Welcome to a brand new edition of “For Those About to Rock.” I interview some pretty amazing youth every month. Many people are responding with questions about what it takes to make it to this column. You must pay me a large sum of money. Ha! Wouldn’t that be nice?!
Seriously, the focus of this column has always been to feature young musicians with a big purpose. I feature those who are doing well academically, those who are well rounded, or simply those who are highly focused on becoming better musicians.
In “Tips For the Young Musician” I will share some free secrets to making a special mark on your local music scene that may also improve your chances of being featured. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just try them and see for yourself. This month I will describe the three basic keys to help you be a success: 1) Show up; 2) Show up; 3) SHOW UP!Consider the following:
Band Rehearsal. First of all, if you aren’t showing up to jam with people, you won’t last long. Your warm body and presence are the reason you play with the group instead of a backing track or a nice cardboard cutout of you. You may not always have perfected the music before the session, but showing up shows everyone you care. Plus, it is never as hard as you think to catch up.
School. Teachers take this weird thing called “attendance” for a reason. It actually is more than “the man trying to bring you down.” On average, struggling students who show up consistently do better than bright students who do not. The test won’t study itself. Your seat won’t learn the day’s lesson for you. Neither will the Xbox. Again, show up and the grades will come easier than you thought.
Loved Ones. The most forgiving people are usually your friends and family. But if you have plans for dinner, a hangout at the Skate Park, or just time to cut coupons with grandma, show up to that. Things happen. Things come up. But stick to your plans and show up to even the most laid back of plans. Guess what? You will gain confidence for the bigger stuff.
Life. How you do something is how you do anything. I haven’t met a working musician who does not agree. It doesn’t matter what the occasion, seemingly big or small. Show up. Some days the bed sounds more enticing than getting up to face the day. But, show up anyway. There are always going to be talented people. There will always be opportunities for them. Ultimately, the same two, talented people can be involved, but the one who gets the job is the one that simply shows up.
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