Originally co-published in "The North Shoreian," Volume II, Issue 1 - January/February 2009 and BeYourArt.com
I'm writing this for everyone who wants to play music, and especially for those who used to play but gave it up to focus on other things. Making music is fun and satisfying, but it can be a daunting prospect starting out. Assuming you can already read music at a basic level, major concerns are usually the cost of buying an instrument, deciding whether or not to take lessons, and finding opportunities to play the music that you enjoy. If these concerns are what are stopping you from pursuing music, either as a hobby or more seriously, I suggest you consider learning to play the recorder.
I understand that the recorder carries with it a certain stigma - most of us recall the terrible screeching and whistling that was part of our elementary school musical education. The recorder is ideal as a beginning instrument because the fundamentals of the instrument are easy to grasp. That's not to say that the recorder is a "simple" instrument. It is just as nuanced and faceted as many of our modern instruments and an expansive repertoire of both solo and ensemble works has been written for the instrument. Recorders are far more affordable than most student instruments, as well. You can pick up a good set of plastic Yamaha recorders (called a consort and comprised of a soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorder) for what you might expect to pay for a decent trumpet or clarinet.
There's another reason for my suggesting the recorder, too. Long Island is home to many local and amateur ensembles, including a chapter of the American Recorder Society. RSLI, the Recorder Society of Long Island, "consists of a group of music-loving recorder players of all ages and levels, ranging from beginner to advanced," according to Margaret Brown, former President of RSLI. The musical director is Rachel Begley, but each month features a different guest conductor. Ms. Begley is a professional recorder artist who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in recorder and early music from SUNY, Stony Brook. RSLI has been in existence since the 1970's and currently counts around 30 full-time members that, "represent a broad spectrum of careers and professions … includ[ing] teachers, physicians, scientists, homemakers, lawyers, information technology people, college professors, and artists."
Music does not have to be a full-time profession. You can add a little music to your life with a modest financial investment and a little practice at home. Dues for the American Recorder Society are $40 per year and RSLI charges $10 per session as a playing fee (which compensates the guest conductors for their time). Visitors and new-comers are invited to play "for free" on their first visit. The RSLI meets once a month and is invaluable both for guidance (ask to be paired with a mentor if you're feeling unsure of yourself) and for being able to play with a full ensemble. I can speak from experience that RSLI's members are welcoming, generous, and genuinely want you to succeed.
Exploring music is a worthwhile and fulfilling activity. Don't be afraid to test the waters! Inquire about affordable lessons at your local music store or college campus, check online for affordable instruments, and check the bulletin boards at libraries and community centers for beginner's courses. If you've been looking for an opportunity to play music casually, or if you've been looking for opportunities to play early music repertoire, I urge to you to go www.rsli.info and contact RSLI. You'll find that Long Island is home to a wonderful and supportive group of musicians who "just like to have fun playing together."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rachel Begley, North Shore Recorder Virtuoso
Originally published in "The North Shoreian," Volume II, Issue 1 - January/February 2009
Appearing with prestigious orchestras and ensembles, teaching aspiring musicians, and travelling to and fro to perform, one North Shore resident is always seeking out the new and exciting. Rachel Begley is a recorder virtuoso and freelance musician living in Port Jefferson Station but performing and teaching throughout Long Island and the United States.
For Begley, early music has always held a special interest. She began her studies in England, but moved to the United States for Graduate work, eventually earning her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in recorder and early music from SUNY Stony Brook in 1997. She is a recorder virtuoso, but also plays historical bassoon (baroque and classical). "Older ones [bassoons] have a different number of keys," she explains, referring to the number of finger holes of the older bassoons compared to the number of keys on a modern bassoon. She slips seamlessly into being the educator without breaking the humorous and casual nature of the conversation. She continues, "The older ones don't have keys. Modern ones have keys that solve some of the problems." It seems that the baroque and classical instruments experienced peculiarities in intonation which resulted in unique tonal colors when the instrument was played in different key centers. "Composers took advantage of the tone colors and wrote for the instrument with them in mind."
Begley's studies in the United States began at Indiana University's Early Music Institue. She moved to New York to pursue her Doctorate and has been based here since. "She is active as both soloist and orchestral player, and appears regularly with such ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, the American Classical Orchestra, New York Collegium, Concert Royal, the Long Island Baroque Ensemble, and Philomel." She has performed as a soloist at the prestigious Boston and Berkeley Early Music Festivals, in addition to performing concertos and giving recitals across the country. She co-founded the New Amsterdam Recorder Trio which, "… was founded in 2001 by three recorder virtuosi, from England, Israel and the Netherlands, now living in New York." Their name is taken from the original name for New York, and it also reflects both the more recent recognition of Amsterdam as the “recorder capital” of the world and their desire to break new ground in the art of recorder playing.
Her musical interests are not greatly restricted by the period in which her instruments flourished. "I swing through phases," she says. "This precise weekend I'm in the 12th century because I'm performing 'Daniel' at the Cloisters. Last week I was in the 18th century. Generally, whatever I'm doing is what I want to be doing." She finds that being a freelance musician gives her the freedom to go where the opportunities are best. "You do pick and choose [from] what comes your way. I do enjoy more interesting projects."
With NewART she gets to explore a broad range of material. "… NewART performs medieval, renaissance, baroque and modern music, as well as arrangements of traditional/world music, and their collection of instruments numbers more than two dozen recorders from makers around the world." They have appeared in concert throughout the New York tri-state area, and have performed with prestigious ensembles including the world-renowned Flanders Recorder Quartet. Their concerts have earned them both local "… and national acclaim and in 2004 they were featured in the inaugural New York Early Music Celebration, and appeared in concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York."
As a performer, Begley is always aware of her influence over the audience. "When I'm playing … I try to bring some passion into it." She understands that the audience will respond to the intensity of the performance and it's that intensity that can enrapture even today's over-stimulated audiences. In her words, she strives for a dramatic performance. "I do love drama because it engages people in that moment." In her performance of "Daniel" at the Cloisters this past December she was, "in costume. I sing, I dance, I play - all from memory. Each time it's performed it's a new interpretation because there's much improvisation. Even the rhythm is unnoted. Whatever I performed today will not be what happens tomorrow." It's exactly this type of dramatic role that she searches for, and she knows that the audiences it, too. "I think that's why people love opera, there is music plus."
Begley doesn't have much of a routine, preferring to do what she finds interesting. In addition to her performing career, Rachel teaches privately and at festivals and workshops in the US and Europe, and is Music Director for the Recorder Society of Long Island. As Music Director for RSLI her goal, "is to provide stimulating and varied opportunities for players," and, "to provide an interesting program of opportunities for players of all levels." She has a warmth and a humor about her that makes her very approachable. Working with students and workshop participants, she can answer questions and tell jokes almost simultaneously and never seems to lose sight of the goal. Her demeanor is not snobbish or elitist. Instead, she approaches music with a cross between business-like professionalism and the easygoing spirit of a summer picnic.
Appearing with prestigious orchestras and ensembles, teaching aspiring musicians, and travelling to and fro to perform, one North Shore resident is always seeking out the new and exciting. Rachel Begley is a recorder virtuoso and freelance musician living in Port Jefferson Station but performing and teaching throughout Long Island and the United States.
For Begley, early music has always held a special interest. She began her studies in England, but moved to the United States for Graduate work, eventually earning her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in recorder and early music from SUNY Stony Brook in 1997. She is a recorder virtuoso, but also plays historical bassoon (baroque and classical). "Older ones [bassoons] have a different number of keys," she explains, referring to the number of finger holes of the older bassoons compared to the number of keys on a modern bassoon. She slips seamlessly into being the educator without breaking the humorous and casual nature of the conversation. She continues, "The older ones don't have keys. Modern ones have keys that solve some of the problems." It seems that the baroque and classical instruments experienced peculiarities in intonation which resulted in unique tonal colors when the instrument was played in different key centers. "Composers took advantage of the tone colors and wrote for the instrument with them in mind."
Begley's studies in the United States began at Indiana University's Early Music Institue. She moved to New York to pursue her Doctorate and has been based here since. "She is active as both soloist and orchestral player, and appears regularly with such ensembles as the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, the American Classical Orchestra, New York Collegium, Concert Royal, the Long Island Baroque Ensemble, and Philomel." She has performed as a soloist at the prestigious Boston and Berkeley Early Music Festivals, in addition to performing concertos and giving recitals across the country. She co-founded the New Amsterdam Recorder Trio which, "… was founded in 2001 by three recorder virtuosi, from England, Israel and the Netherlands, now living in New York." Their name is taken from the original name for New York, and it also reflects both the more recent recognition of Amsterdam as the “recorder capital” of the world and their desire to break new ground in the art of recorder playing.
Her musical interests are not greatly restricted by the period in which her instruments flourished. "I swing through phases," she says. "This precise weekend I'm in the 12th century because I'm performing 'Daniel' at the Cloisters. Last week I was in the 18th century. Generally, whatever I'm doing is what I want to be doing." She finds that being a freelance musician gives her the freedom to go where the opportunities are best. "You do pick and choose [from] what comes your way. I do enjoy more interesting projects."
With NewART she gets to explore a broad range of material. "… NewART performs medieval, renaissance, baroque and modern music, as well as arrangements of traditional/world music, and their collection of instruments numbers more than two dozen recorders from makers around the world." They have appeared in concert throughout the New York tri-state area, and have performed with prestigious ensembles including the world-renowned Flanders Recorder Quartet. Their concerts have earned them both local "… and national acclaim and in 2004 they were featured in the inaugural New York Early Music Celebration, and appeared in concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York."
As a performer, Begley is always aware of her influence over the audience. "When I'm playing … I try to bring some passion into it." She understands that the audience will respond to the intensity of the performance and it's that intensity that can enrapture even today's over-stimulated audiences. In her words, she strives for a dramatic performance. "I do love drama because it engages people in that moment." In her performance of "Daniel" at the Cloisters this past December she was, "in costume. I sing, I dance, I play - all from memory. Each time it's performed it's a new interpretation because there's much improvisation. Even the rhythm is unnoted. Whatever I performed today will not be what happens tomorrow." It's exactly this type of dramatic role that she searches for, and she knows that the audiences it, too. "I think that's why people love opera, there is music plus."
Begley doesn't have much of a routine, preferring to do what she finds interesting. In addition to her performing career, Rachel teaches privately and at festivals and workshops in the US and Europe, and is Music Director for the Recorder Society of Long Island. As Music Director for RSLI her goal, "is to provide stimulating and varied opportunities for players," and, "to provide an interesting program of opportunities for players of all levels." She has a warmth and a humor about her that makes her very approachable. Working with students and workshop participants, she can answer questions and tell jokes almost simultaneously and never seems to lose sight of the goal. Her demeanor is not snobbish or elitist. Instead, she approaches music with a cross between business-like professionalism and the easygoing spirit of a summer picnic.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Andreas Klein: Huntington's New Piano Virtuoso
Originally published in "The Improper North Shoreian," Volume I, Issue 12 - December 2008
"All good music has a plot." In letting those stories unfold and their characters develop, classical pianist Andreas Klein translates even the most cerebral music into an engaging narrative. Clear declamation, deliberate phrasing, and well thought-out musical choices create a cast of characters that, for Klein, "might argue or be friends, have a love obsession, or whatever. And that makes the piece more interesting." His understanding of the music allows it to communicate clearly to his listeners.
Klein performed in the Parish Hall of Old First Church in Huntington on Sunday, November 23. His concert entitled "Postcard from Italy" was presented by Ridotto concerts and featured a diverse selection of works conceived in or inspired by Italy and the Italian style. "I do not necessarily endorse the idea that we have to go back in time and perform [music] in the way it was written," explains Klein. "Music is not a time machine. It has to move through the centuries. I still believe the spirit has to be retained in whatever you do. If you describe a piece in a way that obscures the composer, that is bad. If it's in the style, if it's in their mind, then why not try it in a new way?" Hearing Klein perform, one can simultaneously perceive his vision of the piece and the intention of the composer.
As a pianist, Klein's performance has been described as refined, elegant, and fascinating. His performance of Bach's Italian Concerto on Sunday was spirited and energetic, and Mendelssohn's Venetian Boat Song, Opus 30 no. 6 was disarmingly delicate and sentimental. He was completely in his element performing Dallapiccola's Sonatina Canonica, especially in the fourth movement Alla Marcia where his clarity and temperament were exemplary. His technical proficiency and robust interpretive style were evidenced throughout, infusing the performance with nuance and intention.
A native of Germany, Klein attended Julliard before going on to have a successful international touring career. "At Julliard, your outlook of musical life means that you are studying a piece, and preparing a piece, and rehearsing. You're concerned with your career and preparing for a competition, etc. You focus on the objective." Klein found, as his career progressed, that performing was the real pleasure. Connecting with an audience and fostering the communication of a composer's work to that audience is what he finds important. And championing classical music means performing - regularly.
Klein has frequently been heard on NPR's "Performance Today", as well as on numerous local and syndicated radio programs. He was a featured guest live three times on WGBH Boston and KUHF Houston. In addition to being a frequent television and radio guest, Klein created a series of short works by composers such as Chopin, Debussy and Stravinsky which he called Intermezzo with Andreas Klein. These programs, which were designed to attract and introduce television audiences to classical music, were seen on PBS television stations nationwide. "Musician's Portrait" was filmed by Berlin for ORB TV in Germany, in conjunction with a concert at the Neuhardenberg Castle. He also premiered and recorded Mendelssohn's Concerto in A minor with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony. Klein's performance in Dresden with the Halle Orchestra of the late Beethoven Sonatas, of Liszt's Totentanz, and of Frank's Symphonic Variations was a nationwide broadcast by MDR Radio.
"I have two lives: One, as a concert pianist, another as a recording engineer for concert music. I divide my time unequally between the two." Andreas Klein, being both an internationally renowned performer and the head of a successful recording company, has become an ambassador in the service of the music he loves to perform. "Classical music is less popular than pops," Klein explains. "Classical performance is not just about the music (styles, composers, etc), but to bring the message of classical music to the world. They might want to buy a CD and think that it is more interesting than what they can hear on the radio."
Andreas Klein comes to the North shore courtesy of Adelphi University where he is the Recording Director for the new Performing Arts Center, Adelphi University's 500-seat concert hall. Two seasons ago he gave a recital at the university and fell in love with the island. He was asked to become a consultant for the equipment purchases used for their classical recordings. Within a few weeks he was made the Recording Director, which naturally follows given his extensive experience. Klein's recording company ULTIMO Productions is a "boutique-style audio recording service exclusively designed for classical music". "I realized that there are very few people who do nothing but classical recording. At that time (about 10 years ago) I lived in Houston, Texas. I moved to the vicinity of Manhattan with the hope of recording more musicians. Eventually, I got the opportunity to work with Adelphi University."
Klein intends to establish a curriculum designed to teach students at Adelphi University how to create a classical CD. "To record a classical ensemble, students have to know what is being recorded and how that should sound. When you are recording a Baroque opera you need to know how that compares to a symphony or a work by Mahler. Students need to know how that is different from bluegrass or rock-and-roll." Mr. Klein is an ideal instructor in this regard, having extensive experience in performing and recording for National Public Radio. "As a classical musician I have been there [in the recording studio] many times," he confesses. "I have made recordings myself, and I have been recorded by others. So I understand firsthand what the performer is experiencing. I have been at the piano bench and I bring that to the recording. … If I'm the producer, I work with the musicians to make them feel comfortable, both with the equipment and the recording itself."
And while he may be settling in to a new position at Adelphi University, he certainly is not settling down. In addition to fulfilling his obligations at Adelphi and ULTIMO Productions he continues to concertize regularly.
"All good music has a plot." In letting those stories unfold and their characters develop, classical pianist Andreas Klein translates even the most cerebral music into an engaging narrative. Clear declamation, deliberate phrasing, and well thought-out musical choices create a cast of characters that, for Klein, "might argue or be friends, have a love obsession, or whatever. And that makes the piece more interesting." His understanding of the music allows it to communicate clearly to his listeners.
Klein performed in the Parish Hall of Old First Church in Huntington on Sunday, November 23. His concert entitled "Postcard from Italy" was presented by Ridotto concerts and featured a diverse selection of works conceived in or inspired by Italy and the Italian style. "I do not necessarily endorse the idea that we have to go back in time and perform [music] in the way it was written," explains Klein. "Music is not a time machine. It has to move through the centuries. I still believe the spirit has to be retained in whatever you do. If you describe a piece in a way that obscures the composer, that is bad. If it's in the style, if it's in their mind, then why not try it in a new way?" Hearing Klein perform, one can simultaneously perceive his vision of the piece and the intention of the composer.
As a pianist, Klein's performance has been described as refined, elegant, and fascinating. His performance of Bach's Italian Concerto on Sunday was spirited and energetic, and Mendelssohn's Venetian Boat Song, Opus 30 no. 6 was disarmingly delicate and sentimental. He was completely in his element performing Dallapiccola's Sonatina Canonica, especially in the fourth movement Alla Marcia where his clarity and temperament were exemplary. His technical proficiency and robust interpretive style were evidenced throughout, infusing the performance with nuance and intention.
A native of Germany, Klein attended Julliard before going on to have a successful international touring career. "At Julliard, your outlook of musical life means that you are studying a piece, and preparing a piece, and rehearsing. You're concerned with your career and preparing for a competition, etc. You focus on the objective." Klein found, as his career progressed, that performing was the real pleasure. Connecting with an audience and fostering the communication of a composer's work to that audience is what he finds important. And championing classical music means performing - regularly.
Klein has frequently been heard on NPR's "Performance Today", as well as on numerous local and syndicated radio programs. He was a featured guest live three times on WGBH Boston and KUHF Houston. In addition to being a frequent television and radio guest, Klein created a series of short works by composers such as Chopin, Debussy and Stravinsky which he called Intermezzo with Andreas Klein. These programs, which were designed to attract and introduce television audiences to classical music, were seen on PBS television stations nationwide. "Musician's Portrait" was filmed by Berlin for ORB TV in Germany, in conjunction with a concert at the Neuhardenberg Castle. He also premiered and recorded Mendelssohn's Concerto in A minor with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony. Klein's performance in Dresden with the Halle Orchestra of the late Beethoven Sonatas, of Liszt's Totentanz, and of Frank's Symphonic Variations was a nationwide broadcast by MDR Radio.
"I have two lives: One, as a concert pianist, another as a recording engineer for concert music. I divide my time unequally between the two." Andreas Klein, being both an internationally renowned performer and the head of a successful recording company, has become an ambassador in the service of the music he loves to perform. "Classical music is less popular than pops," Klein explains. "Classical performance is not just about the music (styles, composers, etc), but to bring the message of classical music to the world. They might want to buy a CD and think that it is more interesting than what they can hear on the radio."
Andreas Klein comes to the North shore courtesy of Adelphi University where he is the Recording Director for the new Performing Arts Center, Adelphi University's 500-seat concert hall. Two seasons ago he gave a recital at the university and fell in love with the island. He was asked to become a consultant for the equipment purchases used for their classical recordings. Within a few weeks he was made the Recording Director, which naturally follows given his extensive experience. Klein's recording company ULTIMO Productions is a "boutique-style audio recording service exclusively designed for classical music". "I realized that there are very few people who do nothing but classical recording. At that time (about 10 years ago) I lived in Houston, Texas. I moved to the vicinity of Manhattan with the hope of recording more musicians. Eventually, I got the opportunity to work with Adelphi University."
Klein intends to establish a curriculum designed to teach students at Adelphi University how to create a classical CD. "To record a classical ensemble, students have to know what is being recorded and how that should sound. When you are recording a Baroque opera you need to know how that compares to a symphony or a work by Mahler. Students need to know how that is different from bluegrass or rock-and-roll." Mr. Klein is an ideal instructor in this regard, having extensive experience in performing and recording for National Public Radio. "As a classical musician I have been there [in the recording studio] many times," he confesses. "I have made recordings myself, and I have been recorded by others. So I understand firsthand what the performer is experiencing. I have been at the piano bench and I bring that to the recording. … If I'm the producer, I work with the musicians to make them feel comfortable, both with the equipment and the recording itself."
And while he may be settling in to a new position at Adelphi University, he certainly is not settling down. In addition to fulfilling his obligations at Adelphi and ULTIMO Productions he continues to concertize regularly.
Monday, November 3, 2008
BeYourArt.com Helps Artists Become Their Art
Originally published in "The Improper North Shoreian," Volume I, Issue 11 - November 2008
Created by businessman-turned-writer Judah Mahay, BeYourArt.com is a site dedicated to helping artists navigate the cold halls and fiery-hoops of the business world. The site is free, artists pay no fee for the services that give them the resources, information, and community to help them be their art. It was born of Mahay's desire to get involved with and support the art scene on Long Island (where he lives) and around the world. The site is built on a core belief that one should not have to sell out or abandon their vision to be a successful artist. In creating BeYourArt.com, he sought to make his business knowledge available to the artistic community. In a way, he was giving back for the guidance and inspiration he received on his journey toward becoming a professional writer. Reaching beyond writing, he explored the wide venue of arts; spoke to visual artists, musicians, and those in theater. What he realized was that if everyone offered-up their knowledge and experience, then everyone would be better off. Putting his writing on hold for over three months, he channeled nearly every moment and ounce of energy into getting the site off the ground. His vision: to cultivate a free community of artists, not separated by distance or medium, who share and benefit in kind, facilitated by a website that is perpetuated by those it serves.
The homepage is visually appealing and allows new visitors to find what they're looking for quickly and active members to see recent site activity. This causes it to be somewhat overfull, but Mahay is aware and so has kept the navigation links at the top and site activity below. All of the site's content can be navigated to from the home page, with the majority of content accessed by tabs at the top of the page. The colors and scheme provide for easy differentiation between links and text, and headings are consistently used throughout. The color palette is subtle but cohesive, allowing for featured visual art to stand out. Looking over the homepage, you'll see recent forum activity, blog posts, new members, and "featured member" submitted works. Balancing professionalism and an appealing personal feel, it provides a comfortable venue. The "everything-to-hand" feeling that is essential to the design of the site is most apparent here.
BeYourArt.com, under Mahay's guidance, is member-driven and constantly being updated to meet member needs. Forums provide for both open and medium-specific discussion such as "visual art", "writers", and "theatre". In the forums and chat rooms members can bounce ideas off one another, share their successes or frustrations, or see what's going on elsewhere. Threads are easy to find either by their headings or by using the search option. For more business-oriented discussions, groups centered on a topic such as "Finances", "Conventional Marketing", and "Agents" allow artists of all persuasions to share experiences and advice with each other. A few groups are featured on the homepage and all groups can be accessed from the Topics tab. The specific group pages contain a discussion forum, helpful links, and an area for wall comments. In addition, members can create new groups (subject to review by site administration) if one doesn't already exist. Member input is constantly sought in improving and updating the site, Mahay expressing a desire to meet the needs of the community. It's a balancing-act providing the array of features that members want while making them accessible for new users, and Mahay manages it without fanfare. By providing consistent page formats, color schemes, and utilizing the navigation tabs, he allows users to easily navigate content and anticipate where specific information will be found.
In creating BeYourArt.com, Mahay wanted to find a way to feature members and their art. His intention, he says, was twofold. He wanted to give members a place to feature themselves, but he also wanted to reward those that contributed to the site's community. As a member, you can post content such as video, music, blogs, etc. and users can access member content by navigating the Artists tab. In addition, music, photos, and blog posts are featured on the homepage. Also on the homepage is the "Featured Artist" segment, where a member who contributes in a significant way to the site is rewarded with a month-long feature on the home page, in addition to being added to the "Feature Artist" archive. BeYourArt.com is as much a meeting place as it is a resource for artists. Artists can be a reclusive lot, and the artistic journey is often a very personal one. By providing a common space for artists to share their work, Mahay facilitates the community that is so vital to the success of the site.
The Directory tab links users to useful information about business-related topics such as "Medical", "Art Law", and "Unions". Links to related organizations and information are organized within their respective topic. Member-submitted articles and reviews, and other networking opportunities are listed under the Resources tab. Lastly, the Art News tab contains links to useful web publications and journals dedicated to an array of art forms. The community is emphasized but should not obscure Mahay's intention. He set out to provide a place where artists could find answers to questions about how to do the business of art, but he recognized that he did not, himself, have all the answers. Member suggestions are solicited and encouraged as the way to produce a comprehensive resource. It is through the active participation and contributions of the member community that resources of the site are improved.
Judah Mahay, having come to art by way of business, recognized the need for an art-related business resource that would not seek to dominate or own the artistic spirit. BeYourArt.com has the potential to be a tremendous resource for the artistic community. Dedicated to serving and promoting, it succeeds because it provides a place for individual artists to share their experiences with others, thereby enriching the community as a whole.
Created by businessman-turned-writer Judah Mahay, BeYourArt.com is a site dedicated to helping artists navigate the cold halls and fiery-hoops of the business world. The site is free, artists pay no fee for the services that give them the resources, information, and community to help them be their art. It was born of Mahay's desire to get involved with and support the art scene on Long Island (where he lives) and around the world. The site is built on a core belief that one should not have to sell out or abandon their vision to be a successful artist. In creating BeYourArt.com, he sought to make his business knowledge available to the artistic community. In a way, he was giving back for the guidance and inspiration he received on his journey toward becoming a professional writer. Reaching beyond writing, he explored the wide venue of arts; spoke to visual artists, musicians, and those in theater. What he realized was that if everyone offered-up their knowledge and experience, then everyone would be better off. Putting his writing on hold for over three months, he channeled nearly every moment and ounce of energy into getting the site off the ground. His vision: to cultivate a free community of artists, not separated by distance or medium, who share and benefit in kind, facilitated by a website that is perpetuated by those it serves.
The homepage is visually appealing and allows new visitors to find what they're looking for quickly and active members to see recent site activity. This causes it to be somewhat overfull, but Mahay is aware and so has kept the navigation links at the top and site activity below. All of the site's content can be navigated to from the home page, with the majority of content accessed by tabs at the top of the page. The colors and scheme provide for easy differentiation between links and text, and headings are consistently used throughout. The color palette is subtle but cohesive, allowing for featured visual art to stand out. Looking over the homepage, you'll see recent forum activity, blog posts, new members, and "featured member" submitted works. Balancing professionalism and an appealing personal feel, it provides a comfortable venue. The "everything-to-hand" feeling that is essential to the design of the site is most apparent here.
BeYourArt.com, under Mahay's guidance, is member-driven and constantly being updated to meet member needs. Forums provide for both open and medium-specific discussion such as "visual art", "writers", and "theatre". In the forums and chat rooms members can bounce ideas off one another, share their successes or frustrations, or see what's going on elsewhere. Threads are easy to find either by their headings or by using the search option. For more business-oriented discussions, groups centered on a topic such as "Finances", "Conventional Marketing", and "Agents" allow artists of all persuasions to share experiences and advice with each other. A few groups are featured on the homepage and all groups can be accessed from the Topics tab. The specific group pages contain a discussion forum, helpful links, and an area for wall comments. In addition, members can create new groups (subject to review by site administration) if one doesn't already exist. Member input is constantly sought in improving and updating the site, Mahay expressing a desire to meet the needs of the community. It's a balancing-act providing the array of features that members want while making them accessible for new users, and Mahay manages it without fanfare. By providing consistent page formats, color schemes, and utilizing the navigation tabs, he allows users to easily navigate content and anticipate where specific information will be found.
In creating BeYourArt.com, Mahay wanted to find a way to feature members and their art. His intention, he says, was twofold. He wanted to give members a place to feature themselves, but he also wanted to reward those that contributed to the site's community. As a member, you can post content such as video, music, blogs, etc. and users can access member content by navigating the Artists tab. In addition, music, photos, and blog posts are featured on the homepage. Also on the homepage is the "Featured Artist" segment, where a member who contributes in a significant way to the site is rewarded with a month-long feature on the home page, in addition to being added to the "Feature Artist" archive. BeYourArt.com is as much a meeting place as it is a resource for artists. Artists can be a reclusive lot, and the artistic journey is often a very personal one. By providing a common space for artists to share their work, Mahay facilitates the community that is so vital to the success of the site.
The Directory tab links users to useful information about business-related topics such as "Medical", "Art Law", and "Unions". Links to related organizations and information are organized within their respective topic. Member-submitted articles and reviews, and other networking opportunities are listed under the Resources tab. Lastly, the Art News tab contains links to useful web publications and journals dedicated to an array of art forms. The community is emphasized but should not obscure Mahay's intention. He set out to provide a place where artists could find answers to questions about how to do the business of art, but he recognized that he did not, himself, have all the answers. Member suggestions are solicited and encouraged as the way to produce a comprehensive resource. It is through the active participation and contributions of the member community that resources of the site are improved.
Judah Mahay, having come to art by way of business, recognized the need for an art-related business resource that would not seek to dominate or own the artistic spirit. BeYourArt.com has the potential to be a tremendous resource for the artistic community. Dedicated to serving and promoting, it succeeds because it provides a place for individual artists to share their experiences with others, thereby enriching the community as a whole.
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