October 2011

Graduate music research--resources anyone?

October 14, 2011 14:53

Dear fellow violinists and admirers of the violin,

I am a graduate music student currently conducting research in orchestral matters. My thesis concerns the topics of 1) the concertmaster position 2) sound (ie dynamics, bowings, etc) and 3) auditions. This thesis is part of a larger future work, a book entitled "Minding Your P's and F's: A Guide on the Profession of Orchestral Playing for the Developing Violinist." The book itself will hopefully be a concise yet effective guide on various topics, including but not limited to principle titles, preparation, dynamics, and bowings. My goal in writing this thesis, and most importantly this book, is to distribute to any violinist of any age the overall knowledge any violinist should have about the orchestral career, should they wish to pursue that line of music. For most violinists, we do not grow up in the big cities, aurally and orally learning what we need to know about being a professional orchestral musician. Many music schools do not focus on anything orchestral, and perhaps there is a reason for that. But what I see is a lack of understanding of what is required and expected among violinists everywhere who want to be in the orchestral field.

My purpose in writing to you is to ask for your help. If any of you know someone I should talk to, a resource I should look into, or anything of that sort, I'd appreciate your input. I did look up a few resources some had already mentioned in other blogs, such as Richard Davis's book "Becoming an Orchestral Musician: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals". This book is in fact what I am hoping to model my book after. I also have Roger Frisch's ebook "The Orchestral Audition: How to Prepare" along with his Most Commonly Asked Orchestral Excerpts.

Thank you all for your time, and I'd love any feedback!

Sincerely,

Rebecca

3 replies

October 2011

Graduate music research--resources anyone?

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