As you know, one of my favorite composers is Alexander Scriabin…

Here are a few quotes to get you thinking:

“If we can affirm everything as nothing more than subjective occurrence, then it can be only as a result of our activity, of our one and therefore free and absolute activity. Therefore the world is the result of my activity, my creation, my wish (freely imposed).”

“If you fret and regret that you have no talent, then this is the sign that the seed of talent is in you. Let it grow and never doubt it.”

Regardless of the fact that he thought he was God and created the universe by this thought, the first quote when practically applied actually makes a huge amount of sense. The second just makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. On a side note: the man was a genius.

Anonymous asked: Hey, did you play Au bord de l'eau?

Not yet, we’re working on it right now, though :D.

Being a Musician is…

dut-dut-goose:

badassbrass:

cadaverous-mob:

50% practice

30% skill

20% feelings of inadequacy

20% ego

69% sexual frustration

40% inability to comprehend math

90% poor

10% getting the drive to practice

(Source: lostmybuttons)

Theory 4 Starts Tomorrow

What I want to say to those who think theory is a waste of time

Piotr Tchaikovsky’s advice to his younger brother Anatoli

“1. Work and avoid idleness so that you will be ready for hard work later on.
2. Read a lot.
3. Be honest and humble, and prepare yourself to be an ordinary and good person.
4. Do not try to please and be popular.
5. Do not get upset over bad marks, the unfairness of teachers, and gossip because all of this is trivial.
6. Don’t be too conceited and prepare yourself for the fate of an ordinary mortal.

- Moscow: February 6th, 1866”

This is advice that everyone should follow; one can see the obvious benefits.

Note: Due to the risk of copyright infringements, I paraphrased the points. If you’re interested in reading the whole letter (which is a lot longer obviously) here’s the citation:

Tchaikovsky, Piotr I. Letters to His Family: an Autobiography. Trans. Galina von Meck. Ed. Galina von Meck, Percy M. Young. New York: Stein and Day, 1982. Print.

The book itself, as well as the newer edition, is unfortunately out of print, but there are most likely copies circulating around somewhere. 

Composition

It frustrates me, yet I need to let my thoughts and feelings be known to the world because words will mean nothing.

I just had to re-draft my entire first theme because it doesn’t reflect what I need to say. All that work is now gone.

Arnold Schoenberg

Let me dedicate an entire post to one of my major influences as a musician.

The man speaks about himself.

John Cage speaks about him.

What a guy. For real.

When I’m told to learn Renaissance pieces

My teacher replies with:

Giuliani Sonata Op. 15

Yeah, I’m learning that. I’m also learning Bach’s Violin Sonata no. 3. GiggityGiggityGoo.
What are you guys learning?