Salus Forum: January 7, 2026

While many orchestra musicians are making a comfortable living, we find that some will leave the orchestra and join a quartet or a small group where there’s no formal leader (conductor). Furthermore, there are several major orchestras in America (such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) that have no formal leader. Their innovative interpretation of classical music evolves from collaborative endeavors. So, this is one way to understand Ron Heifetz, as the son of a famous musician. This reference back to the way orchestras operate might help to illustrate some of the things that Walt has been bringing up.

Mark

I don’t claim to be a classical musician at all; I can speak more from the improvisational aspect. People who work with improvisational groups are not always the best musicians; they are those who listen to what others are doing. They take cues and build on those cues. I didn’t know about the short-lived lifespan of a classical musician, but I’m not surprised. Because I would find it intolerable to be controlled by some overbearing conductor. I’m much more comfortable in the improvisational setting, where I’m listening, and getting back to the flexible aspect of master adaptive leadership, with reliance on the whole good judgment within individual performers. For instance, Miles Davis trusted his musicians. He wasn’t intimidated by new ideas. And more than any other influences on jazz music, he started countless different genres within jazz. This was primarily because he was flexible and agile, and trusted his musicians.

Walt

I think one of the many takeaways from what was just reflected upon is the idea that the conductors live longer. I want to offer an alternative, more positive analysis of their longevity. Perhaps if you’re a master of adaptive leadership, then your experiences in collaborating with orchestra members and playing music in new ways could feed your soul and your body. So maybe that’s one of the benefits of us trying to figure out how we can pass it on, how we could teach others to be master adaptive leaders, so they not only do great things, but they get to play for a long, healthy time.

Bill B

I’m going to take on the role that Jack exemplified: Being the prickly one. The problem with the positive analysis Walt just offered is that those conducting the study concluded that these conductors are living long lives at the expense of the people who are playing in the orchestras. That’s sad, and that’s what we have to remember. Apparently, being a son of a bitch can, at times, allow someone to lead a long, wonderful life because they’re living off the pain of others.