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Hitz Academy Blog

A blog about performing music, teaching music and the business of music.

Jens Lindemann Master Class Quotes from George Mason University (Part 2 of 3)

Andrew Hitz

Here is the second installment of quotes from the wonderful clinic that Jens Lindemann gave at George Mason last semester.  So much good stuff in here! Thank you, Jens!

  • "There are a handful of musicians in our business that are untouchable.  Like Wynton Marsalis.  He's not a trumpet player.  He's an icon."
     
  • "It begins with what I call the Musical Circle of Life.  Top of the circle is Day 1.  6 o'clock is brass purgatory: people who talk about mouthpieces and recordings.  The goal is to get back to the top of the circle.  But you can never get back to Day 1."
     
  • "The responsibility is getting enlightened.  And that responsibility is on you, not on me."
     
  • "You get me for one hour a week.  When you leave the room, do you think I think about you for one minute afterwards? I serisouly don't.  I have a wife, and a life, and a career.  But you don't think about me either."
     
  • "You're the ones who have to be responsible for saying 'I've got to figure this out.'"
     
  • "You've got to think outside the box.  You can't just go through a list of books and solos.  That's a meathead approach."
     
  • "Playing a brass instrument is ultimately about getting your whole body involved.  To make it as free and easy as possible."
     
  • "You know the best players where it just seems so natural? That's because it is."
     
  • "Find a way to be in your chair and engaged."
     
  • "First thing I would suggest is to strongly discourage sitting on the back of your chair.  When I sit on the front of the chair everything is unlocked.  I'm engaging my entire body."
     
  • "Rule #1: View your whole body as a part of the instrument."
     
  • "Practice rolling a ball under your foot while you play."
     
  • "Keep your mind engaged."
     
  • "Technology is one of the great advantages of today."
     
  • "The only problem with a problem is potentially realizing it's not a problem."
     
  • "You must be inquisitive."
     
  • "When I set up an embouchure I try to keep things as set as possible."