Why Live Music?

Welcome new friends to my blog about music, arts and education (as well as various other thoughts I might have about subjects related or not)! I'm especially interested in discussing the state of classical music and new music in these rapidly changing times. I feel compelled to write because of the many voices out there describing the end of classical music, and/or the irrelevance of the concert experience. You might ask - why do I think my views are important? I'll tell you about me! I'm a classical flutist, trained at The Juilliard School, I've been a professor at various universities, performed worldwide and founded and ran both The Storm King Music Festival (devoted to new music and new technology) and Art Culture & Technology. I'm currently co-owner of Tugboat Music (www.tugboatmusic.com) a company dedicated to the performance of music for both children and families as well as theatrical recitals, in venues large and small ( the tugboat can go anywhere) all over the US. So I'm out and about performing, listening and asking my audience questions, as well as learning what really moves them and excites them. I 'm unique in my perspective because I have spent years promoting, performing and commissioning new music, as well as playing in orchestra's and chamber music groups in NYC. Now I'm "in the trenches" so to speak, performing for children and families in large and small venues (over 200 a year). I can compare reactions and experiences and hope to shed some light on what audiences want to learn about and listen to. I hope you will join me as we discuss the state of music and culture in America. Stay tuned!!