When to Take a Gig

All musicians, and especially entrepreneurial ones, are presented with many opportunities throughout the course of their artistic life.  When a gig or other opportunity comes your way, you will be confronted with whether or not to take it.  Some offers are clearly too good to pass up, while others are riddled with problems and not worth your...

Competitive Auditions

In many ways, the act of auditioning provides a stark contrast to almost everything else described in The Savvy Musician. The lengthy preparation phase before an audition has been compared to training for an Olympic event, culminating in a highly competitive experience that allows only one person to emerge victorious.  It requires a separate set...

College Music Teaching—The Real Scoop

On a regular basis, students declare to me that they are considering a career in college music teaching.  With gentle questioning, it often becomes apparent they have little idea what this profession entails.  While I can personally attest to the merits of this wonderful field, it is essential to understand certain realities.  Becoming a...

THE DREADED INTERVIEW…

When invited for a job interview, research the company thoroughly.  Scour the website and other available material to develop a clear understanding about the business’s practices, structure, and philosophy.  In addition, learn the names of people involved, and investigate their background.  Consider why you want this opportunity, and what...

The Best in the World

Practice makes perfect. And heaven knows, you need to be perfect. How else will you become the best in the world, and therefore earn the work and opportunities you desire? So you lock yourself in the practice room and “shed” 12 hours per day. Problem is, no matter how hard you try, there’s always someone better.  Actually many, many...

Music Entrepreneurship? Um, why should I care?

Entrepreneurship is quite the buzzword these days. Even in the music world. There are now music entrepreneurship courses, conferences, books, discussion groups, think tanks, and websites. Well, it is a cool word (if you could only learn to spell it…), but it sounds so “business-y.” Didn’t you become an artist, at least in part, to embrace...