I'm concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony & teach music at Indiana University. Next month, I'll be performing with members of the world's top orchestras (including LA Phil, NY Phil, Cleveland, Philadelphia and MET Orchestras + dozens more) all ...

Teaching in Indiana and playing in Dallas, that’s a long ways to move! I realize it’s something that professionals often have to do to make a go of music as a career. What are some things you do to make moving around easier on yourself and your family and friends?

You're absolutely right...running around like I do isn't easy. I try and keep close contact with my friends wherever I am and talk to my sons every day, either by phone or FaceTime. I exercise a lot these days to keep myself fit and sane, walking about an hour and a half a day. I also surround myself with photos of those I love in both cities where I live...it makes me feel at home no matter where I am.

Do you have a favourite instrument?

CELLO! I always wanted to play the cello, but when I started playing an instrument in my elementary school, they didn't have one small enough for me! Ironic that I'm now 6 foot 2 inches!

I thought you'd pick horn? 😉

HAHAHAHA! Love you, my brother!!!

I was really hoping you'd say cowbell.

You can never get enough...

What's your favorite place to eat in Bloomington?

Depends upon the cuisine. Uptown cafe, FARM, Taste of India, Siam House, Lennie's Mother Bears, Ami, Feta, Juanitas

Oh god I miss Taste of India. And Uptown. And FARM. And Juanita's. And Ami. So many great places in Bloomington. (I did MM and DM at Jacobs)

RIP Opie Taylor’s :(

I know...its so sad!

Someone mentioned Feta the other day and we were legitimately unsure of what they might actually serve there beyond, possibly, the titular cheese.

Uptown's good, Taste too. Butter lamb and peshawari naan is an easy comfort meal for me. My girlfriend lives a couple blocks away from Juanita's, it's a place she likes a lot.

Our standby for "do ya wanna order something to eat?" is usually Crazy Horse, or Pizza X. (which I maintain is the best pizza place ever, though sometimes i encounter resistance on that idea... Mother Bear's is good too, i like a pan pizza and they have a much more diverse menu, but Pizza X just "hits different", as some might say...)

Crazy Horse is another go-to!

Forgot Little Zagreb!!!!

Hoo-hoo-hoosiers!

I don't have a real question. What's your favorite place for music in Indiana?

It's funny, I don't go out much when I'm in Indiana; I usually spend all my time either with my children or teaching! I do like going to hear the ISO! I miss those guys!

Can you walk us through a normal practice day routine?

I usually start with a ridiculous a major doodling that my stand partner, Nathan Olson has come to imitate and mock me with! Then, I'll play one position scales for 10-15 minutes to warm up and get my hand frames solidly in place. Then, it's repertoire time; I'll work on whatever I'm going to be performing that week or start something difficult that I see lurking in the future. I will always start by practicing slowly, often with a metronome and as detailed as I can, always with the mindset that I will be performing the work, not just laying it in my room! Preparing for nerves helps a lot when you are suffering them in real life!

I'm going to show this comment to my kids (10 and 8) who refuse to believe that slowing down and playing with a metronome can have any benefit! (And mom couldn't possibly know anything about it, even after years of piano and violin lessons.) They play full-tilt until their fingers are hopelessly tangled and then get frustrated and try to go even faster. Maybe seeing how a pro does it will convince them!

Tell them Hilary Hahn and James Ehnes also practice SLOWLY!!!

When you play violin-piano duo/chamber music, how does communication during the rehearsal process take place? Do you spend more time playing, more time talking; do you primarily stop and start with short passages or do you tend to play longer sections at a time?

At this stage of my career, I usually perform with people I have known for a long time, so there are certain patterns hat have arisen throughout the years. usually, chamber music or recital rehearsals start with a run-through and proceed with each of us offering up their own most important musical observations, technical ideas and all of us talking about where it just sounded horrific. then, we will play through all of the passages, usually in chronological order. The last rehearsal is always a run-through with little touch ups...

I would say there is as much playing and as little talking as possible.

As a fellow violinist and private teacher, what advice would you give a younger violinist who wants to study performance?

Also - which is your favorite concerto to play?

I would tell the student that it's not an easy road but that if they are willing to enjoy not only the fun aspects of practice and performance but also the drudgery, then they have a chance! I love my jobs with a singular passion and that passion is a vital necessity.

I would also tell that person to be their own harshest critic in the practice room while also being their own best supporter on stage.

favorite concerto to play? BRAHMS!!!!!!

Yes! These are great tips, especially the need for an all-consuming passion for music - both the fun and less-fun aspects. On the performance front, any good tips or tricks for managing performance anxiety on stage as a soloist?

Love the Brahms! I've been big on Mendelssohn lately, but am finally diving into some Sibelius for the first time...it's a doozy, but a fun one!

I would advise reading Don Greene's books, as well as George Mumford's Mindful Athlete. Staying in the MOMENT is for me, the key to dealing with performance anxiety, and believe me, I suffer it as much as anyone else. Living in the past is pointless and worrying about the future only increases the stress.

Oh man, this is great advice! I of course have struggled with performance anxiety of my own, so these are great resources for both myself and my students. Appreciate the feedback!

My pleasure!!!

Brahms....double concerto? Cause really that's the proper answer.

In that same note, do you have a favorite Concertmaster solo?

Love the Double!!! Have performed it a lot!

HELDENLEBEN....

What's your favorite concertmaster solo and why is it Scheherazade?

HAHAHAHA! Actually, its Heldenleben! First one I ever played and have loved it ever since!

What was your most memorable music performance and who are your musical heroes?

Musical heroes...Brahms, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Michael Rabin, Aaron Rosand, Itzahk Perlman, Sting

Most memorable performance...performing Shostakovich's 8th Quartet with Maxim Vengerov, Yuri Bashmet and Mstislav Rostropovich in the Concertgebouw; it was one of Slava's last performances; we all cried at the finish...I'll never forget that night as long as I live. Another was a performance of Mahler's Sixth Symphony with the Concertgebouw Orchestra when the lights suddenly went out. There was about a minute of music left in the first movement and we finished it by heart and in complete darkness. It was unreal...

What's your favorite type of taco?

hahaha! There's a place in Dallas called the Velvet Taco and they have a Cuban that is AMAZING!

Is there a score/symphony/production that you’ve always dreamed to be able to perform?

I would love to CONDUCT the St. Matthew Passion of Bach. It is one of my top 5 favorite works and to lead it would be a bucket list moment!

Where do you stand on historically informed performance?

I loved working with Harnoncourt and consider him a huge mentor in my life. I love period performance practice, only sometimes differing on opinions about vibrato, which I still employ, though not nearly as much as when I'm playing Tchaikovsky!

What’s your all time favorite score from a movie?

Without a doubt, Cinema Paradiso. Within three seconds of hearing the main theme, I'm crying like a baby...

Have you ever heard of the album "Beyond the Missouri Sky?" If you havent, I highly recommend you check it out. It's Pat Metheny. On there is him playing the theme from cinema paradiso. Amazing stuff. https://open.spotify.com/track/5lsR6wuL7T7vR5IOZwPaEc?si=mDmYM0GlT027m1U0x7yL2Q

Metheny...one of the true greats. What a sound!!!!! Him and Pastorius together????

We love having you in Dallas!!!! I have been to so many of your masterclasses over the years, starting in Aspen and continuing at local DFW schools. I always learn so much from you. Thank you!!! Would you happen to have advice for working parents who have very limited time to practice/stay in shape on the instrument? Maybe a 10-20 min daily routine to help one from completely falling off the wagon? 😂😅

Sure and thanks for the kind words!!!! One position scales are great, Yost shifting etudes, Sevcik op.1 for dexterity. For the bow, Kreutzer number 2!!!

How many rehearsals do you usually get for a typical concert? Would you prefer more or fewer, or is it just right as it is? What could you and the orchestra do better with more time?

That is a really interesting question! An orchestra usually gets 4 rehearsals per week, sometimes 5 if a program is particularly long or challenging. I think that is a pretty good number for a professional orchestra that has been well-rehearsed by a conductor who has used their time efficiently. If I had more time, I would get into even more detail, perhaps promote more individuality and spontaneity by knowing how we fit in such depth, that even a conductor would be unnecessary. Not that I don't like conductors!

What lead you to the Dallas Symphony in particular?

Jaap van Zweden. He offered, I came! I love my orchestra...not just a group of amazingly talented musicians, but also one of the nicest group of people you'll find in the business. We are also lucky enough to have, in my humble opinion, the best CEO in the world and our new music director, Fabio Luisi is one of the most elegant and humble musicians with whom I've ever worked. Couple these things with one of the most beautiful halls in the country, if not the world...its a pretty nice place to be!

Gotta love the Meyerson!

YES! It's so amazing, inside and out!

Did jvZ’s rampant abuse of musicians affect your ability to sleep at night?

I don't remember having abused any musicians...I'll have to ask my colleagues how I treat them but I think they think I'm a pretty good guy. I generally don't sleep very well but I don't think that has anything to do with Jaap!

What can or should orchestras do to help attract younger audiences?

Very good question...I think performing new music is one way, but honestly, the best way would be to restart music programs in the public schools. When a young person can PLAY an instrument, not just listen to the music, they become more invested in the whole genre. It makes me sad that so many schools have dropped their arts programs. Why live if there is no culture?

Were you involved with the collaboration between DSO and St. Vincent? That was the best live performance I've ever seen and I wasn't expecting it to be that awesome? If so what's it like blending a rock performance with an orchestra?

No, but I was there and I LOVED it!!!

Who is your favourite underrated composer?

SCHUMANN!!!!! I have been on a huge Schumann kick the past few years...such amazing music from such a disturbed genius!!!

I've never given Schumann much thought. Any recommendations?

The piano concerto is an all time great.

Fantastic!

Schumann or Mendelssohn!

Have you already played the third symphony of Camille Saint Saëns? If so, how was it? If not, greatly recommended

Many times! It's TRICKY! The coordination involved in playing the violin part isn't easy and then syncing with the other instruments rhythmically is a challenge. It's a beautiful piece and audiences LOVE it.

Hi Alex!! I know you recently got into cooking...what’s been your favorite thing to make and what is something you’ll never make again?

Hope you’re well! Can’t wait to catch up soon! -Z

Hey Z!!!!! Miss you!!!! I love making steak, when I can avoid smoking out my abodes!!!! Any advice on that???

Do you think individuals with specific learning difficulties could ever play in an orchestra? For example, people with dyslexia, who may find it almost impossible to read and perform the music in realtime? Do you think playing in an orchestra is simply unattainable for those people who would find sight reading very difficult?

I don't find sight reading to be that important in an orchestra. preparation is the most important factor in determining how someone will succeed. Learning difficulties may present a hurdle but can be surmounted. laziness cannot...

How do you communicate with the orchestra while playing?

If there is a conductor in front of us, I use my body movements to accentuate that person's movements. A combination of rising and falling gestures from both my arms (and sometimes my entire torso!)tell everyone where my perception of the beat is. It's a lot like predicting where a ball will land by seeing its prior movements.

Have you ever dipped your toes in jazz/improvisation? If yes, how did it feel, what were your major difficulties or surprises while doing it?

I haven't and have regretted not doing it my entire musical life! My college roommate, Benjamin Schmid is, as well as being an amazing Classical violinist, an equally great jazz musician and I have been so jealous of his freedom with Improvisation.I am actually thinking of taking an improv course at IU, where I teach. I think it can be an invaluable tool in any classical musician's experience.

To add on: I am a classical pianist and learning jazz improv has hugely informed my classical performance. It helps with nerves and makes for a more gripping performance. Since you can make it sound like your improvising, audiences love that stuff.

I am now strongly thinking about taking that class!!!

Are you watching Anchorman on repeat to prep for San Diego? Make sure you hit Tacos El Gordo!

HAHAHAHA!!! I love that movie!!!! I will definitely hit Tacos El Gordo; thanks for the rec!

1) As a non-musician, is there any music theory you can direct me to that might help understand the beauty of music more? 2) What do the two big symbols in music sheets? (treble and bass i think, could you tell me a bit about what they mean?)

Have you ever read the books of Nikolaus Harnoncourt? They are really wonderful!

Treble and bass clefs are signs that show parameters for the particular notes within a certain vocal range, in these cases, the highest and lowest. The lines and spaces represent places where the notes themselves can be notated.

Alright, thank you so much for answering!

Sure!

Do you think it would be possible for an adult beginner to ever have a serious career if they worked really hard?

I love this instrument so much but I feel like so many doors have already shut for me.

I never would want to squash someone's dreams but I think it would be very unlikely...10,000 hours minimum and that's just to be proficient, not an expert. Then there's getting used to performing. I wish I had better news...😭

Meeeester Kerr,

Really awesome to see fellow musicians performing post-COVID. Given the entire past year’s events, what are you most excited about seeing change going forward with regards to programming, both in large orchestral settings and smaller projects? And what is different about programming between RCO and DSO?

Thanks!

A Violist you met in Florida

I would say the major difference between programming in Amsterdam and the States is the huge variety within a one month period. You can play a Baroque concert with Harnoncourt one week and a week of Boulez, Ades and Adams the next and not even flinch. Since there are so many Classical weeks and a 96% subscription rate, one can stray into very uncharted waters with minimal risk. Much harder to do where...

As for this year...I am so happy that we were introduced to such a rich variety of repertoire, and reintroduced to smaller works that challenged the orchestra in ways we had never faced. As you know, socially distanced concerts are NOT easy. We learned so much and are a better orchestra in spite of the horror that we all faced as a society.

What was your motivation to go to music full time? (I'll be honest, I LOVE playing the violin, but only as a hobby. In High School, and especially University for me, I won't have as much time to pursue this hobby. I mean sure, I like playing it, but not as much to pursue music as my major)

I get paid to do the thing I love most. I consider it a privilege and pinch myself every day that I have the opportunities I have.

As a trombonist about to go to college for music, how much sh*t are the brass gonna get from the strings or vice-versa in an orchestra?

Be nice and we will be nice right back! ;) And please try not to blow your brains out. Trust me, you'll win.

What was the first song you learn to play

Twinkle twinkle, like EVERYONE else!😂

What advice would you give an amateur upper intermediate player on how to improve given relatively limited practice time?

Also, any thoughts on the Menuhin Competition that’s going on?

The four most important technical aspects to focus upon: 1. left hand weight to stop notes properly 2. The proper horizontal plane of the bow's path across each string 3. the balance of weight and speed of the bow, 4. proper frames in each position for intonation

Also, NO TENSION in any JOINTS. EVER!

As for the Menuhin..havent been keeping up with item though I did hear an amazing Erkonig on Facebook this morning. Man, ids are getting freakishly good at a young age!

What are among the more difficult symphonies/pieces to play and what makes them so difficult? When's the last time you felt yourself struggle at all with a piece of music?

Great question! The most difficult orchestral piece I've ever played is probably Naive and Sentimental Music by John Adams, followed by any Nielsen Symphony.:) There are always 2 pages in each that I have to cover with fingerings!

As for struggling? Hmmm, I usually prepare as much as I can, so I don't have to struggle but there are certain solos that have driven me crazy; and not always the hard ones! Pulcinella drives me nuts!

Naive and Sentimental Music is one of the great symphonies of the 20th century (of all-time, really, along with Harmonielehre and Chamber Symphony).

I totally AGREE.

What kind of music do you listen to? Do you find you need a break from classical in your free time? Favorite pop-ish artists/bands/songs?

I listen to almost everything but mostly 80s pop, classic rock, jazz, rap...and a lot of classical! I definitely need a break from Classical in my free time. I spend hours every day practicing, teaching or performing...sometimes I just need to detox a bit! Favorite artists and bands...have to go by genre. Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, Elton John, Steely Dan, billy Joel Pop-Sting, Michael Jackson, most 80's one hit wonders, Maroon 5, Anderson P.A.A.K Rap-Tupac, Eminem, dr. Dre, NWA,

Curious how special events such as the concert scheduled with Flaming Lips work? I know that has sadly now been canceled, but does the band come into town ahead of time to practice with the orchestra? Or is it just performed for the first in front of the live audience?

usually, they send a conductor familiar with their scores to rehearse the orchestra prior to their arrival and then they come for the final rehearsal!

When you played in orchestra, have you ever disagreed with the conductor's interpretation? Did you defend your opinion on playing music?

Which are your favourite now living composers to listen to and to perform?

Many times but I never openly expressed it in a rehearsal... Living composers! Thomas Ades, Jonathan Leshnoff, John Adams, Jennifer Higdon, Anna Clyne, Esa Pekka Salonen...

Do you think Handel is overrated?

I honestly don't think about Handel that often, so I guess yes?:)

Favorite movie? Favorite musical?

Favorite movie...The Godfather, part 2. favorite musical...Sweeney Todd!

ell I know the AMA is over, but there is a good chance you know a few of my relatives, Mimi from Amsterdam baroque violin, and Richard Egar, harpsichordist and conductor, known for his red shoes and wild hair. He did conduct the DSO a couple of times I do believe. Do you happen to know them?

Of course!!!!! Fantastic musicians!!!!!!

how much is the study of physics important to the study of music? do you ever use a false color spectrograph while performing or rehearsing?

The study of PHYSICS is KEY to understanding proper violin technique and I use the most basic concepts to instruct myself and my students every day! I have never used a spectrograph but I now will!!!!

How exactly is concertmaster determined, like what is the audition process like? Do you need to defend your position annually or something?

Positions are won in an audition which now, thank goodness, mostly take place behind screens to promote anonymity. once you are tenured, its for a long time and I'm thankful from that; there are some good violinists in my orchestra!

What's the most fascinating aspect of music theory that you think more people should know?

That the world has been obsessed by the meaning of tones since the beginning of time, the importance of music sound being an obsession to the Greeks to the point that it became a pathway to the immortal. Harmony is an expression of our humanity...it hits the depths of who we are and it truly gives our lives meaning.

What do you think is the most important instrument in a symphony (Like one that should always be in the symphony)?

What about the least important one?

Hmmmm, that's a good question. I'll go with the bass...a great bass section is a luxury and can be the true foundation of a orchestra.

Least important? Bass flute

TIL what a concertmaster is (I assumed it was a fancy term for the conductor).

I'm a Dallasite and have loved the memorial day performances at the park but have yet to make it to a DSO paid performance. What upcoming DSO event should I not miss?

Come to the Mozart Requiem next season...it will change your life, I promise.

Hello Mr Kerr,

How has AFM supported you during the performance shutdowns due to COVID?

Luckily, I havent needed the support but the AF of M is a vital part of our orchestral community and has supported all of our orchestras at times when we needed them most.

Why do humans make music?

Because at some points, words fail.

Favourite soloists you've played with?

James Ehnes, Emanuel Ax, Truls Mork, Maxim Vengerov, Gil Shaham, Josh Bell, Stefan Jackiw, Lisa Batiashvili, Rostropovich, Argerich, Bronfman, Itzahk Perlman....I could do this all day.

Are there any pieces you hate playing or listening to? Are there any you used to hate but have come to live or at least like? And are there any you don’t like playing but appreciate when other people play?

Sciolse, Xenakis, a few other spectralists that I just don't get. I will gladly admit ignorance; I wish I understood them enough to either appreciate them or hate them even more.

Id rather listen to Nielsen and Bruckner than play them!

Do you have a favourite conductor you’ve worked with?

Mariss Jansons...end of discussion. I miss him so much.

Do you prefer larger groups or smaller groups or duos or solos?

I love chamber music and orchestra the exact same. In my mind, they are the same thing.

Hi there! Do you think there’s a trend in modern composers in their compositions (i.e. moving past the “modern” era into etherial pieces?). What advice would you give to a young composer?

I think that what we are seeing is a trend towards everyone being allowed to find their own voice, rather than having to be pigeon-holed into one form of "modern."This is a GREAT thing! It gives you Thomas Ades, Jonathan Leshnoff, Anna Clyne, Michael Ippolito, Jesse Montgomery, John Adams, Matthias Pintscher and so many other fantastic composers. Its an exciting time!

Which well-known composer’s music do you just not “get”?

Nielsen...Audiences love it but I just don't connect to it!

Have you played much for operas, and if so, how does the experience compare to playing purely instrumental music for you?

I LOVE OPERA!!! I played many operas for the Academy of Vocal Arts and at Curtis while I was in school (and saw many a girlfriend die on stage as Mimi, Violetta, etc) and also while concertmaster in Amsterdam. It is very challenging...you always feel as if you're multitasking, your attention constantly being pulled in thirty directions, while still having to maintain ones own level. Some of my most meaningful performances have been in operas and I always look forward to the next opportunity. Luckily, my ew music director is a very prominent opera conductor, so I see lots of it in my future!

Do classical musicians actually hate jazz?

NO! We are envious of it!

Tex-Mex or traditional?

Going more traditional these days...

Most nerve-racking performance?

Debut at the Concertgebouw, Mendelssohn Concerto. OMG, I was nervous...

I got my finger in the string, and it's stuck now. What do I do??

Hahaha...good luck!

How often do you eat pizza express bread sticks?

Never, but I guess I'll try them now!

That’s a crime! Get extra ranch and enjoy! I’ve always been so proud of our music programs, thanks for making them that much stronger & enjoyable.

And GO BIG RED!!

I love the Jacobs School and ADORE Bloomington and I'm proud, as well!!! Thank you for saying that!