Random clip for the day

You'll never hear me telling a student that grades don't matter, or that they shouldn't go to college or graduate school or even that they shouldn't become insurance salesmen. After all, my father is an insurance salesman precisely because it allows him to do the things he enjoys most, both at work and everywhere else. But I hope my students don't miss out on their experiences because they think they only matter as a means to an end. Don't dedicate your life to something unless the process is just as enjoyable as the potential outcome.

CD available online!

The Mountain Music Duo's debut album "Summer Play" is now available online! Click here to order. The digital files have not yet appeared on iTunes and other digital media sites, but I will update this post when they do!

***UPDATE***
The album is now available on iTunes, and coming soon to Amazon, Rhapsody, and more!

Fun!

I have to admit that since I spend 99% of my practice time trying to cultivate the most beautiful sound possible on this finicky instrument called the oboe, sometimes it is fun to honk out some really raucous MULTIPHONICS. Prior to today, I had only memorized one, but then I found this great article which describes several! The links to fingering charts is particularly helpful, and I have found some new favorites. Happy honking!

On summer's end...

It was foggy as I left the Rocky Ridge master class - a sight rare in Colorado, especially in July! The students all played wonderfully and I think we had a great class.

Don't forget about the Mountain Music Duo's DEBUT CD RELEASE PARTY coming up on August 28! We previewed some of the tunes at Erie Community Library.



It is also back-to-school time, and time to sign up for private lessons if you haven't already!

You can leave a comment on this post for more information, or email me at tenly [dot] williams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Masterclass at Rocky Ridge

Rocky Ridge Music Center was the site of my first multi-week summer music camp. I had a blast! Now things have come full circle, and I will teach a masterclass there at 9:30 AM on July 29.

Also, be on the lookout for the Mountain Music Duo's new album, Summer Play, which will be available both digitally and materially before our CD release party on August 28! Visit tenly.blogspot.com for more information!

Michael Jackson

I haven't always been a fan of Michael Jackson. Like many great artists, he was a troubled man who experienced highs and lows the rest of us probably can't truly imagine. His artistic contributions challenged stereotypes, revolutionized music and dance, and paved a path for subsequent artists and activists. His messages are powerful, and I appreciate them more each time I encounter them.

Michael Jackson - New Music - More Music Videos

This video reminded me of the final paragraph of Dr. Karl Paulnack's welcome address to students of the Boston Conservatory, which should be read in its entirety and is available here. He writes, "If there is a future of peace for humankind... I expect it will come from the artists..."

How do you know when to clap?

Another gem from oboeinsight answers the question with humor! Confusion about when to clap should never keep anyone from attending classical concerts; there will always be a clapper there who prides himself in being the first!

Too fun NOT to share!

A video featuring the oboe d'amore (literal translation: oboe of love), an instrument larger (and thus lower) than the oboe but smaller (and thus higher) than the English horn. Each instrument has its own totally unique timbre.



Thanks to Oboeinsight (see link on the right) for posting!

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The fabulous oboe studio of Christa Garvey (right) at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire after my recital there in March.

Summer oboe lessons in Denver!

Get a head start on next year's auditions and musical challenges by taking private oboe lessons over the summer! Study with a full-time, professional performer and educator who will put your priorities first. Lessons are available in Denver (Washington Park area) and also in Boulder and Lafayette, Colorado. All ages and abilities are welcome, but a commitment to practice between lessons is required. Lessons on English horn are also available, and all lessons may include help making oboe and English horn reeds upon request. Contact Tenly at 303-910-2718 or tenlyoboe@gmail.com to schedule!

Radio Broadcast

***BREAKING NEWS***

Tune in for an encore broadcast of the Mountain Music Duo performing Marcia Marchesi's "Ciranda" on KVOD 88.1 FM ***TONIGHT*** Friday, April 3 at approximately 8:40 PM (Mountain Time). You can even listen online!

Classes about reeds, excerpts, and entrepreneurship

In the next eight weeks I will present three different types of classes at three higher education institutions.

The first, on January 27 at the University of Northern Colorado, will be my entrepreneurship class including tips on freelancing and gigging. Learn how to maximize your career potential whether you win auditions or not.

In February, I will present a reed making class at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. I have presented this class twice before in Colorado and am excited to expand to a larger audience!

In March, the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire will be the host for my reed making class as well as a traditional master class for excerpts and standard repertoire.

Hopefully there will be more in other regions of the country in the future! For more details on these classes in addition to concert and recital information, please visit tenly.blogspot.com. For more information, email tenly [dot] williams [at] gmail [dot] com.

Music in Cyberspace

Live concerts on your computer... all the way from Berlin!

Also, YouTube presents the world's first collaborative online orchestra... brush up on those excerpts!