“Practice, practice, practice.” Ask any professional about the keys to success in music and you’ll usually get this answer. Of course, this is correct, but incomplete.
Success requires a combination of at least five factors separate elements:
Practice (learning by accurate repetition) is vital to get your skills up to a level where you can participate in a very competitive game.
Patience (calm, sensible perseverance) is crucial, as only a step-by-step approach will provide the necessary building blocks to achieve greatness and effortless competence.
Persistence (determined continuance in spite of everything) is vital as success is a pipe dream without it.
Professionalism (skill, competence and character) is essential to compete at the highest levels.
Promotion (making something known and well thought of) is an ongoing activity that requires boldness, courage and audacity – without which your talent and genius will go unnoticed.
PRIORITIES:
What you’ve got to say artistically is always more important than your technique.
Practice as much as necessary to gain sufficient technique to deliver your musical message.
Practice delivery of your artistic message as much (or more) as you do your technique.
Practice to increase technique when it becomes necessary to the delivery of your message.
Desire to deliver your message to people.
The volume or quantity of outflow (performances, promotion, etc.) is more valuable than inflow of money when you’re starting out.
Focus on the quality of outflow when the promotion begins to bite and you see that you’re getting some attention.
Seek out ways to monetize the activity to secure viability when quantity and quality are operating without constant attention.
LONGEVITY in the ARTS:
A solid foundation of core human values.
A compelling desire to communicate your art broadly.
A willingness to take responsibility for the effects that you create with your art.
A recognition of the joy of creating and a desire to share this with others.
The willingness to allow others to contribute to your well-being and to contribute to theirs through your art.
SURVIVAL in LIVE PERFORMANCE GROUPS:
Appreciate the contribution of other group members.
Remain in communication with others in the group.
Establish and maintain an agreement on the goals of the group.
Recognize and respect the leader of the group.
Do everything possible to support the overall survival of the group.
Take responsibility for your part in rehearsals and performances.
Recognize that you are in the entertainment business.
Practice for yourself. Rehearse for the group. Perform for the audience.
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC:
Remember that there are two words in “music business” music AND business. Success in music or the arts requires competency and professionalism in both areas.
You must have at least a conversational knowledge of the business of music to avoid painful pitfalls and expensive contractual arrangements.
Finally, recognize that you’re always a student. Being involved in the arts means a continuing pursuit of perfection. This is elusive because you are always finding new ways to express yourself with more efficiency, less effort and greater focus on your message.
daniel w. jacobs
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