PYO Music Institute’s Post

Energy, vitality, power & surprising warmth: Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 from Roderick Cox at Royal Academy of Music with Academy Symphony Orchestra. A performance to remember & treasure. My review: https://lnkd.in/et5tEy_m

The video emphasizes the importance of incorporating fill-in or passing chords in contemporary Christian music (CCM) to personalize and enhance standard worship songs, moving beyond just the basic chords provided in sheet music. I Introduce the concept of fill-in chords through examples like transitioning from C major to A minor using different inversions and chords, demonstrating how this technique can add musical interest and depth to a song. I provide practical tips on implementing fill-in chords, highlighting the importance of stepwise bass movement and avoiding root position parallels in the right hand to maintain harmonic variety and smooth transitions. An exercise is presented to practice harmonizing the major scale with chords in all 12 keys, aiming to build familiarity and ease in applying fill-in chords within a diatonic context, with a downloadable PDF for reference. The video concludes with advanced tips for adding more complex chord movements to CCM songs, showcasing how strategic chord substitutions and inversions can create richer musical textures and emotional depth in worship music. https://lnkd.in/esi4x8jH

My latest blog involves my love affair with the flute that I played professionally for over half a century. The flute and its progeny (piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute) may not be considered the most important instrumental family in a symphony orchestra; but it is certainly one of the most versatile. Here is what I wrote (including some links to some beautiful music). https://lnkd.in/edmtemTb

Building personal skills and empathetic humans is just as important as the music in my classroom.

If we’re being honest, when it comes to marketing in the classical music industry we all look and sound the same. Whether it’s the same copy-and-paste “delighted to announce” text, unimaginative event posters, or slide show season announcement videos, very little differentiates us from each other. This is something that affects the entire industry, from music students to international soloists, from amateur groups to professional orchestras. It’s the same template-style promotion that fails to showcase who we are, why we do it, or why it would be of interest to anyone. https://lnkd.in/e5zurjXN #Classical #ClassicalMusic #Orchestra #Opera #Audiences #Marketing

"Beethoven's Ninth Symphony takes just as many violinists today to perform as it did a 100 years ago. As a result, classical music has become a luxury good. Because violinists have not increased their productivity relative to other things." Interesting comparison drawn by @EricDaimler on why and how we should participate in our own automation. Why? So the cost of services we provide does not become relatively more expensive, and hence run the risk of becoming obsolete. How? Using the tools available and upskilling, knowing that the half-lives of our current skills are continuously shrinking. I've certainly never thought of orchestral musicians in the context of productivity! Are there other services/ skills that have had the same level of productivity over 10s/ 100s of years? P.S. Here's his full session from Synapse Conclave last weekend: https://lnkd.in/gEqk6nuR

Hey Scholastic, the role of music education in our schools is NOT up for debate! Here is a letter I wrote in response to the debate section in a recent publication of Scholastic News. #musiceducation #musiced #musicmatters #scholastic #scholasticnews #useyourteachervoice

Is there elitism in classical music, and how does it affect the perception of symphony orchestras? In this excerpt from a thought-provoking conversation, I explore the evolving role of the modern symphony orchestra. I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Chen, Principal Trombonist of the Knoxville Symphony, who shared insightful perspectives from within the industry. This discussion is part of a broader series where I engage with professionals across the classical music world, exploring both the challenges and opportunities facing the art form today. Let me know your thoughts on this important topic!