The Art of Performance: On Stage and Behind the Curtain

Abstract

Through successful personal training, verified assessments, and professional applications, a musician can establish a personal career as a performing artist. This study seeks not only to explore the ways in which musicians can better their own musicianship, but to how they can inspire and empower others through philanthropic applications of their art. A musician’s laboratory exists both in the practice room and on the concert stage. Therefore, for twelve months, the author sought out the most diverse research and performance opportunities, including performances as a featured soloist in Canada and as guest timpanist with the Moscow Symphony in Russia. The project culminated in a benefit concert titled, …in loving memory, raising nearly $5,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. Through personal experiences, the author outlines the solo, small ensemble, and large ensemble performance opportunities that were pursued in order to improve his own musicianship and then applied to the performance of the benefit concert. Offering a "look behind the curtain," this document will also address the logistical hurdles for tackling a charitable event of this scale.