Sorry folks, it's been way too long since I penned one of these (Penned? It's a computer, genius!). School gets busy. That said, I had some observations about things which can make your experience in school......and life....much better. If you read one of the comments and get insulted, well, good. You probably need to be.
Ok, let's start with some simple stuff....
- The brand of instrument is less important than how it's set up and maintained. Musical instruments by and large have moving parts which can wear down and get out of adjustment. They do need to be properly maintained by a QUALIFIED technician; one who hopefully isn't in a 'big box' music store and expected to 'repair' 200 instruments per week. Find a good one. Ask around. Who do professionals in the area use? Develop a rapport with the technician and ask questions. They need to know what you're looking for and can better explain things to you if they have more information.
- If you buy a brand spanking new instrument, take it to a tech to get it properly 'set up'. I guarantee that even the best brand/model of your instrument could use a final tweak or two. Some need much more. Even if it was well set up at the factory, it was shipped, loaded, unloaded, packed, unpacked...in short, knocked around a bit.
- Read the above and know that the difference can be night and day and actually clean up problems in your playing.
- Make sure you have supplies to keep the instrument clean and dry when not in use. It will save you thousands over your life time....if you use them regularly....
- If you're a woodwind player, no, two or three reeds isn't enough. Keep a box or two around. I know they're expensive. You picked the field.
- Have your mouthpiece checked out to make sure it's in good shape. You'd be surprised. It can make a HUGE difference.
- Similarly, have someone look at your instrument's barrel, lead pipe, neck, or bocal. Those can also make a huge difference.
- If you are on a student instrument and that's all you can afford, then rock it. Make sure it's in good working condition and make the most of it.
Ok, Life Lesson Time:
- There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. As musicians, we NEED confidence. As musicians, arrogance will usually find you in the unemployment line. You might be really good. However, unless your name is Heifitz or Yo Yo Ma, there is likely someone better. Tone down that ego so you can learn something.
- If you're the best player in the room, you're in the wrong room.
- I said this in my 'Rules for Music Majors' post but once you step foot on a college campus, your accomplishments in high school mean exactly JACK.
- 'Once you reach the top of one level, you find yourself at the bottom of the next' - Janos Starker
- Show up on time and ready to play.
- Let people know that you want the gig and then SHOW THEM that you want the gig.
- No, you aren't 'too good' to be at whatever school you attend.
- Practice rooms have the same use at Eastman and a community college.
- Hard work is more important than raw talent.
- Hard work and a great attitude absolutely crush raw talent.
- Chair placements are often not due simply to playing ability but needs in the ensemble. If, for example, you're auditioning for your school's ensemble for the principal trombone chair but everyone knows you are a KILLER bass trombonist, guess where you're likely to end up?
- Don't be a jerk. Everyone knows everyone now. If you act like an arrogant jackass in your department, good luck with grad school or jobs.
- Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and reach out to teachers and professionals all over the world. You'll be surprised what good can come of it.
- Just because you aren't the one playing in studio class or a masterclass doesn't mean you can't learn something. Less mouth, more ears.
- Help others in your studio, even if they're competition. It helps you in the long run.
- Be the person people want to succeed.
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