The month of June this year is looking to be very promising. First of all, my family and I aren't moving for the first summer in 6 years, so that distraction is non-existent. I've had a lot of time to focus on music-making and money-making. This past weekend I held a free recital for the community, and had a nice little audience of friends, family and students. I played Mozart's Concert Rondo, The Franz Strauss Concerto, Dukas' Villanelle, and a duet version of the Gavottes from Bach's 6th Cello Suite with my wife. The recital went well, and was well-received. It didn't make me any money, but I believe it was a good thing to do. Solo recitals are so good for musicians, and there's so much great solo repertoire out there. And you can provide some nice, pleasant entertainment with a beautiful-sounding instrument.
I also had my students' Studio Recital this weekend. What fun it was to bring them together and have them perform solos & duets! We even played a couple ensemble pieces all together! I know the kids like that. Their families were all very supportive. It was a great event.
Now that those two events are done, I'm looking ahead to a lot more stuff coming up. I'm actually playing another solo horn recital at the end of the month with a pianist who's professionally recognized in the country. More on that later. I'm also set up to play by myself for tips at the local farmer's markets here. Hey, that's how some of the great & famous performers started (just like my new friends, the Gothard Sisters). I'm also starting a brass choir this summer called the Harbor Brass Choir, aimed specifically and middle school players. I'm really looking forward to that.
And on top of all this, I still am in the process of writing a horn concerto...very...slowly. But it's going well! It's gonna be great to have it done. I have very high hopes for it!
Take care and value music.