Improvisation is rarely taught to classical musicians, and is seldom seen during performances. Instead we are expected to read or play memorized music straight from the text, while musicians in other fields like jazz are the ones improvising. So why should we care? Here are a few compelling reasons… Here are the two scientific studies … Continue reading "Episode 11: Why Should Classical Musicians Learn Improvisation?"

Do you ever wish that you could go back in time and teach your younger self how to practice more effectively? Unfortunately time travel is still not a viable option, but we can live and learn. These are some tips I have learned over the years and hopefully they can help you as well! Josh.V.Music … Continue reading "Episode 10: 4 Musical Concepts I Wish I Knew as a Younger Musician"

Growing up, I was involved in a variety of musical styles and genres, so improvising was something I learned to do simply by being around other musicians who improvised as well. However when I went to college for music, I found that most classical musicians never learn the art of improvisation. This eventually became the … Continue reading "Episode 9: Why Don’t Classical Musicians Improvise?"

If you are a lover of JS Bach then this one is for you! In this episode I talk with pianist and musicologist, Edward Hamrock, about his studies at several conservatories and universities in Germany, as well as his time spent working and researching at the Bach Archive in Leipzig. His work was recently published … Continue reading "Episode 8: Working at the Bach Archive in Leipzig with Edward Hamrock"

I discuss a very controversial position that I hold regarding scale practice at the piano. Before you dismiss the position simply based on the title, I explain exactly what I mean, how I came to my conclusions, the times when scales are appropriate, and why I don’t currently practice them.

Soprano Megan Stapleton joins me for the first ever live video recorded Between Movements Podcast! We discuss what it means to be a musician in today’s world, along with delving into topics like teaching, university, performance, the Myers-Briggs Personality spectrum (MBTI) and what it’s like to be INFJ’s in the music industry. If you don’t … Continue reading "Episode 6: Musicians and Identity Part II: INFJ edition with Megan Stapleton"

A question that I have heard over and over as a musician is: what do conductors actually do? Well I have an expert on the program to help shed some light on this topic. Dr. David Galant is the Music Director of the University Symphony Orchestra at Creighton University, Nebraska. He has conducted at music … Continue reading "Episode 5: What Do Conductors Actually Do? with Dr. David Galant"

What is it like to be a full time classical musician who tours around the world? Virtuoso bassist Dominik Wagner answers this question. Dominik is only in his early 20s but has already one one of the world’s major bass competitions, and has performed, recorded and taught around the world. Hear some of his unique … Continue reading "Episode 4: Life as a Touring Classical Musician"

Have you ever felt like you weren’t sure if you didn’t fit in? Or wondered if you took the right thing? Well you’re not alone, and there are answers to these questions! In this episode I talk with NYC based musician Tony Park about his experiences as a professional clarinetist in the busiest city in … Continue reading "Episode 3: Music and Identity"

In this episode I talk to Adam Perez-van Vleet, a Los Angeles based musician and sound engineer who has played in a variety of genres and musical settings. We discuss DAWs, Patreon, and the drug cartel’s influence on music.