 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2007-11-12 17:08
Hi Friends:
Omar, The Doctor, at The Doctor's Products website, asked me to comment on helpful advice to young professionals who are entering the music workplace...what to do, what to say, how to get work, and health issues.
I thought, for those of you who don't get Omar's wonderful Newsletters, I'd send some of my advice your way.
BTW: I also suggest you subscribe, it's free and full of good info.
http://www.doctorsprod.com/store/comersus_listCategories.asp
Here is my checklist to help become a successful free-lance musician:
1) Health, stay healthy, eat healthy, get rest, go for regular check-ups (I can't stress good health enough).
2) Stamina, practice all your doubles every day, plus expect to play and/or perform 6-8 hours a day.
3) Talent, find it, get it, be near it, or be born with it...you'll need it.
4) Perseverance, never get discouraged, you'll get shot down lots, but get right back up or you'll get run over.
5) Networking, be at the right place at the right time, luck? maybe? Use emails, IMs, BlackBerrys, and iPhones.
6) Be computer savvy, it's a whole new world out there, so be ready for the changes.
7) Be flexible, play any gig, at any time anywhere, with whom ever calls. Don't be picky, just go with the flow.
8) Use your friends, and have them use you, the $$$ not the thing at first, it's the exposure you'll need.
9) Be friendly, sincerely open, compliment often, talk others good playing up. Don't slam the "big guys."
10) Be yourself, find out who that person is, and be the best you can be...always, and forever...!
Good luck,
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
Post Edited (2007-11-12 17:15)
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2007-11-12 19:07
Many thanks to John for his sage advice. I am friends with the local contractor that does a lot of the music contracting business here in Atlanta who echoes much of John's advice. He indicates that the "list" of musicians contacted for a job is generated from his experience with musicians and those always available for any situation, at any time are his "go to" people when bigger and better jobs come along. Part of being available as John says is the ability to be contacted anywhere at any time - your job is only one phone call or missed phone call or email away. A good personality, depth of instruments played, cheerfulness, professional demeanor, and the ability to meld into a team of different musicians goes a long way too.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
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Author: William Hughes ★2017
Date: 2007-11-12 19:07
Good life advice, musician or not. I will be sure to pass it on to #1 son (senior in college). Thanks.
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Author: vjoet
Date: 2007-11-13 19:52
Yeah, it was such a good newsletter I printed it. Your advice is really right-on. I'm glad you wrote it out for us.
vJoe
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