Be Professional!

[  ] On this edition of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we will cover in more detail some areas touched on in the past. Based on what I saw this week, I feel the need to discuss how to conduct urself at an audition/fill-in/jury exam/etc. a little deeper. Now, I have already covered some of this...be prepared, show up early, follow the dress code, etc. But there is more to it. You can't just be professional, you have to LOOK and ACT professional. U dig? When you show up, look confident (even if ur terrified inside...been there!). Come in, smile, greet everyone...be purposeful and deliberate when u set up...come across as "together". It makes a difference. When ur playing, watch ur posture..sit/stand straight, look like ur "into" the music...it goes a long way. If ur playing with other musicians, LISTEN! Don't just parrot the part...be part of the band.  If u make an error, don't act as if u just killed a puppy...be calm and recover. It happens to all of us. Be "in the moment" show the auditioner/band leader/jury that u "got this". This is stuff you can practice at home in front of a mirror or video urself and critique ur performance. I have had countless students do this with amazing results. Even better, play with a group of friendly, like minded colleagues and get their observations.  The impression you give in addition to your playing can sometimes be the difference between getting the gig/keeping the gig/getting the better grade. As always, I invite your insights.  #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons