Video Masterclass: Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream with Joshua Smith

Click here to watch the full video masterclass.

In another excellent video from MUSAIC, Powell artist and Principal Flute of The Cleveland Orchestra, Joshua Smith, coaches flutist Matthew Roitstein on the Scherzo from Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream. One of the greatest challenges of the excerpt is breathing -- as we know, it's quite difficult to find a good place to breathe that does not disrupt the musical line.  Joshua addresses this, giving tips not only on where to breath, but also how to approach the breath and how to use air efficiently.  He discusses the importance of keeping a smooth rhythmic flow, suggesting a two-measure pulse to achieve this.  Another point he emphasizes is the need for clarity of articulation, which he illustrates by focusing on airspeed and the shape of the mouth.

The video clip features an introduction by Michael Tilson Thomas, Founder and Artistic Director of the New World Symphony, commenting on the excerpt as well.  Click here to view the full video masterclass on the MUSAIC website.

For more on Joshua Smith, follow this link to view his artist profile page on the Powell website, and visit his personal website at www.soloflute.com.

Audition Preparation with Leone Buyse

Taking auditions is something we've all done throughout our lives as musicians -- both as students and professionals.  Whether it is an audition for a university, a music festival, an orchestral position, or anything else that requires excerpts, preparation is key.  How should you prepare?  When do you begin?  These are some of the questions Powell artist Leone Buyse answers in the video below from MUSAIC.  In her discussion of audition preparation, she pinpoints crucial factors that may often be overlooked, including physical and mental preparation.

*Video courtesy of MUSAIC