) was on faculty here, I knew this was what I wanted. Kids, dreams do come true!

3. Why are you working for EM?
Last year whenever I had to go into the Office of Student Services, I always peered into the EM office as I passed and thought “That would be an awesome place to work.” Guess what? It is! Also, let’s be honest, I need money. (But let’s be honest again: if I REALLY needed money I would have chosen a different career path…)

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
A few years ago, the choir I was in at CSUF performed on a concert of Disney music at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. They needed someone to whistle the songs of the bird from Snow White. Since I was notorious for walking through the halls at school whistling Bach or whatever was stuck in my head, I got the part. Long story short: My whistling got me a standing ovation. SO COOL.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
I love photography, and I love babies, so I think I’d want to be a photographer that takes pictures of cute babies.

6. What is your favorite food?
Desserts. Of any kind.

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
A church in St. Petersburg, Russia, that had been converted from an indoor pool. The ceilings were super high and there was a 10 second reverb. It made it difficult to sing…

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
I love Davis Square. I know that’s not exactly IN Boston, but you should check it out.

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
Whatever makes me happy, just like my dad taught me.10. What are you doing this weekend?
Memorizing recital rep, catching up on my favorite TV shows from the week (gotta love Hulu!) and various other homework assignments.
-

Meet EM, Part Three - Tim Shneier

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:12:00 -0400

Our third staff member to introduce you to knows NEC in and out. As a recent graduate, Tim is the perfect guy to oversee the music referral service and Bridge. He was hesitant to trade in his chair for a yoga ball, but now he’s showing the rest of the office how it’s done.

PART THREE
Tim Shneier, the gig-service dude

1. Tell us about yourself
I’m a first generation American (South African parents), born in upstate New York and raised in suburban Maryland. I grew up playing piano, playing trombone, singing and writing music, so music school was a natural choice. I studied classical trombone at Eastman and jazz at NEC.

2. What was your path to NEC?
I was really attracted to the open-mindedness of NEC’s jazz program, with its focus on the development of individual creativity, and the faculty here is almost an embarrassment of riches. Luckily for me, they were ok with letting me spend a couple years in the program.

3. Why are you working for EM?
Well…have you tried Rachel’s chocolate-covered bacon?

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
Several come to mind, both as a participant and as a listener. Singing Bach chorales with Dave Douglas at the summit of a mountain in the Canadian Rockies was pretty cool.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
I’ve done occasional piano accompanying gigs over the years, and could see myself doing more of that.

6. What is your favorite food?
So many…like everyone else at EM, I’m pretty into food. You can’t go wrong with any kind of Mediterranean food though. Italian, Greek, Lebanese…

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
Over the summer I played a gig on a water taxi on the Boston harbor. This guy hired me to play “Can’t Help Falling in Love” while he proposed to his girlfriend on the water. Luckily she said yes – could have been pretty awkward!

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
I really like my neighborhood in Jamaica Plain, between the Stony Brook T stop and Jamaica Pond. It’s a little removed from the city, but it‘s still easy to get to most parts of Boston. There’s a real community feel that I like, and trees everywhere!

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to keep doing what I’m doing, but do it better.

10. What are you doing this weekend?
Saturday I’m recording with a new music ensemble. Sunday I’m playing in a Peruvian church procession. Pretty typical weekend.

Meet EM, Part Two - Maureen Heflinger Next up, we’ll introduce...

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:07:00 -0400

Meet EM, Part Two - Maureen Heflinger

Next up, we’ll introduce you to one of our spunky student workers. She can be found plugging away at the Bridge database in the afternoons and is always adding a witty comment to our EM discussions. Check back next Wednesday to get to know another Entrepreneurial crew member.

PART TWO
Maureen Heflinger, the one with the dreads

1. Tell us about yourself
I’m perfectly normal - I grew up in Fairbanks , AK where I learned to play piano, violin, and finally viola.

2. What was your path to NEC?
I didn’t travel a lot growing up, so I had no idea where I wanted to go to school, or with whom I wanted to study - I just knew I wanted to go to music school. I was accepted to several top conservatories, and my father, a tone-deaf electrical engineer (who would not mind that I am giving him that title), came up with the brilliant suggestion that I should listen to recordings by my prospective teachers, and pick the one I liked best. Marcus Thompson was an easy pick.

3. Why are you working for EM?
Eva makes me – and I secretly love it.

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
Well, since there are many, I’ll just pick the first one that comes to mind: Routa Kroumovich Gomez used to conduct the string orchestra at a summer music camp in Fairbanks. She pushed us to work very hard - she would routinely make each player within a section play the hard passages alone. I hear her voice in my head often, “second violins, you are out of tune! I have this curse. It is called perfect pitch. Every time you play out of tune it is like you are stabbing knives into my ears.” We all loved playing for her, so we worked hard and improved astonishingly over the course of the camp. She is still my good friend and mentor.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
I’ve contemplated this question a lot - what if I lost a finger, a hand, or an arm? I think I would sing

.6. What is your favorite food?
Marinara sauce. Or apples.

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
One of my private teachers used to organize studio recitals in nursing homes. At one of the homes, there was a resident who would always wander in after the music had started, walk up to the piano, and hover over the pianist’s shoulder until the end of the performance. We developed a fondness for our faithful (usually) silent participant, and were quite sad when we heard that he had passed away. Imagine our surprise at the next recital when he walked in halfway through the performance (we were misinformed, of course)!

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
I love the walk from NEC to Harvard Square. There are so many interesting shops to peek into, a great assortment of people to observe, and the walk over the Harvard Bridge is always beautiful. Sometimes at the end of it there’s a Boston Chamber Music Society concert in Sanders Theatre (only $5 for NEC students!), or hot chocolate at Burdick’s.

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
I will never grow up.

10. What are you doing this weekend?
I can’t remember. Is anyone having a party? Dogsitting. Trio rehearsal and coaching. Free yoga at NEC 12 noon on Sunday!

Top 10 Tips for Producing Your Concert at NEC We’re...

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:07:00 -0400

Top 10 Tips for Producing Your Concert at NEC

We’re gearing up for our first EM Series event of the semester, Your Concert at NEC, a session on the nuts and bolts of concert production at NEC and beyond. We hope you can join us for one of the informative sessions—we’ll be gathering in SB313 at 10AM and again at 3PM.

To get in the ‘concert-production-frame-of-mind’ we polled a few students and staff members on their biggest blunders and best ideas, and compiled this list of tips:

Have a reception, however small. Doesn’t need to be lavish, but no one will argue with a cookie and something fizzy.
On the topic of receptions—offer to bake or cook something for a friend’s recital and ask for the same in return!
On the topic of your friends’ recitals, go to them! They will be your best audience.
Book your hall early—it will be much harder to convince your friends to come to a recital at 4PM on a Tuesday.
Hire audio visual to record your concert, OR be prepared for the possibility that your friend may forget to press the record button.
Looking for a deal on a concert dress or suit? Head over to Boomerangs or Goodwill and then bring your cheap find to the tailor—$15 and voila! a custom fit you will have.
Confirm with your pianist that he or she has located a page turner. A small detail, yet exactly the kind of detail that is easily overlooked. Those pages don’t turn themselves.
Those flashy stilettos may look great in the store—trust us on this one: they will feel and sound less great in minute 58 of your recital. Circulation is key for concentration.
Percussionists, tell your mother to leave the binoculars at home. First, it’s embarrassing, second, this time you’ll be front and center.
File under things you probably already knew: practice, get a good night sleep, hydrate, breath, eat something nourishing, call your mother.

Meet EM, Part One - Maria Finkelmeier Posted from: MA, USAEver...

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:45:00 -0400

Meet EM, Part One - Maria Finkelmeier

Posted from: MA, USA

Ever wonder who those people are raving about entrepreneurialism in the office with a white board covered in scribbles, yoga balls rolling around, and new Ikea couch beckoning you at every pass? Here’s your chance to get to know the ladies and gents that make up the EM office! Every Wednesday we’ll post a entry with a little “getting to know you” Q&A. Next time you stop in, you’ll have a story to go with that friendly face, which may even instigate some entrepreneurial conversation.

PART ONE
Maria Finkelmeier, the newest addition to the EM staff

1. Tell us about yourself
I’m a percussionist by trade and love to get involved in a myriad of projects and performances. Classical trained with a master’s from Eastman, I also love to improvise and compose my own music. Along with this passion for performance, I have a passion for sharing knowledge, stories, and inspiration to anyone who will listen. I could be labeled as a “people person” and welcome the title with open arms.

2. What was your path to NEC?
I lived in Sweden for three years working on my own projects, traveling and performing, and teaching at a university. I learned a lot from being immersed in a new culture, visiting different countries, and creating a touring ensemble from the ground up. I was extremely stimulated musically, but eventually yearned for a stable career in the USA. When I came across the job posting for this position (via Facebook, believe it or not) I was extremely encouraged. I applied immediately and completed three interviews via Skype while in Sweden (don’t tell Rachel, but I was wearing sweat pants to accompany my very professional blazer). Then, I moved to my parents home in Cincinnati, Ohio for a bit before transitioning to Boston. I drove up here on August 12, and started on August 13! What a journey!

3. Why are you working for EM?
EM’s mission to integrate the real-life business skills essential for a musician to be successful after graduation into NEC’s curriculum resonates with me as a young musician. In this economic climate it’s important for musicians to advocate for themselves. Becoming confident, creative, and well-rounded artists enables this ownership over one’s one career. Having gone through the Arts Leadership Program at Eastman, I’ve found the skills acquired from this education extremely valuable and necessary in my life as a performer and educator.

4. What is your favorite musical memory?
I’m going to go old school on this one and tell you about a memory from my high school days. During my junior year our wind ensemble performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. This was a huge honor for all of us, especially our band director who had been striving for this goal for years. The last piece we performed was a dynamic hymn, in which the brass and percussion were going for it, and the audience was encouraged to sing along…and in this case, having a room full of thousands of band directors, they did just that. As soon as I saw the first tear drop from my band director’s eye, I lost it emotionally as well (continuing some fabulous glockenspiel playing, of course). It was at that moment that I realized I not only wanted to pursue music professionally, but I needed to.

5. If you could have a second career, what would it be?
Dancer

6. What is your favorite food?
Anything Italian. Or pumkin flavored. Or both? Maybe not…

7. What is the most interesting venue you’ve performed in?
The last tour I organized with my percussion group in Sweden was dedicated to the midnight sun (I lived so far north that the sun never set in the summer and it was always dark in the winter!) We planned four concerts at fascinating venues in the area to celebrate nature and sound. The last performance was at a place called the TreeHotel. A playground for adults, this venue boasts 6 oversized, architecturally refined, and beautifully designed tree houses that guests can book. The owners commissioned us to write new pieces for each of the tree houses and we performed them under/next to/inside each one. It was an amazing experience to bring such awe-inspiring structures to life through our music!

8. Where is your favorite place in Boston?
The EM office, on my yoga ball

9. What do you want to do when you grow up?
Make people smile

10. What are you doing this weekend?
I’ll be hanging with my roommates and friends! Nothing too crazy, but I am excited to continue to get to know people here in Boston. Musicially, I’ll start playing for the Boston Ballet on Saturday at 8am (nothing like jammin on some drums for dancers to start your weekend!)

Your Concert at NECProducing a concert for the first time can be...

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:47:00 -0400

Your Concert at NEC

Producing a concert for the first time can be a daunting task—the checklist includes booking a hall, creating stage plots, procuring instruments, arranging a recording, creating a program, and much more. Join us next Thursday for a nuts and bolts workshop on how to get your concert off the ground at NEC and beyond. Lisa Nigris from Audio and Visual Services, Melissa Schoenack and Bob Winters from Concert Halls, Aaron Dana from the Instrument Library and Sally Millar from Concert Programs will be on hand to answer your questions and share best practices from their years in concert production. We’ll be running the session twice—once at 10AM and again at 3PM—we hope to see you there!

All About EM

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:14:00 -0400

As we launch into our third year, we are excited to share this infographic that tracks all of the opporunities and prorgams we’ve been busy building since our start in 2010.

A Walk in Their Shoes (part II): A day in the life of an NEC graduate student

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:08:00 -0400

This afternoon we chatted with four grad students about life at NEC. Check out what they had to say!

Meet the panelists

Vessela Stoyana – an electric marimba player from Bulgaria. She came to Boston to attend Berklee for her undergrad and was then attracted to NEC because of the Contemporary Improvisation department. Consequently, because of her unique background and instrument choice, she has since become a sort of “poster child” for the CI department.Peter Dodds – a classical percussionist from the Chicago area. Peter did his undergrad at the University of Michigan, and made the journey to the east coast to study with the prestigious faculty at NEC.

Jennifer McNeil – took five years off after earning her Bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt. She came back to school for her Masters at NEC specifically to study with her classical guitar teacher.

Patricia Au – a doctorial candidate in collaborative piano. In her fifth year at NEC (she also completed her masters a few years ago) she is a wealth of knowledge and adv ice. She was attracted to NEC for the faculty as well, and is originally from Toronto, Canada (which means she is an international student, contrary to common belief!)

Their Advice

Vessela – When entering grad school I thought it would be a luxury to take out loans and not have to work (I was working and gigging full time). However, I found that with time I became uncomfortable not having an income and wish I would have prepared more time to work/gig. I feel that I could have taken some more gigs if I wasn’t in the “year off” mentality.

Peter – My program lends itself to a lot of freedom…which sounds great! But, it was a challenge to figure out how to manage this “free time.” I realized that practicing for 8 or 9 hours when I wasn’t in classes or rehearsals was NOT a good idea. I became burnt out very quickly. Account for your time wisely.

Jenn – I agree that time management is a big challenge at NEC. I laid back a bit my first semester to observe the environment, and then totally overdid it my second semester. I allowed my priorities to slip a bit, and realized I wasn’t getting everything out of my teacher that I should have been. I reprioritized to delve into the type of music that my teacher is specifically known for. Patricia – First, remember that you can say “no”! You’ll definitely want to do everything at the beginning, but learning to say “no” is crucial. Also, remember that you are good enough! I’ve been humbled many times within the last few years, but I’ve cried (in the studio during a lesson, in my apartment in the bathroom, etc…), but then remembered that I was ok, and that I would live through it.

The Q&A

Have you juggled relationships while you’ve been here?

The trick is time management, whether it’s with friendships, relationships, outside work, family, etc… You will be so committed to NEC that many times your social life will fall to the side.
Remember to exercise, meet with friends, and work on those relationships. Keeping something in your life that is not a part of NEC is important to stay healthy.

Have you held part time jobs during school?

My advice – if you like the job, keep the job because it will be an outlet for you (especially if the employer is flexible with your schedule)
Some students do have part-time work as a host/hostess or at Starbucks. There are also opportunities to work at NEC.

Do you have teaching studios outside of school?

It is common to have some outside teaching, but it will be a challenge to balance a solid studio. Someone at the EM office can help you figure out how to do so.
Since Boston is so transitional, there are a lot of students out there from people that have moved away. There are also a lot of schools in the area that are always looking for teachers.
But…remember…you are not supposed to teach in the practice rooms at NEC!

I’m a vocalist – what will a common day be like?

Your day will be packed 8am-10pm. First, there is your language class, then movement, diction, rehearsals, coachings, etc…
For CI students, our days don’t start until noon :)
For the classical instrument students, rehearsals run from 9-12 and the academic work is minimal.

Is there a secret to the practice rooms?

Saturday is prep-school day. STAY AWAY. Stage moms, tons of cars, and wee-ones are everywhere.
Students can apply for the key to their teacher’s studios
You can politely ask others to leave the “priority rooms” (if you are the priority instrument, of course)
There are more rooms available during the large ensemble rehearsals (9-12)
Most classes that are held in the SB building start at noon, so you can practice until then
You can book rooms with Melissa for rehearsals (she has strict office hours, so check out her door in the JH building)
You can always practice in the bathroom (seriously, great acoustics, and you’ll meet new friends!)
School closes at midnight, and opens really early in the morning. Security guards will kick you out…although some are more lenient than others…
If you do practice late, we encourage the buddy system when walking home.

Can you record performances?

All JH performances are recorded through the school, and are available through the Firestone music library
You have to make arrangements for your personal recitals independently. After you book your recital, you have 30 days to book a recording engineer through the school. You can also hire an independent/free lance engineer. The price is similar, and the engineers at NEC are really good.

Are there classes in Ethnomusicology, or classes that we can take from other Universities?

There are no classes labeled as ethno, but some courses through CI and music history cover world music topics. There is also a non-curricular group called The Intercultural Institute that brings in outside ensembles for masterclasses, etc…
You can look into this through student services

Is it safe to walk at night/take the T at 11pm?

Relatively safe, just be proactive (don’t flash your smart phone or listen to music. Be aware of your surroundings)
The bridge next to the parking lot (going over the orange line) is infamous for incidents. Avoid if possible.
Don’t leave objects visible in your car when you park in the area.
Mace is illegal in MA, unless registered

Are Boston winters unbearable?

Not really! The sun still shines, and they know how to take care of the snow
The T almost never shuts down, and they post delays online
How do TA positions work? You can either connect with a professor/department directly if you have that interest to inquire about being a TA, or just apply generally to the student employment office. Becoming a TA is recommended because there is no teaching component in the curriculum.

Other general advice!

International students – keep all of your programs for future visa applications and always ask for letters from gigs. Keep great records!
Go to as many concerts as you can! Opening Phil concert is always amazing and it will be a great year because of CI’s 40th!
Lots of free things available – MFA, BSO (concert card in SAC office), ICA, etc…
MBTA transportation apps are really helpful.
Taxi’s are AWEFUL in Boston. Know your route!
The T stops at 12:30

A Walk in Their Shoes (part I): A day in the life of an NEC...

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 16:49:00 -0400

A Walk in Their Shoes (part I): A day in the life of an NEC Undergrad

Today we spoke with four students about life at NEC…here’s a rundown of the session, in case you missed it!

Meet the Panelists

Elizabeth O’Neil – a third year oboe performance major from Arlington. VA. NEC was not her first choice right away! After a reevaluation during the audition process, she realized it was the perfect place for her and she loves it here.

Robyn Boillinger – a senior violinist from Philly. Her parents are both conservatory-trained, and they always assumed she would end up at the same place. However, when she visited NEC in December she fell in love with her teacher. She became excited to conquer a new place and make it her own. She was able to find her own way and explore the opportunities that are unique to NEC.

Laura Soto-Bayomi – a soprano from Jersey. She always thought she would end up in NYC, but ended up auditioning at way to many places (accepted at a whopping 9!) When she visited Boston it was cold and wet, and she auditioned in a room pre-renovation (not the best sell). Then, she had a lesson here, and realized that the people make the school, and saw the opportunities that lie within NEC. It’s the perfect place for her! Neal Markowski – a senior composition major from the Chicago area. He applied to two Boston schools: here and Berklee. Since he’s a composer, he just had to mail in scores, there was no interview/audition. He was accepted to both programs and came out to Beantown to check them out. He liked that NEC was small and had a lot of opportunities for students right away. The school has a lot of charm (exposed pipes, doors falling off, etc…) and when he spoke to students about the active compositional department, he knew it would be the best choice.

The Q&A

What have you learned about NEC since you’ve been here? Did you have to adjust?

Laura – I was very depressed when I got here. So…get out of your room! You have to start all over with making friends, but everyone is just like you and in the same situation. I would have liked to know that you can accomplish and do more that you think you can. You should do things outside of the music school.

Robyn – I was homeschooled before this, so coming to conservatory and being surrounded by people my own age was a culture shock! I wish I would have known that you can take a break. I wish I would have spent more time in the cafeteria and relaxing with friends.

Liz - know your own limits. You should be involved, but know when to say no Give your all to what you are doing, but don’t stretch too thin.

Neal – remember that you are in a CITY. You can just go walk around! Go do something. Walk to the commons (with a group, duh) the city is at your disposal.

Did you have jobs your freshman year?

Babysitting
Usher for the concert office – popular job here (see concerts for free, even if they are ticketed) good job for Freshman. You get 1 or 2 jobs a week your first semester, then you can ask for as many jobs as you want.
Computer lab: 8 - 15hours a week (flexible due to your schedule)
On-campus work study jobs cannot go above 20 hours a week
List of the departments online, and you can send resumes to any of them

How have you managed your finances?

Liz has a money tree – free if you stop by :)
Easy to get tired of the Bistro food, but be conscience of how much you are spending going out for food.
Robyn - use cash as much as possible (withdraw the money and physically know how much you are spending). Go to Trader Joes (even though it’s a little further!). Go to the Haymarket in the North End on the weekends! It’s a really cheap and great farmer’s market. Then, stop by Mike’s Pastries
Laura – write everything down! A coffee here and there, food, shopping – eek! Mint.com – shows you how much you’ve spent and what you’ve spent it on, you can create your budget
Neal – buy books first since you’ll spend so much at the very beginning. They are expensive, but you’ll use some of them in multiple classes. Sign up for Groupon – you pay 10 bucks, then you can 25 to eat at a restaurant (good for dating…look like a high-roller)

How often do you spend time with people from other colleges?

It differs from student to student. If you go out to concerts, you’ll start to recognize the same people, and you can start a conversation! Put yourself out there, and look friendly.

How often do you use the T?

If you live around school, you won’t need to take the T every day. Get a Charlie Card – the plastic card for the transportation system. Load it with money (it is cheaper than buying individual tickets). Put 20 bucks on the card, so you don’t have to think about it for every ride (but, don’t put 500 bucks on it and then lose it!) You can get a card for free at any of the bigger stops – Back Bay, Copley, Mass Ave…

What kind of time management skills do you rely on?

Liz – You are here for your instrument, but make sure you are doing your academic work. Do what will not make you stressed out (so practice even if there is a small assignment due tomorrow, but do the big project instead of practicing if it’s worth a lot of your grade.) Prioritize. Be conscience of what is important to you and balance it.

Robyn – write everything down, use smart phone. You will have a lot of scheduled classes, rehearsals, coffees, etc…you have to keep track. Also, just because it fits on the page doesn’t mean that it is going to work! Keep track of the big picture. (If you have 3-4 free, maybe you should keep it that way)

Laura – I love the school calendars. Makes a table on the computer of what the semester is like. Visualize your free time, and decide when it is best to practice/rest. Don’t overbook – people would rather you say no, than be late or really exhausted. Be as good to yourself as you are to anyone else.

Neal – I don’t play an instrument all the time, and in composition everyone has a different system (some composers say they write for 2 hours in the morning), but that doesn’t work for me. Don’t compare your work cycles to someone else’s. You know your own limits. Work with your studio teacher on expectations and scheduling.

RI Fiddle Project Summer Camp Opens Its Doors

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:11:00 -0400

Spring grant recipient Rachel Panitch has just welcomed Rhode Island Fiddle Project’s first cohort of summer campers. The Rhode Island Fiddle Project is a free, afterschool music program that provides violins, weekly lessons in fiddling traditions, group classes, and monthly musical performances to students in the low-income neighborhoods of Pawtucket and Central Falls, Rhode Island. We couldn’t be more excited to see this deeply needed program grow. In this post, Rachel shares what’s in store for her students—lots of music making and a surprise involving a giant canoe!

* * *

Today is the first day of RI Fiddle Project’s Summer Camp. Here are 4 reasons I’m really looking forward to it:

1. Dave Davignon will be leading a drum circle/bucket band experiment

2. Josh Rodriguez will be guest teaching along with Michelle and Rachel, working with students on improvisation and composition.

3. We’ll be giving informal performances in 2 settings that are new to us:

New Urban Farmers’ “Garden of Life” at Galego Court, 483 Weeden St, Pawtucket 1:30-2 PM Wednesday, June 27th
Leon Mathieu Senior Center, 420 Main St, Pawtucket, 1-1:30 PM Thursday, June 28th

Feel free to stop by if you’re in the neighborhood for either of these!

4. Two words: Giant Canoe. We’ll be sure to share photos after Thursday.

WWFM Interview with EM Director Rachel RobertsEarlier this...

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:29:00 -0400

WWFM Interview with EM Director Rachel Roberts

Earlier this month, EM Director Rachel Roberts was interviewed on WWFM by Rachel Katz about NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship Department. Rachel was joined by students Nell Shaw Cohen, Colin Thurmond and Rachel Panitch, who discussed their experience with EM’s courses, grant and field experience programs, and how it has enriched their time at NEC. You can listen to the full interview by clicking here.

April Fools Homage to Summer Festivals

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:19:00 -0400

As the summer festival season kicks into high gear, we’re un-archiving our April Fools Dear M column on the dos and don’ts of festival life. It’s Friday, the sun is shining, the mood is light, and we thought students could use a reminder.

* * *

April 1, 2012

Dear M,

This is my first time attending a major summer festival, and I am wondering what I should expect? Are there any major dos and don’ts I should have on my radar? How can I get the most out of the experience?

Dear Summer Festival,

Oh young padawan, your first big summer festival! Where to begin?! Let me first review a few tidbits of social advice, because let’s be honest, summer festivals are like summer camp, your freshman dorm, and a high school dance all rolled into one ‘social-anxiety-producing-teen-drama-oh-no-he-didn’t-I-want-my-mommy’ experience. Then we can talk about how to make your mark artistically, yada, yada.

Here are my top shelf tips for avoiding social unease:

When you first arrive, people will be scoping you out, and you other people. Don’t despair if you don’t see anyone that strikes your fancy. Around week 2, the ‘festival goggles’ will set in.
About those festival goggles, it’s a bit horrifying when they wear off. Do be warned that you may have some painful decisions to defend to your friends.
Morality is relative. Advancing your career is key. I’m just saying, you might want to use your ‘full toolkit’ to get noticed. Want that solo in the final performance? Work it.
Be a team player: warn your roommate about special guests. Don’t be coy, make it obvious. A do not disturb sign will do just fine.
And when the music is all done for the day, and you’re socializing and such, might I suggest a social lubricant? Be green, buy local.

And, here are my tried and true nuggets of advice for strutting your artistic stuff:

In orchestra rehearsal, when you aren’t playing, you MUST mirror the conductor. This will make your peers take notice and treat you like the kick-ass-maestro you were born to be.
If mirroring the conductor isn’t your thing, try angry birds. Don’t be shy, just whip out your phone right in the middle of rehearsal and start whirling those birds with gusto.
When practicing, make sure to play orchestral experts, faster and louder than others in adjacent practice rooms. Intimidate. Intimidate. Intimidate.
Also, on the note of excerpts, you can also practice them loudly when about to take the stage. It really helps your friends get in the mood for the performance.
Never stop humming the music you’re working on in orchestra. People love people who hum.
You may be called upon to turn pages for pianists. This is a high honor and you should show your appreciation by caressing the pianist every time he or she plays a passage especially well. Pianists are lonely people, they need a little love.
Make sure to drop the names of famous musicians you have played with (or been in the same room with) as often as possible. Associate yourself with fame. Fame begets fame.
If you’re really desperate, resort to sabotage. Take that hot-and-oh-so-talented concert mistress down! Without getting into details, might I suggest you pack super glue, laxatives, and maybe a firecracker or two? Use your imagination.

Good luck young padawan, I know you’ll do great! Last suggestion: carry around a copy of this festival guide in your instrument case to refer to in social emergency situations. Being cool is being prepared. Go get ‘em!

Residency in Jacmel, Haiti On June 15th, EM grant recipient...

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:25:00 -0400

Residency in Jacmel, Haiti

On June 15th, EM grant recipient Lauren Nelson is traveling to Jacmel, Haiti to teach in the Jean Baptiste Dessaix Music School, a community program that provides music education to students from low-income families in Jacmel and the surrounding areas. Lauren is currently raising additional funds to help cover airfare for three colleagues to join her, Youth and Family Enrichment Services teachers Heidie Jean, Diana Golden and local jazz vocalist Neha Jiwrajka.

Visit their campaign page and consider making a gift to help her reach goal!