After such an amazing response to last month’s column, I have decided to issue another edition of tips this month. For those of you just tuning in, this space of the magazine is dedicated to featuring young musicians in interviews as well as giving

sound, relatable advice. Keep looking here to learn about what the young Rock stars of Colorado are up to!

Last month we talked about the importance of showing up. I put it in context with the life of a young musician. It is not always easy to balance rehearsals, school and a social life. That being said, this month’s advice is pretty straightforward again, but highly important. Here are two simple facts to remember:

1. Playing in a band is like being in a relationship.

2. Agree to talk about the music and not about each other.

Being in a band – Playing music with others is one of the most fun things you can do! It is creative, it is thrilling, and it makes you better on your instrument. But, remember every music project is a relationship. You must relate musically to those around you. You must relate your feelings about the growth of the music to others. That being said, this is perhaps the biggest challenge of being in a band. Many people do not know how to relate their thoughts or feelings to others.

This does not mean you should throw in the towel. Even Metallica, one of the biggest bands in history, released a DVD showing the world how difficult it is for them to relate to one another.  But, when they learned how to come to a compromise and communicate, then great things happened.

It’s all about the music – Some of the best musical relationships I have had were based on this simple fact. Remember, music is fun! It is the reason that you are playing music with someone in the first place. Many people begin to relate their musical opinions and may forget not to take things personally. Here is a great example: The drummer says to the guitarist, “That last part did not sound right to me.” The guitarist who is taking it personally may have heard, “You are a lousy player,” and might think the drummer is therefore a buffoon. But what was really said was that the part could be improved and the enlightened guitarist would simply ask how to play it differently and move on. How easy is that, young Rock stars? You don’t have to light candles or grab a box of tissues. You just have to be clear and have fun.