Klarinet Archive - Posting 000093.txt from 1996/02

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Seeking input - those "other" skills
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 1996 11:52:13 -0500

Dan,
Great idea. When I was an engineering major, we were required to
take a public speaking course. The most important course I've had was
typing in high school. In this time of computers, a performer should have
a basic computer literacy. It's amazing how many college and professional
players do not touch a computer. I've used mine for: programs, business
cards, posters, music data base, web surfing, corresponding, composing,
part transposing, etc...

I think the best way to do this is to compose some rules.

1. Be on time. I try to get to a job 30 to 45 minutes early.
2. Be prepared.
3. Be true to your word. I have heard of people canceling out of one
gig for a higher paying job.
4. Be friendly and make conversation. There is a very good article on
the "Wind Player" web page on how to make $100,000 in the studios. One of
the things he brings up are these two things. Be able to converse on
topics other than music.
5. Don't be a snob. Don't drop the "big" names just to show who you are.
6. Present yourself well in appearance and dress.
7. Be organized. Datebook, music, stand, etc. Don't be late or
forget lessons your teaching. Students are paying you for a service.
Respect them as customers.
8. Accept comments and be tactful on any comments you make.
9. Don't be a jerk!!

Dan

>I want to work on a piece that deals with those things that a clarinet
>player should be able to do that does not involve playing the clarinet.
>For example, one such skill should be the ability to write well so that
>s/he can express ideas in a professional journal in a way that is clear,
>articulate, and precise. I mean, if you play well, people are going
>to ask you to write something about it, and it should not come out as
>if it were written by someone who can't think clearly or who can't
>expressed themselves effectively.
>
>Another is the cultivation of interpersonal skills so that their colleagues
>want to work with the person instead of hating to work with the person.
>
>I have a couple of things but not as many as I think I need to make a
>good think-piece.
>
>So, putting aside the obvious skill of a clarinet player being able to
>play the clarinet well, what does a clarinet player have to do in order
>to get a job, hold it, and make a contribution to the world of clarinet
>playing?
>
>
>
>====================================
>Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
>(leeson@-----.edu)
>====================================

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Daniel A. Paprocki
dap@-----.us

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