Be your best on and off the stage by being personable, professional, and kind. The personal/soft skills needed are broader and more important than you realize- it isn’t just about playing well.
Playing Well
Playing well and being proficient at your instrument definitely matters. It matters immensely. You will NOT get the job if you do not have the chops.
But let’s say you’re a contractor, or you’re a chamber musician looking for like minded musicians to play with and you have two equally gifted musicians on your radar:
Musician A is pleasant, easy to work with, kind, and doesn’t cause drama.
Musician B is unpleasant, not easy to work with, unkind, and causes drama.
Who would you pick to work with the next time you want to hire or play with someone? Musician A, of course!
Working With Others
No one wants to work with a negative Nelly. We do not always have the luxury of choosing who we work with, however, we do have a choice in how we behave when out and about. Being professional matters.
Non-Musical Side
Here are some non musical things that matter:
- How you answer emails (stay tuned for an upcoming post on email etiquette!)
- How promptly you reply
- How you interact with people on the job/at the gig
- How you behave backstage
- How you talk with patrons
- How you interact with the venue staff
- How you speak to others in rehearsal/at performances
- How you talk about other musicians
- Honesty- are you trustworthy and responsible?
- Your overall energy and vibe
Now, I’m not saying you have to be fake nice, but being kind, responsive, and intentional with your words and actions can go a long way beyond the stage. Yes you need to play well and at the level required for the gig, but being personable and professional goes a long way.
Out in the World
So, the next time you’re at a gig or get hired for something, think about the energy and non-musical vibes you’re sending out into the world.
Reflect on how you interact with others and strive to be the best version of yourself out in the music-sphere.
Contact Me!
I hope this has helped you a little bit whether you’re a student or a pro. I offer coachings for musicians who are seeking guidance in the day to day of being a professional musician. If you’d like to schedule a session with me you can contact me!
