MONDAY BYTES – September 19, 2011
How to self-sabotage in 15 easy lessons:
1. Avoid networking: don’t use business cards or swap contact info with colleagues & contacts
2. Don’t invite people to your performances
3. After performances, don’t socialize with fans or colleagues
4. Don’t keep in contact with former teachers, employers, colleagues, donors
5. Don’t bother returning calls or emails promptly
6. Don’t include your audio and video clips on your social media profiles
7. Come to rehearsals late and unprepared
8. Be difficult to work with: have an attitude, be a Diva
9. Assume that someone else is going to take care of managing your career (booking your performances, attracting your audience, handling your finances, taxes, etc.).
10. Don’t record and release your own performances
11. Don’t join relevant professional music organizations (such as the AFofM, Chamber Music America, American Composers Forum, the Jazz Education Network, etc.)
12. Don’t read the publications relevant to your field (ArtsJournal, Classical Singer, Musical America,Billboard, etc.)
13. Don’t bother learning about the business side of your profession (AKA the music industry): after all, you are an ARTISTE!
14. Be convinced that you need to win a competition or land a major record deal in order to have a career
15. Wait until you get an agent, are “discovered,” or get that lucky break, and then start your career
On the other hand, if you’d rather succeed in a music career, do the reverse of the above!
What have I left out? I’d love to hear your comments.
For info on working with me: details are HERE.
Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!
