
Learn Piano From The Best
“We are in a golden age of pianism and tonebase is an important part of it.” ~ Jerome Lowenthal, Juilliard Learn from some of the best pianists in the world including Leon Fleisher, Jerome Lowenthal, Boris Berman, Arie Vardi, Rebecca Penneys, Garrick Ohlsson, Simone Dinnerstein, John O’Conor, Barbara Nissman, Jon

Getting Stuff Done
Following a question about apps for time and project management, Bernhard Kerres delves into more project management considerations. The right process comes before the tools. He himself uses Daylite from Marketcircle but that’s only available on Apple platforms. Still, there are enough other tools out there that can support you

Together We Are Stronger
Working on selling and marketing yourself alone can be tedious. Bernhard Kerres talks about a new system he recently came across – Working Out Loud. Based on the book by John Stepper, it is the idea of four to five people working on together on their individual goals over twelve

AI Meets Glenn Gould
Can Artifical Intelligence be ever so good that it could replicate classical music performances, e.g. by Glenn Gould? Yamaha wanted to know that. With the full support of the Glenn Gould Foundation, the engineers at Yamaha analyzed over 100 hours of Gould’s performance recordings. But that alone wasn’t enough. They

Play in High Streets
In the latest Be Your Own Manager Career Podcast for Classical Musicians, Bernhard Kerres, talks about revitalizing the ailing high streets by starting to perform regularly in empty stores. More in the latest episode: Be Your Own Manager. The podcast was inspired by violinist Justina Auskelyte and her Violinist on

Differentiate Yourself
In our latest Be Your Own Manager Career Podcast for Classical Musicians, our founder, Bernhard Kerres, spoke about the importance of differentiating yourself. There are many great musicians out there, but only a few who are special. We thought it worthwhile to share a few musicians with you, whom we

The Power of a Good Story
What makes a good story and why should you think about stories? Your bio, your website, even your concert program is a story. Bernhard Kerres shares some secrets of good stories with you in our latest Be Your Own Manager Podcast. More about the podcast and the book on www.hellostage.com. You

About Videos
In our latest career podcast for classical musicians, Bernhard Kerres talks about the different kinds of videos an artist might need. Here are some examples we like. Feel free to add more in the comments! Pianist Tanja Huppert has made a wonderful introduction to her music and herself. In the

Apply Now for the International Mozart Competition Salzburg
The 14th International Mozart Competition of the University Mozarteum Salzburg will take place from February 1st to 15th in Salzburg. You need to apply by August 19th, 2019! The competition will be held for violin, piano, and horn. The International Mozart Competition of the Mozarteum University in Salzburg has quickly

Workshop for clarinet and piano
From August 9th to 11th, 2019 the “Musikschule Klangwelt” will organize a workshop for clarinet and piano. The workshop will take place in Vienna. It’s open for future music students, current music students, and experienced amateurs. The lecturers will be Bernhard Karl (clarinet) and Andrés Añazco (piano). Here is all

How Not to Write an Application
From time to time we get applications to perform from musicians. And while we will not share the personal details, these e-mails are a good learning experience for any musician out there. Let us go through this e-mail step by step. Subject Line: The subject line “Concert” does not mean

If Swiss And Female, Submit Your Composition
Swiss Female Composers Festival submission closes August 1st, 2019. The festival celebrates works of Swiss female composers. We are looking forward to hosting a broad variety music event. Dear Lady composers keep submitting to show your passion! For more information check: www.sfcfestival.com and follow us on FB or Instagram. Thanks

Selling Hope
Since we founded HELLO STAGE all musicians asked us how they could find a manager. Young musicians hoped that managers could bring them engagements. Established musicians wished for a new manager to boost their careers. Musicians pin their career hopes on management. First of all, let us get back to

Socially Responsible But Not Paying Artists
Over the last few weeks I have read and mentioned several alarming studies about how much musicians actually earn – or one should write how little. In Germany around 20% to 30% of musicians live below the poverty line. After reading my blog post on the Bertelsmann Study about career

The New Bach Cello Suites
French cellist Marianne Dumas has long been in love with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suites for Solo Cello. Before recording them, she spent considerable time researching about them. And she made some amazing discoveries, which were even acknowledged by Yo-Yo Ma, Ton Koopman, and others. Here discoveries are based on the

Bleak Prospects for Opera Singers
The Bertelsmann Foundation introduced this week its study about career aspects for young singers in Germany. The motivation for the study is simple – the Bertelsmann Foundation is behind the Neue Stimmen competition for singers, one of the most prestigious competitions for voice. They have realized that even for their

Friends are More Important for your Career Than your Originality
In our latest career podcast for classical musicians – Be Your Own Manager – Bernhard Kerres digs up a study about what was the most important factor in the careers of Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and other abstract painters in the period of 1910 to 1925. Surprisingly it was not

Bach rocks!
ThunderBach is the title of a new composition by the Romanian composer Gabriel Malancioiu, written for Thunder Tube, flute, vibraphone, and piano, based on Goldberg Variations by J. S. Bach and AC / DC ‘s hit Thunderstruck. It will be premiered in the autumn by one of the best Romanian

Finals of the 4th Progressive Classical Music Award
Your vote counts – the world premiere of the prize-winning works with public voting. Bringing a breath of fresh air to the chamber music scene and reviving classical music – that was the aim of Marie-Luise & Christoph Dingler (The Twiolins ) when they created the Progressive Classical Music Award.

Silver Medal for Romanian Composer Gabriel Malancioiu
The Romanian composer Gabriel Malancioiu has received Silver Medal for his work Song of the Avadhut for soprano and violin. Composed already in 2015 it was honored at this year’s Global Music Awards in the category of classical contemporary music. Congratulations!

Solo Piano Work of Penderecki – World Premiere
On Friday, March 22, Pianist Anna-Maria Maak plays the world premiere of a musical work by Krzysztof Penderecki as part of the Torgau Rathauskonzerte 2019 (Germany). The composition ‘Ciaccona, Aria & Vivace’ (Schott Music Publisher) is the first solo piano music by the renowned Polish composer. A special highlight in
TAIPEI CONDUCTING MASTERCLASS
The masterclass is directed to young conductors who want to increase their musical experience and work as professionals in the world of classical music. Based on the experience of the creators of successful programmes like Florence Conducting Masterclass and Italian Opera Workshop, Taipei Conducting Masterclass aims to develop in the
Anacapri Masterclass 2019
The third edition of the Anacapri Masterclass will be even more interesting, lively, open and international. It will be held from July 6th to 14th, 2019. The staff of professors is prestigious, the formula that joins the classical tradition to jazz is revived in the beautiful Anacapri: a wonderful stage,

Castle Music
A major new suite for winds has just been published at Bell Music Publishing. Castle Music, Suite for Winds, by David Seymour comprises 8 short movements in a variety of styles influenced by early music and modern folk. They are mostly fairly upbeat and are all strongly written. It is

Viola and strings Masterclass in Albarracín, Spain
The solo viola provisional at the Royal Theater of Madrid, Spain, Ewelina Bielarczyk, will teach in Albarracín in Spain this summer. It is a very special place housing various summer courses. More information at www.cursodealbarracin.com/ewelina-bielarczyk/

Progressive Classical Music Award
The competition Bringing some fresh air in the chamber music scene and reviving the classical music – that was the goal of Marie-Luise & Christoph Dingler (The Twiolins), when they originated the Progressive Classical Music Award (previously known as Crossover Composition Award). The competition is held every three/four years to

Meet Flutist Daniela Mars
In our latest Be Your Own Manager Podcast, Bernhard Kerres talks with flutist Daniela Mars on career issues, social media, contemporary music and more. The Brazilian-Scottish flutist Daniela Mars is not only a rising star on her instrument but also an influencer on Instagram. She shares her passion for music,

Selected to write a new piece for Joseph Petric and Martin Carpentier
Joseph Petric (accordion, Toronto) and Martin Carpentier (clarinet, Montreal) are working with the Canadian Music Centre to issue a call for scores and proposals focused on works written for accordion and clarinet. The new piece will be performed during 2020 in Toronto and Montreal. Gabriel Malancioiu is one of the six composers selected
2019 Winter Euro Music Academy
2019 Winter Euro Music Academy will be held on February 17 – 23, 2019, Gyeongju City in South Korea. Participants are taught masterclasses taught by great teachers and have a chance to advance to the round of an international competition. We are pleased to announce that Euro Music Academy and

All My Music For Free
For all music lovers out there, my entire piano output will be available for streaming completely FREE! That’s right! No time limits! No pay! This is my gift to all HELLO-STAGErs around the world. Just visit this link klapatas.bandcamp.com and enjoy endless hours of classical, jazz, minimalist, film and electronic music.

Plans and Pay
In our latest podcast, Bernhard Kerres talks about plans for 2019 and the case for equal pay at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Are you making plans for 2019? What goals would you like to achieve? Listen to Bernhard talking about how he does it and how he reflects on 2018.

Talent Music Summer Courses with cellist Frantisek Brikcius in Italy
Talent Music Summer Courses with Czech cellist Frantisek Brikcius in Italy Cello Course with Czech cellist FRANTISEK BRIKCIUS in Italy (26th – 31st August 2019) Talent Music Summer Courses & Festival: www.talentsummercourses.it/cello www.facebook.com/events/363957490818453/

BUCOLICUM for tuba solo
Gabriel Malancioiu’s piece BUCOLICUM was included in the Professional Tuba Archive collection of the Clarinet Institute of Los Angeles. The archive contains music from Baroque to the Contemporary period. A major recognition for the Romanian composer.

Why play along with their system… when we can just make our own?
There’s a growing rankle in musical circles. Across the board, dissatisfaction is being voiced with what we term the ‘traditional classical music industry’. From schools and conservatoires, to international competitions, the recording industry, and much more, musicians are finding voice to express their disappointment at an industry that has largely

Comment on the SONATE FOR BARITONE SAXOPHONE AND PIANO
The Sonata by GUSTAVO BRITOS ZUNÍN is composed in a single movement in three parts, which the central is calm and reflective and the first and third are fast and bright. The whole sonata is very lyric and expressive. I still remember the email conversations with the composer some weeks

Your First Album – an Interview with John Anderson
In today’s podcast, Bernhard Kerres speaks with John Anderson, the Founder and General Manager of Odradek Records (www.odradek-records.com). What makes Odradek so special? It is a non-for-profit label co-investing in albums together with its artists. And the project selection works anonymously via peer review. John speaks in this podcast about

Opera Singer Problems and a Solution
My name is Oleg, I am 50 years old, and I am a professional opera singer. I want to share with you one interesting observation from my life. Have you ever thought what a close connection is between a singer and an accompanist and how much does he influence a

Booking in the Modern Age!
I have been blessed to book, manage, promote and perform in over 15 different countries , all with their own set of rules when it comes to booking, management and performance and one thing remains congruent – I have spoken with a lot of top players, colleagues in the booking

Fear on stage?
How to achieve tranquility in front of the public? It is the question that many musicians ask and has concrete answers. Emotional communication with the public, the development of the interpreter’s personality and effective self-criticism are some of the topics addressed. Are there insecurities that take away sleep before a

Viennese Violin 18th century for sale
For sale is a viennese violin late 18th century from the Thir workshop. With certificates and valuation. Condition is very good. The sound open and rich. PM for details mail(atta)nantschev(dotta)com

Banff International String Quartet Competition 2019
Banff International String Quartet Competition (BISQC) August 26 – September 1, 2019. For over 30 years, Banff International String Quartet Competition has celebrated the art of chamber music while providing career support for emerging string quartets. Intended as a one-time special event, the first competition was held in 1983 to mark

The Golden Age is Coming!
In his latest podcast, Bernhard Kerres, speaks with Christian Ehlers, the founder of Future Ready Musicians in Los Angeles. He started a series of carefully designed and scripted house concerts there. He helps musicians to develop a career outside the traditional concert halls believing that this will be the future

A Career Podcast for You
At the beginning of this year, Bernhard Kerres started a podcast with career advise for classical musicians. It follows Bettina Mehne’s and his book, Be Your Own Manager. The podcast has already over 30 episodes! Bernhard addresses issues from cold calling, involving fans, to doing your first recording. In some

THE ARTIST VISA UPDATE FROM HELL
I hope everyone is having or had a wonderful summer…because we are just about the ruin it. So be prepared for some serious sunburn, chiggers, sand fleas, and food poisoning as we give you the latest updates: I. NEW USCIS POLICY ALLOWS VISA PETITIONS TO BE DENIED WITHOUT FIRST ISSUING

Violinist on a Bike – Meet Justina Auskelyte
An Interview with Lithuanian Violinist Justina Auskelyte who is going around on a bike in her new hometown of Malmö playing the music of Bach, Paganini and others in coffee shops, barber shops, parks etc. Hear all about Justina‘s project, “Violinist on a Bike“!

MULTITASKING- YOUR VIRTUE OR CURSE?
Multitasking has always been one of my virtues, or so I thought. How about you? Talking on the phone arranging meetings (sometimes two caller on two lines), while preparing the copies for my next coaching and at the same time with one free hand comforting my cat or eating. The

YOU BEYOND THE ARTIST
„Everything We Do On Stage Is An Intensification Of What We Do In Our Everyday Lives” F.M. Alexander As artists we are aware of the need to live a balanced lifestyle. Our artistic life depends on a healthy background. Touring and performing or rehearsing test our physical and emotional limits.

3 REASONS MANAGERS DON’T TAKE YOU ON
Wondering how to get management? Here are some brilliant tips and a must-read for all artists! You pour your heart into your performances. You practice — even when there are a million other things you’d rather be doing. You take time to grow your network and expand your reach. But

ON THE LIMITATIONS OF VOCAL REPERTOIRE
Photo credit: Detail from the Singing Angels. Jan van Eyck (circa 1390–1441) Wikipedia In the education and performance of classical singers, a large portion of the repertoire is basically ignored. Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque music play an insignificant role in the practice of vocalists, regardless whether they focus on
IS IT TIME TO REWRITE ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES?
Another concert programme, another artist biography comprising a dry list of eminent teachers and mentors, concert halls performed in, orchestras and conductors worked with, recordings made and “forthcoming engagements include”. All standard information: exchange the names and the impersonal text could be used for any international virtuoso. Wouldn’t it be