I just added a page (see tab at top of the site) where I’ll be posting new and existing major studies on arts education.  There are two studies currently posted: the Knight Foundation’s 2006 Magic of Music Final Report: The Search for Shining Eyes, and the Dana Foundation’s 2008 report: Learning, Arts, and the Brain.

I’ve just finished writing a Final Note essay for the late April Oregon Symphony program book, which will reference both of these important and ground-breaking studies on the continuing, and ever more urgent need for arts education in general, and music education in particular, in the public schools.

Just noticed on the counter that this blog passed the 60,000 viewers landmark a while ago.  Thanks for reading and coming back again and again.  I never really intended for this blog to become some sort of public vehicle for anything.  It’s really just my way of getting random jumbled thoughts out of my head and into some (semi) coherent form.  Since I can’t afford to take a sabbatical, this is my way of giving myself some therapy and context to my professional life.  Thanks for your support!

midnight sun - kevo, finland
photo by josef stuefer 

It’s the morning (afternoon, really, but daylight saving time be damned!) after our first classical series concert with our two Finnish guest artists, conductor Pietari Inkinen and violinist Pekka Kuusisto.  In a previous post, I wrote about the often mysterious process of getting to know a new guest conductor and the factors which can complicate this often elaborate dating dance.  I was withholding judgment, waiting to see what would develop, on Mr. Inkinen, at that time.   Now I think I have some opinions that can actually hold some water on the subject. [Read more →]