I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between music and bridge. I think the pathways in the brain are similar for music and mathematics—there is much historical crossover there. And I think also for bridge. There’s creativity and pattern recognition. The cooperative aspects of music relate to partnership and team dynamics.
There are some amazing musicians who are great bridge players. Augie Boehm comes to mind—in addition to being an expert player and Bridge Bulletin columnist, Augie is a concert pianist. (I saw him perform recently at Carnegie Hall!) So when a professional musician reached out to me about how she resonated with what I’ve been writing in this series, I knew I had to talk to her.
Marguerite Levin is a Boston-area clarinetist who performs as an orchestral and chamber musician. In addition, she has had a distinguished teaching career with former students holding noted teaching and playing positions in U.S. orchestras and military bands. She was Principal Clarinetist with the Baltimore Opera Orchestra for over 10 years, a member of the United States Navy Band/Washington, D.C. and performed extensively with the Wolf Trap Opera Orchestra. Regarding her 2011 Weill Recital Hall concert, a writer for The Clarinet stated: "...technically flawless and performs with profound expression." Dr. Levin received her DMA in performance from the University of Maryland in 2006. She and her husband, David, are avid bridge players and both currently hold a Ruby Life Master status in the American Contract Bridge League.
I’ve included the video here, or you can watch it on YouTube. You can also listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Some of the highlights:
The difference between practicing and playing for fun (5:30)
Playing in the Navy Band (8:20)
Her practice routine (10:30)
How being a good ensemble musician is like being a good bridge partner (15:15)
Why musicians make good bridge players (21:00)
The importance of a Sabbath (30:20)
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