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A Concert Hall for Every Ensemble and an Apartment for Every Family

By Elizabeth Whitman on July 7, 2019

Concert halls come in many sizes to accommodate different types of performers and different sizes of audiences. At Carnegie Hall, there is the famed Isaac Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, which seats more than 2,800. But Carnegie Hall also boasts other performance venues. Weill Recital Hall, which seats 268, less than 1/10 the number as the Stern Auditorium has for decades been the location of many New York debuts. More recently, Carnegie Hall added Zankel Hall, which seats 599. Less well known in Carnegie Hall are the banquet areas, such as the May Room,…

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Instrument Rental Plans and Title Insurance Policy Options

By Elizabeth Whitman on June 30, 2019

When children are young, they use fractional sized violins. Those violins are smaller than a full-size violin and come in sizes as small as the 1/32 size my son started with. The fractional names aren’t entirely accurate. A full-size violin is approximately 23-1/2 inches long from the bottom to the end of the scroll. A half size is smaller, approximately 20-1/2 inches, but not one-half of the size. The 1/32 size violin was only about…

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Wachet Auf and Lis Pendens

By Elizabeth Whitman on June 23, 2019

One of the musical compositions I studied in my freshman music history class was Wachet Auf, a cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. Google translates the German Wachet Auf as “watch up.” The common English name for this cantata is “Sleepers Awake.” Wachet Auf is based upon a hymn called “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” written in 1599 by Philipp Nocolai. Bach wrote Wachet Auf in 1724, which is loosely based upon Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish…

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Leaving a String Quartet or Tenant-in-Common Real Estate Investment

By Elizabeth Whitman on June 16, 2019

The Cleveland Quartet, founded in 1968, was among the top string quartets in the world until it disbanded in 1995. Originally in residence at Cleveland Institute of Music, the four musicians moved together as a quartet to State University of University of New York at Buffalo and then to Eastman School of Music. During the quartet’s history, some musicians left the quartet and were replaced. But in 1995, the quartet decided to disband. Years of international travel had taken their toll, and the musicians wanted to…

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Representations, Warranties, and Covenants

By Elizabeth Whitman on June 9, 2019

A fine string instrument is an expensive purchase. Professional level instruments are hand-made by individual luthiers. Each instrument is unique and has its own history. Sometimes, that history is reflected in scratches and repairs. Many blemishes and repairs only add character to the instrument, but others impact the sound quality or value. Violinists may select a violin based upon how it sounds and how well it fits the individual musician’s playing style. But better sound or condition don’t necessarily translate to a higher cost. …

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Moehrl v. NAR and Competition in the Real Estate Industry

By Elizabeth Whitman on June 2, 2019

Professional classical musicians typically have a lot of education and training. Most have master’s degrees, and many have doctorates. They are the original “gig economy.” Many are over 30 years old before they land a professional orchestra position or full-time teaching job which provides them with a living wage. Even then, the musicians must absorb their own costs for an instrument, repairs, and supplies like strings, reeds, and rosin. As a result, most professional classical…

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Smart Use of Smart Tech in Commercial Real Estate: Video Surveillance and Facial Recognition

By Elizabeth Whitman on May 19, 2019

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, wandmaker Ollivander notes that each wand is different and that “the wand chooses the wizard.” Despite the unique relationship between a wand and wizard, Ollivander was the most sought after wandmaker in the wizarding world. The relationship between violinists and their violins is so special it might be said that the violin chooses the violinist. Yet, like wizards sought after Ollivander wands, generations of top violinists have aspired…

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How a Swimming Pool Use Schedule Violated the Fair Housing Act

By Elizabeth Whitman on May 12, 2019

Many people stereotype musical instruments. For instance, people think of the flute and harp as feminine instruments while the trumpet and drums are considered masculine. Some teachers and parents steer children to instruments based upon gender. Instrumental stereotypes result in gender imbalances in professional orchestra. A survey of the top 20 US orchestras revealed that ninety-five percent of professional harpists and 68% of professional flutists are female. But only six percent of professional percussionists…

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Surviving Mahler Symphonies and Contract Terminations

By Elizabeth Whitman on May 5, 2019

Recently, the New York Philharmonic’s music director, Jaap van Zweden injured his shoulder and wasn’t able to conduct the orchestra when it performed Mahler’s Sixth Symphony. Simone Young, a well-established, female, Australian conductor came to the rescue, and with short notice, conducted the Philharmonic for the first time in twenty years. A last-minute pinch hit is impressive for any conductor. It is even more impressive when the performance is of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony. At 90 minutes in length, Mahler’s Sixth is a true endurance piece. Comprising four movements,…

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How Allowing Smoking in Apartments Can Lead to a Fair Housing Violation

By Elizabeth Whitman on April 26, 2019

A few years ago, I was amused to learn that playing the violin registered as steps on my Fitbit, sometimes adding up to thousands of “steps” in a single practice period. I didn’t even think of counting violin playing as my daily exercise, but then I thought again. Playing the violin requires a strong back and core. After all, holding one’s arms in the air for extended periods is hardly a natural position. Other instruments…

Whitman Legal Solutions Blog

Blog Authors

A Concert Hall for Every Ensemble and an Apartment for Every Family

Instrument Rental Plans and Title Insurance Policy Options

Wachet Auf and Lis Pendens

Leaving a String Quartet or Tenant-in-Common Real Estate Investment

Representations, Warranties, and Covenants

Moehrl v. NAR and Competition in the Real Estate Industry

Smart Use of Smart Tech in Commercial Real Estate: Video Surveillance and Facial Recognition

How a Swimming Pool Use Schedule Violated the Fair Housing Act

Surviving Mahler Symphonies and Contract Terminations

How Allowing Smoking in Apartments Can Lead to a Fair Housing Violation

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