While everybody is sharing their achievements and track records at the end of the year, I thought I’d contribute some contrary experiences as I feel that we far less readily talk about things and endeavours that do not turn out well. So here we go: In the last few months I had two article submissions rejected by prestigious journals, failed in two competitive academic job interviews, and unsuccessfully applied for the board of the Berlin music council. Besides, I didn’t compose anything substantial for more than a year.

This is not to imply that I am generally unhappy with my professional career, of course. I am still very content with my current teaching position, pursue some fruitful research and publishing activities, and continually enjoy the musical output and growing proficiency of my adorable children.

What are your recent failures and missed opportunities? Please share and provide some counterpoint to the ubiquitous showing off 🙂
However, have a great holiday season and lots of success, satisfaction, and rewarding experiences in the coming year!

A new cultural-political statement has been issued by my professional body of musicians, Deutscher Tonkünstlerverband Berlin. The most important topics are fair payment for freelancers (see our new fee guidelines) and future challenges for music school administrations as a result of a court decision on the social security of freelance teaching staff that are integrated in the business. We will be in touch with the Berlin Senate administration for that matter. Please continue reading here.