Tag Archives: Utrecht Conservatory

Transferrable skills: from music to ?

Four years ago, Anne Ku faced the daunting task of getting 40 musicians to play her music. She learned that those skills are transferrable. Continue reading

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First international Alkema composition competition

The first international Alkema composition contest calls for scores for piano and saxophone, deadline April 2012, in honor of the late Dutch composer Henk Alkema. Continue reading

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Relationship of teacher and student in music

When you have individual lessons, you develop a close relationship. In music, the teacher becomes the mentor. Continue reading

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Remembering Henk Alkema

Henk Alkema taught composition at Utrecht Conservatory. One student remembers the early days and the last visit with CD. Continue reading

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Henk Alkema, composer, conductor, pianist, teacher

Henk Alkema, Dutch composer, pianist, and teacher, passed away on Thursday 4th August 2011. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday 9th August at 12 noon at the Koeshuis van Boerderij Mereveld at Mereveldseweg 9, Utrecht followed by a funeral at the Soestbergen, Ganstraat 152, Utrecht, Netherlands. Continue reading

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Benefit concerts to fundraise for Japan

The economics of benefit concerts is the subject of another blog. Three benefit concerts in Boston, Amsterdam, and London are taking place this week 30 March – 6 April, showcasing a wide range of talent and genre from classical to rock. Continue reading

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Holland: the world cup orange fever

Everyone is wearing orange in this period of orange fever. How are music and sports related? Many have compared the music business to that of sports. Personally I think sports and music are totally compatible and complementary. I exercise to stay fit and focussed for my music. But some parents feel they have to choose between after school sports and music lessons for their children. Continue reading

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Final exam concerts at Utrecht Conservatory

The most important concert in a music student’s years at a conservatory is the final exam recital. Aside from passing all required subjects, the final year student must also pass the final exam concert, which is free and typically one hour long without intermission. Three musicians who performed at the Glass Vase Concert will give their final exam concerts this week. Continue reading

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What they don’t teach you at conservatory

The best time to learn about succeeding as a self-employed musician is after conservatory studies. But this is where the conservatory is no longer obliged to educate you or to ensure that you do make it in the real world. As conservatory students, we didn’t learn how to get gigs. Continue reading

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Next stop: Utrecht, Netherlands open to art music

There are music festivals, live concerts, and much more in Utrecht than one hears about. Besides the free events of Cultural Sundays, free concerts take place regularly elsewhere each week in Utrecht. It’s difficult to keep track of all the concerts and gigs that happen in this cultural city. Continue reading

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