Ascenda Music Publishing

07/12/2024

We've all experienced those concert nights when things don't go as planned. This week's blog post offers a some ideas (learned the hard way!) to help you and your group to learn from these unexpected hiccups. It's a shared journey we all partake in.

Performances are never perfect, but musicians can and should learn from our performance errors in the spirit of team learning.

06/18/2024

Have you ever finished a concert with the feeling that something was missing? Did you ever feel like the audience wasn’t quite with you? Here are four things you can do to improve your stage presence at your next performance.

You can improve your stage presence by making eye contact and talking to your audience, as well as by opening your awareness and showing gratitude.

06/16/2024

For all trombone players: check out this great new video from Michael Lake about learning to play the alto trombone.

Discover the beauty of playing the alto trombone in this tutorial video and preview of my book "Alto Trombone Savvy". Whether you're a seasoned trombonist l...

06/01/2024

At ITF, I got to catch up a bit with Jemmie Robertson!

04/25/2024

Are you looking for ideas to make your small group rehearsals more effective and efficient? In this week's blog, I discuss some rehearsal techniques.

Here are some small group rehearsal techniques that can help a small music group effectively and efficiently prepare for their performances.

04/11/2024

Do you want to take your chamber music group to the next level? Take a look at this week's blog, which discusses five actions you and your group can take now to improve your rehearsals and performances. https://ascendamusic.com/five-actions-to-improve-your-chamber-music/

04/11/2024

A new arrangement from the SAKURA! Premiering this week in Bend, Oregon.

03/28/2024

Are you getting started with a new chamber music group? This week's blog digs into the nitty-gritty of running a chamber music rehearsal.

Getting started as a chamber music group can be daunting. Here are five tips your group can follow for a successful chamber music rehearsal.

03/14/2024

My musical history includes a couple of chamber music groups that have meant everything to me. As I look back on what went right and what could have gone better, I am starting a series of blogs about how you can find your chamber music success. Here is my first offering.

Here are some strategies to ensure successful start for your chamber group. Ask yourselves: what kind of group do we want to be?

03/07/2024

This week's blog continues to look at how publishers help composers bring their music to performing musicians.

How do classical composers bring great music to musicians? The publisher and the composer must make a publication agreement.

02/21/2024

Today, I share some thoughts about the needs of performing musicians—including the all-important issue of the quality of the music from which we play.

Publishers should know what performing musicians need: clear rhythmic notation, easy-to-read pitches, and clear dynamics and musical directions.

02/18/2024

Check out this hair-raising performance of Franz Schubert's "Erlkönig"—the Erlking, king of the fairies.

02/17/2024

I'm feeling grateful for so many things this morning. If you have a minute, check out my blog post: https://ascendamusic.com/gratitude/.

Most of us work hard to get what we have. We have to give ourselves credit for the work we put in to get what we have. We might have a college degree or a job or a house. We might have a great musical instrument that we worked hard to save for. Even a great relationship with someone is usually the r...

02/16/2024

Enjoy this SAKURA Cello Quintet performance of Orlando Gibbons’s “The Silver Swan.” For a limited time with every purchase, this transcription is included with every purchase from ascendamusic.com in either traditional print music or as a downloadable pdf.

02/15/2024

This morning, ascendamusic.com became live and open for business. Cellists and low brass musicians, please take a look at our offerings. With purchase, get 25% off your through February. PLUS get a free bonus piece—Orlando Gibbons's "The Silver Swan," a sublime five-part madrigal for your cello or trombone ensemble. Come check us out. Ascenda wants to be your musical partner!

02/15/2024

Another reason to check back tomorrow…

02/14/2024

Here's another hint of what's coming at Ascenda Music…

02/14/2024

When Ascenda launches on Thursday, we will offer solo and chamber music for trombones and cellos—two of my favorite instruments! Through February, everything in our catalog will be 25% off. Stay tuned!

02/14/2024

We're launching in two days! Here is a little hint of what we'll have to offer:

Debussy: La Fille aux cheveux de lin (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair)Performed by the Los Angeles based cello quintet, SAKURA (Michael Kaufman, Benjamin Lash,...