Category: Reflections

Erick Friedman on Relaxation in Violin Playing

Posted on by Inna Langerman

First of all, happy new year!! May your 2025 be filled with good health, peace, beautiful music, and (fill in the blank yourself).

Last week, I went to the Library of Performing Arts in Lincoln Center to renew my library card (yes, they still make you do that in person here). Even though it’s my “default” branch of the NYPL system, I haven’t been here in a very long time. With extra time to spare, I decided to browse around and hopefully find an “easter egg” Continue reading “Erick Friedman on Relaxation in Violin Playing” →

I Went Back to My Old Setup

Posted on by Inna Langerman

Change is the only constant in life, and that includes making adjustments as we go through our musical journey. Whether it involves learning to play a new genre, beginning lessons with a new teacher, or revamping foundation on the violin for more sustainability, the idea is to be open to the possibilities and grow in context of what life presents. Continue reading “I Went Back to My Old Setup” →

Overcoming Common Roadblocks to New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on by Inna Langerman

A happy, healthy, and musical New Year to you!

 

I’m one of those people who traditionally sets resolutions at the end of each December. The list usually comprises of roughly 6 things based on different areas of my life and interests. Not everything gets accomplished within the next 12 months, but I’ve been pretty happy with the typical 50-70% success rate. Unfortunately, New Year’s resolutions don’t work for everyone. While some things in life are clearly outside of our control, we can navigate our long-term goal challenges by looking at the four following scenarios. I take the most common saboteurs of resolution achievement and for each, include an action step or alternative perspective that we can consider.

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Starling-Delay Symposium 2023

Posted on by Inna Langerman
starling-delay symposium on violin studies 2023

Last week I enjoyed being a participant of the Starling-Delay Symposium at the Juilliard School. It left me overwhelmed to say the least – I haven’t felt this inspired and lit on fire in a very long time. In the spirit of Ms. Delay’s legacy, much of the Symposium revolved around discovering “one’s own truth”; self-discovery, authenticity, possibilities, and purpose. Over 150 participants from around the world gathered to learn, play, absorb, interpret, and exchange ideas and personal experiences. Within this review and reflection, I decided to share some (paraphrased) quotes and notes I took. I hope that they inspire you too.

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Feeling the Audience Energy

Posted on by Inna Langerman
third street music school concert hall

I rarely play recitals. Most of my concerts are symphonic, and occasionally, a third-party event with a chamber ensemble. But this past Friday the 13th I co-hosted one of the concerts as part of the faculty recital series at the school I teach 3 days a week: Third Street Music School Settlement in the East Village of NYC. My colleagues and I had a great time presenting character pieces of Spain and France of the late 19th & early 20th centuries. Some of my young students came and even brought some friends (and their parents) from outside of the school!

Here is the link to the REPLAY in case you’re interested: …Be sure to open in a browser (the Vimeo app is glitchy); Starts about 16 minutes in.
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