Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #865236 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 236 pages

From the Publisher
Becoming an Orchestral Musician covers such crucial topics as music colleges versus universities; auditioning; the secrets of ensemble playing and intonation; conductors; the orchestra; performing philosophies; and strategies for success. The matter of how to explore and adapt one’s musical psyche, the pitfalls of a career in music, and the highs and lows of performing are also discussed, and the history, mythology, and science of music–making. Invaluable reading for all practicing and aspiring orchestral musicians as well as parents of budding instrumentalists. Richard Davis is Principal Flute of the BBC Philharmonic and Senior Lecturer and orchestral coach at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Customer Reviews

American Cellist Reviews
This book is geared toward a British/ European audience. It does not flow logically from topic to topic or even chapter to chapter. And much of the insider information is banal or overused. Do not buy this book if you are a serious, frugal musician who wants to use money effectively.

Becoming an Orchestral Musician is a great book!
This book gives great insight not just into what it takes to become a good ensemble player, but what it takes to be a great musician. I love this book and I will re-read it once I am done because I want to remember everything in it! Highly recommended!

Fascinating even for Unaspiring Non-professionals,
December 20, 2004
Reviewer: A reader from Moscow, Russia

Becoming an Orchestral Musician transported me from the audience, my normal vantage point, to behind the scenes of an orchestra - the agony of auditions, how to cope with nerves, ensemble v. solo playing, the mechanics of an orchestra. Listening will never be the same again. Watching a conductor will never be the same. I read this book from cover to cover in one day, never losing interest - and I'm not a musician! Strongly recommended for any serious music fan, and an absolute must for any music student (and his or her parents!). There's one chapter on intonation that I think only a musician would understand, but other than that it's required reading for any serious fan of orchestral music. A great mix of quotes, anecdotes, hard information, all of it useful, all of it well organized and well written, a real pleasure!