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On That Note: Ear Worms

Image courtesy of Robert Cohen
Cellist Robert Cohen

Every month, cellist Robert Cohen joins us to talk about the life of a working, touring, professional musician. He’s talked about concerts and venues, taking an instrument on the road, and teaching a new generation of cellists.

This month, Robert is hearing ear worms. Or rather, he’s trying not to hear them. It turns out that unlike an advertising jingle or a pop song that might get stuck in my head, the ear worms Robert gets are on an entirely different level.

"When you're really involved in preparing a concert of music, a whole two hours worth of music ... it can never leave you," explains Cohen. "It’s kept me awake at night, literally. Sometimes the music, I just can’t stop it. I’ve tried listening to the radio, I’ve tried reading a book. And the music just keeps going on and on and on!"

For 35 years one of the worlds leading cello soloist, Robert Cohen is an award-winning recording artist, conductor, artistic director and pedagogue who has been broadcast on TV and radio throughout the world. His passionate views on the art of learning, performing and communicating music have been widely published.
Bonnie North
Bonnie joined WUWM in March 2006 as the Arts Producer of the locally produced weekday magazine program Lake Effect.