The Hardest Lessons

We all know how hard it is to get through to a demoralized / unmotivated student. I actually think it's sometimes harder to teach highly motivated and capable students. It's not a matter of skill or knowledge - it's a matter of expectations, ethics and the acceptance of one's place in the universe. The following is a list of things that are really hard to teach to the top-level kids:

1) Talent is no substitute for professionalism. While you are a big fish in a little pond, you may find it easier to get away with things like being late (or not coming at all) to rehearsal, canceling at the last minute, bringing food, wearing the wrong things to performance, texting/web surfing during rehearsal/performances, etc. At the upper levels, this kind of behavior will cost you playing opportunities and (more importantly) paying gigs. One screw up can cost you the trust of many people. Not only will you lose the next call from that contractor, but the person who recommended you in the first place will stop referring work to you - because their reputation is on the line as well. You are not the only talented performer out there. You're parents think you are amazing. Of course they do - they are your parents. You are probably far more talented than the average person. But when you start swimming in bigger waters, you will discover that there is a lot of talent out there... I mean a lot. And when everyone you are competing with can play the gig equally well - it's going to come down to your qualities as a reliable worker and as a congenial human being. Don't fuck it up.

2) You will never reach a point where you have nothing to learn. And while you may encounter some teachers/conductors who have little or nothing to offer you - the vast majority will. Give them your respect and your attention. Humility and modesty are virtues that no musician should be without.

3) Music is more than a technical exercise. It is a never-ending endeavor to bring beauty into the world. It is a means of saying something important. If the most important thing that you have to say is "Look at how good I am" then you are missing the point.

4) Be nice to people - even the people you are competing with. Professional musicians are in competition with each other, but they also rely on each other. If you've been a rat bastard and talk shit about them behind their back, chances are they won't call you for gigs. No one wants to work with a prick, and they usually don't have to.

5) Until you make it big and famous, or get your name on the "A" list for studio work - there is no such thing as a gig that is 'beneath' you. (You'll figure this out real quick when you're trying to make a living off of your instrument/voice). In fact, the more work you do, the more contacts you have - which means possibilities for more work. You also get to put more stuff down on your resume'. You really don't want to develop a reputation as someone who'se gotten picky about their engagements before they've paid their dues.

6) Being a section leader is more of a responsibility than an earned privilege. Being a section leader means that you have to devote time and energy to helping your section. It's called being a leader and it has more to do with your people skills than your playing/singing skills. If all you know how to do is yell insults at your section - then you fail, and you don't deserve the title. This is also true if you don't adhere to the aforementioned principles of professionalism.

7) This one isn't a music thing.... it's a life thing: You can't force people to respect and admire you. There are a lot of people out there who think that success means 'performing' so well that other people will have to recognize their superior abilities and shower them with admiration. The truth is that if you are an insufferable egotistical jerk, they will talk shit about you no matter how many accolades you acquire. You'll end up with this amazing resume' and wonder why more people don't like you. You have to use your gifts in a way that will benefit others. You have to be loyal, caring and compassionate. If all you care about is yourself, then you risk being the only person who really cares about you at all.