Another lockdown is in force in Austria. Again, amateur musicians are trapped inside their homes without any in-person lessons. Already in 2020, MUSEDU collected a number of free online resources we can use to stay motivated. Why not brush up your knowledge on music theory or music history with free online courses, so-called “MOOCs”, or YouTube tutorials? Check out our mini series “Time for Music”, Part I, Part II and Part III. (Please note that the corresponding full articles are in German, but all links provided lead to English language resources.)
Behind the scenes II
The Wiener Musikverein is famous all over the world: Its annual New Year’s Concert in the Golden Hall is broadcast to over 90 countries. Music lovers have probably already witnessed a concert at this famous venue – if only virtually. Recently, the MUSEDU team enjoyed a public guided tour and learned about fascinating details. Read all about this tour in the German version. If you are in Vienna and would like to take a guided tour yourself, you can find all the details on the website. (Tours are available on weekdays, in English and German.)
(Photo credit: ©Bwag/Commons)
Vienna for music lovers
It’s always great to visit Vienna! The city has a lot to offer, especially for music fans. In previous blog posts we recommended a couple of musical travel guides such as David Nelson’s “Vienna Music Guide” which is also available in English. If you would like to stroll through the musical Vienna on your own, check out these free guides. (The full blog post is available in German only.)
“Lockdown songs” by kids
Sonja Ebert, a German guitarist and singer-songwriter, helped kids to write and perform their own lockdown songs. 16 children sing about penguins, the pandemic and missing their friends. The CD “Lockdown-Lieder” is available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon and Deezer. All profit goes to three charity organisations helping other children: Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk, Feierwerk e.V. and Kindernothilfe. (Read the full article in German.)
Explore the world of women composers
Piano Music She Wrote is a project which helps us explore the world of piano music composed by women. Pianists Erica Sipes and Sandra Mogensen have sorted through IMSLP to compile their PMSW Directory – a spreadsheet which gives access to thousands of piano pieces. In addition, they are building a resource of videos of this repertoire on YouTube. MUSEDU spoke with the two pianists about their project.
Stay motivated: Join a music meetup
We have been sitting at home, alone with our instruments, for over a year now. Clearly, this makes it difficult for most of us to motivate ourselves and keep practising. The good news is: Many amateur music groups are still very active. They organise online get-togethers for playing and chatting, they host charity events and even recitals.
Books for music lovers – Part I
Kazuo Ishiguro: Nocturnes. Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
Many writers are either musicians themselves or music plays an important part in their works. Kazuo Ishiguro, who was awarded the Nobel prize in literature 2017, is one of them. He dreamed about becoming a musician when he was young, and he occasionally writes lyrics for singers. “Read with your ears“, says a journalist about one of his books, which felt to her like “a seat at a concert.”
Interview with Marie-Luise Dingler
Marie-Luise Dingler is one half of the violin duo “The Twiolins” and has recently published a children’s book. In the book Hurra, wir spielen ein Konzert (Hooray, we’re playing a concert), a hedgehog and his duo partner, the squirrel, discover the value of friendship, persistence and above all: the power of music. (Read the full interview in German).
With favourite songs against the lockdown blues
A group of Austrian music therapists provides free online support during lockdown. On their platform lieblingslied.at (favourite song), anyone can submit a song. By speaking about the song and its personal meaning, the music therapist then offers a positive outlook in times of crisis. (Read the full article in German).