Advice: the wise ones don’t need it and fools won’t take it…so we’ll just call it “helpful hints”!
Strings of Silk Music is in the business of making music and memories as well as teaching young students. With recent graduates of high school and college violinists and violists, the question is asked: do you have any advice? Why yes!
Here is a recent example –
You are embarking on a new adventurous journey and if there were just a few words of advice that I could give you it would be these – maybe you know them already? All I know is that I wished I had learned them sooner.
Every piece of music you play (either assigned or with an orchestra), take the time to google the background of it – Wikipedia is enough for now and then listen to at least two different versions of it.
If you ever start to hurt from playing the violin/viola – fingertips or in the arms or neck – ask yourself when was the last time you changed your strings or rehaired your bow. If you want to try out a new shoulder rest, shar.com is happy to help.
Thank your parents by playing for them – especially if they ask when they have company over! They are so proud of you and all they want is for you be happy. For example: You’ll be home for the winter break so make the time to play for them after dinner. It doesn’t have to be an hour or complicated – just fifteen minutes – and say “thanks for believing in me, paying for all my lessons and especially for putting up with me when I was a beginner!”
A gift of love and music from the heart on Mother’s Day.
The gift of music (either live or recorded) is perfect for the special person you honor on Mother’s Day. You may purchase a Strings of Silk CD* here or better still, book a private serenade for May 13th! If you aren’t already, then you can guarantee that with such a thoughtful and generous gift, your mom will make you her favorite child! Or just sit next to her and play her a special Strings of Silk Music Serenade…
From our hearts to yours…Happy Mother’s Day!
*Mother’s Day playlist on Strings of Silk Music’s Greatest Hits CD include: Somewhere My Love, It Had to be You, Because of You, Jean, You Raise Me Up, Ave Maria, Amazing Grace and You’re Beautiful.
Strings of Silk Music has had the honor and the privilege to provide music at many houses of worship, from High Holy Days to being a strolling violinist during a choir’s spaghetti supper fundraiser. Most of the church music directors have the title of “Minister of Music”. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Musicians, singers, and related workers are employed in a variety of settings. Of those who earn a wage or salary, almost two-thirds were employed by religious organizations…” As a minister of music, you have the responsibility of fostering both the love of music and the love of God in your work.
But there’s more than just making music in the typical job description for a minister of music. The job description of a minister of music puts a high premium on understanding the use of the newest technology in planning and presenting music as part of worship services. A member of the music ministry may direct choirs, sit on the planning ministry to help steer worship goals and objectives, produce and direct lavish performances on a world class scale and hire professional musicians that can compliment church members who play instruments either as students in school or as hobbyists.
What is missing in the job description for the minister of music, the instrumentalists and the choirs is Faith, Hope and Love:
Faith that with a limited amount of rehearsal time and funds, the performance(s) will be an inspiration to the congregation.
Hope that either an unplanned absence due to illness or work/vacation commitments don’t interfere with the performances.
And the greatest of these is Love: love of God, love of music and love of your fellowship.
