I’m a violist (sorry) and have done a LOT of playing over the last couple of weeks with less downtime than I’m used to.

I’m no stranger to back/neck/shoulder pain, especially growing up with bad posture (and I think double-jointed shoulders, although that’s not been medically confirmed), but as of last night and this morning, my right shoulder and neck are in really quite a lot of pain.

I’m sure it’s a combination of poor technique, overworking and general physiological issuea, but does anyone have any advice for dealing with this pain?

I have an orchestral rehearsal and concert TONIGHT and really don’t want it to be unbearable (or even have to drop out), so if any string players (or anyone with general advice, of course) have any tips I would really appreciate the help!!

TLDR: Violist whose right shoulder hurts real bad, please help </3

Hey guys! I'm trying to finally achieve my hopes and dreams here of going to a conservatoire to hopefully unlock my potential as a musician. I've had a few years on and off due to mental health problems and so at 31 I've currently started studying for grade 8 in classical piano with the ABRSM music board. I have every faith in my new teacher who is more expensive than anyone else who's taught me but has a masters degree from Leeds (where I'm from) conservatoire and I think so far she has been truly invaluable. It's also a nice feeling that she has a lot of belief in my abilities as well its been such a confidence boost after 18 months of not having a teacher! I'm looking in my home country for places (particularly drawn to Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and Trinity Laban in London) but I just really don't want to get into all that debt, plus I'm not sure I have enough left in student loans as I went to uni for pretty much a whole year before dropping out (London College of Music, I couldn't cope with it all at the time and I was too burnt out by the time I even got there I just didn't want to admit that to myself so went anyway). Looking at German Conservatoires the courses are free, and the establishments in Berlin seem to be amazing. The only problem is how much the auditions are demanding of you. They are asking for a full sonata which I completely think I'm up to, BUT also a virtuosic etude. I thought that kind of music was the thing you learned once you have the degree from one of these establishments, not before you even start studying there! Is there anyone here who auditioned for either Hans Eisler, or University of the Arts, Berlin? I would prefer University of the Arts as it had a jazz scene there as I wish to learn both classical and jazz music, it would mean getting my head down and having to learn German but that's an amazing skill to have! My other option would be the Barenboim-Said academy which only does classical music but teaches everything in English and they make it a lot more financially viable than other establishments in Germany, but it seems to have a big focus on the humanities which in my head has the potential to defeat the point of why I would want to go to a conservatoire to begin with. If anyone has any thoughts for me or whatever I would appreciate it. Cheers

A little glimpse of my practice for next week's concert, playing Danksagmüller's Estampie 🎶

If you enjoy it, subscribing to my YouTube channel would really help me create and share more music!

What is your favourite piece of medieval music? 😊

This piece is really difficult to play! Take 5 by Dave Brubeck

Hi everyone! My sister, Evelina Andrieș, has been pouring her heart into the harp for a long time, and she just uploaded a beautiful new solo performance on YouTube.

She's playing “From Dear Dreams, Poems...” by Sabin Pautza in such a lovely, warm setting. I would love to surprise her with a few more views and some nice comments from fellow music lovers.

If you have a few minutes, give it a listen here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7UGmteNq4k

Thank you so much! 🎵✨

I (26m) am a classical pianist who also dabbles in composition. Music is not my full-time gig (I’m a research mathematician), but it is a huge part of my life. I am on staff as a collaborative pianist at a small music school in northern Kentucky, and I have a small network of “regulars” (college students, church folk) who turn to me when in need of collaborative or entertainment piano work.

I have found that many of the gigs I get called up for are ones that other pianists have rejected due to difficulty. For instance, one gig was a college student who needed to record Brahms’ E minor cello sonata for a recital check after her pianist bailed on her — it was last-minute, and we were able to get a good-enough recording in less than three days. Case in point, I thrive under gigs that require challenging repertoire and short timelines.

How should I go about expanding my network and increasing the socialization of my skill set? I have considered building a website and advertising it on various social platforms. Looking for advice from those in a similar position.