Reference

This book provides a practical and engaging look at living the life of a professional musician. Drawing upon decades of experience in the orchestra pit and the teaching studio, Tom Heimberg's advice and insights about both practice and performance will prove invaluable to the aspiring young musician who dreams of making a successful career in music. This book will resonate, too, with the experienced professional who revels in the talk of the trade. And for the music lover in the audience, it will provide unique glimpses at life backstage. Musicians and music lovers of all levels will appreciate the wealth of practical information it provides, interwoven with humorous vignettes about working and playing with inspired musicians of the 20th century.

You've dedicated years of hard work to learning the skills needed to play the violin, viola, cello or bass. Now what? The talented contributors to Making Your Living as a String Player come from all walks of life - from symphony members to street musicians, educators to impresarios. But all share one thing: each has crafted a successful career as a string player, learning to pay the bills by doing what they love the most. And you can learn to do the same. Inside this volume, culled from the pages of the award-winning Strings magazine, you will find practical tips on writing a rsum, starting a freelance career, getting an edge in the workplace, creating your own chamber music series, setting up a successful teaching studio in your home, and much, much more. Let Making Your Living as a String Player help you jumpstart your career as a professional string player.

Whether it's coping with overuse problems, conquering performance anxiety, or just keeping your body in great string-playing shape, experts from the pages of Strings magazine will help you in all areas of player wellness. This handy guide includes helpful tips from performers, teachers, students and doctors to keep you playing at your best.

With this unique and informative guide, you'll discover new ideas and inspirations for crafting your own songs and making the most of your instrument. You'll gain a better understanding of chord progressions, melodies, alternate tunings and other subjects through a series of expertly designed workshops, and you'll find tips and techniques offered by top singer-songwriters, such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Don McLean, Patty Larkin, David Wilcox, Dave Matthews and more.