Timely Advice to Students

With students the world over back at their places of learning I always like to remind students of some basic procedures that will ensure they develop their musical skills, build a solid professional reputation and still healthy and happy in the process.

I hope these 15 tips will help as the school year gets underway.

1. Keep yourself informed as to what is going on ~~ If you are communicated to by your college , school or university
   - by noticeboards ~~ look at them
   - by email ~~ check it
   - by mobile phone ~~ make sure you have one and it works !
2. Keep a diary with you at all times ~~ 'I'll remember, I don't need to write it down' - who are you kidding ??
3. Work as a team ~~ The music world is a competitive business but professional colleagues can be there for you for a lifetime.
4. Healthy competition is encouraged ~~ if there's a competition or a audition for a seat, play to win.
5. Be organised with your practice routines ~~ absolutely crucial to your continuing improvement. If you want to be consistent on stage it has to start in the practice room.
6. Never be late for lessons or rehearsals ~~ no excuses, ever !!!!
7. Arrive at lessons/rehearsals already warmed-up ~~ be smart, for your physical and mental well-being turn up at rehearsal and lessons ready to play. It creates a feeling to all those around you , and your teachers, that you are serious musician, can be trusted and …are employable.
8. If you have a problem: attendance/punctuality/ illness etc , let someone know.. ~~ Keep all necessary phone numbers with you. When there is a genuine problem, know what you need to do to let people know.
9. Organise/catalogue your solo/band repertoire/study music ~~ don't keep your music in a rubbishy plastic bag ! Keep your music collection catalogued and easy to find, carry what you need for that day or that week with you in a proper folder...you know it makes sense!
10. If you sign for ensemble music you become totally responsible for it and will have to replace the complete set if parts are lost or damaged. ~~ don't lose someone else's music, either that of a teacher or colleague…you can become instantly despised !
11. Think high quality all the time. Be professional in your attitude ~~ get your 'head' right, everything else follows.
12. Promote yourself ~~ don't be shy in telling people what you do. There are nice ways and ugly ways to do this. Be a very efficient promoter with good ways of operating.
13. Warning: Good reputations take much longer to build than to lose.
14. Look after your body ~~ take exercise, eat healthily, get enough sleep and drink lots of water. Saying it is easy, doing it requires massive willpower. Are you up to the challenge ? Your body will thank you if are.
15. Never lose your sense of humour ~~ even in the darkest times of the school year, find a smile, have a laugh , get up an go on !!

© Steven Mead, September 2006