Professional Musician’s Interest

At JSI, we offer answers to common questions and provide helpful advice for professional musicians as well as those who are considering what the next step of their musical journey shall be.

• Discovering the hidden gems of violin repertoire
  Violin concertos by prominent composers such as Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn, among others, have become timeless mainstays of the repertoire.
• How to move from playing violin to playing viola
  Moving from playing the violin to the viola isn't just a small step in a musician's journey; it's a major transition that requires a whole new set of skills and adjustments.
• Preparing to be a college music major
  Pursuing music in college is a significant commitment, requiring passion, preparation, and hard work.
• Relative minor and major scales
  If you have any experience with music theory, you’re probably familiar with the concept of scales.
• Understanding metric modulation
  If your violin skill level is in the beginner to intermediate range, you may or may not have heard of metric modulation.
• Creating a viable violin career
  Have you ever wondered, "Can you become a professional violinist?" The answer lies in a combination of skill, talent, practice, hard work, and building valuable connections within the musical community.
• Tips to learn two instruments at once
  Learning to play an instrument can be deeply rewarding, but it requires discipline and dedication.
• How to play the violin without a shoulder rest
  If you are learning to play the violin, you may have spent several hours (and more than a few dollars) gathering all the necessary equipment.
• How a tuning fork works
  Tuning forks have been used by musicians and vocalists since the 18th century as a standard method for tuning instruments.
• Iconic pieces every cello player should know
  Many people are inspired to learn an instrument because of iconic performances and noted composers who make magic with melodies.
• Can a better instrument make you a better musician?
  This is an interesting question, because if you ask 100 musicians, you're likely to hear 100 different opinions.
• How to practice without your violin
  Playing an instrument requires quality practice time and the violin is no different. But sometimes your best practice can happen without your instrument.
• Learn how to pizzicato like a pro
  If you’re a violinist, particularly at the beginner or intermediate level, you’ve probably come across playing instructions in your sheet music that you don’t recognize.
• The Chicago cellist boom
  When people think of Chicago, they probably aren’t conjuring images of playing cello. But believe it or not, the Windy City has actually seen a surprising influx of cellists recently.
• How to become a concert hall manager
  Most kids are introduced to music through stringed instruments some time around 4th grade. Schools will often give the children a choice between learning the violin, bass, viola or cello, and all students are taught the basics together.
• Staying safe while playing music together
  The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many of us to reevaluate the way we go about our daily lives.
• Investing in a professional cello
  The performance of every professional musician depends on the quality of their instrument and ability to connect with it.
• Tax write-offs for professional musicians
  Professional musicians, working on a freelance basis, are sometimes considered independent contractors for tax purposes. The IRS describes an independent contractor as an individual who is in a business or trade that offers services to the general public, and who is in business for themselves.
• Have you considered joining your community orchestra?
  Many of us are seeking creative opportunities during this pandemic in order to occupy time and energy during isolation. But more than that, many of us are really looking for a sense of community during a deeply lonely time.
• Musicians continue collaborating online while social distancing
  As we navigate through society during the coronavirus, there are many questions about what the future of entertainment and live music will look like. Some social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders may have been eased, but many concerts, festivals, and other live musical events are still cancelled -- at least for the near future. So, musicians collaborating online have found new ways to connect with one another and their audiences.
• How to find more violin gigs
  At a time when in person gatherings are rare, it may seem like a waste of time to search for new violin gigs.
• Professional violinist warm up routine
  Musicians, like athletes, place a great deal of repetitive stress on their joints, ligaments and muscles. You can help avoid injury by developing a routine with which you warm up your body before you begin a practice or playing session.
• Violin Trials
  Violins and bows are handmade, which means that each individual product can produce a slightly different sound.
• Switching From Violin to Viola
  If you are a violinist, you have probably been asked this question at some point during your musical career.