I just coached the Zêzerearts Festival’s first-ever Advanced Course for Wind Instruments—Yes, we DISRUPTED the String Course which was in its 15th iteration! Enough of Vivaldi and Mozart already: in with Elliott Carter (and Anton Reicha). Just joking…love love love V and M…

But what a week we had—and what terrific young musicians! Thanks to their open-mindedness and good cheer, I was able to put into action the ideas that matter to me—a sort of “manifesto” that boldly lives on my website’s homepage.

Herewith, that manifesto…and my wishes for happy downtime for all who are on holiday now!

I believe the arts are important—especially in times such as these.
I believe that we can have fun while we’re doing the work, the teaching, the learning.
I believe the sky’s the limit in terms of human imagination and creativity.
I believe we can tap into an inexhaustible source of creative energy when we give ourselves permission to explore and experiment.
I believe that music’s meanings are open-ended, and that its infinite combinations of rhythm, melody, and harmony have a unique power to transform us and heal the soul.

I believe the arts are important—especially in times such as these.

I believe that we can have fun while we’re doing the work, the teaching, the learning.

I believe the sky’s the limit in terms of human imagination and creativity.

I believe we can tap into an inexhaustible source of creative energy when we give ourselves permission to explore and experiment.

I believe that music’s meanings are open-ended, and that its infinite combinations of rhythm, melody, and harmony have a unique power to transform us and heal the soul.