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Musician
Tips 1
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Every
musician should consider putting together a musician's survival
kit of some sort. This kit should include things like extra audio
equipment accessories, tools like pliars, wire cutters, tuning keys,
etc., first aid (band aids, etc.), and miscellaneous items necessary
for musical emergencies |
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Musician
Tips 2
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Get
in the habit of keeping two of everything on hand at your studio
or rehearsal studio. It helps to have a couple of keyboards, two
guitars, two drums, etc. Keep all good and heavy equipment at the
rehearsal site, while having a smaller, lighter instrument offsite
for additional rehearsal time inbetween band or group rehearsals.
This saves on time for setting up as well as wear and tear on the
good equipment. |
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Musician
Tips 3
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Be
on time to band rehearsals and gigs! If you're late, it can cause
a stressful situation. Remember, you play an important role in your
band. They are counting on you to be responsible enough to show
up on time and do your job. After all; that's why they're paying
you. |
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Musician
Tips 4
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PRACTICE!
PRACTICE! PRACTICE! Be sure to know the song you're learning almost
to the point you have it memorized. This way, you are not holding
up everyone else by trying to learn your parts at the last minute.
Do your part to be prepared. It makes it easier on everyone. |
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Musician
Tips 5
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Leaders,
be open to suggestions from fellow band members. It never hurts
to try something new. Some musicians are very schooled and/or very
experienced... or maybe simply very creative. Listen to their input
and consider their musical ideas. That's why you hired them. They're
not just robots that want to be told what to do. |
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Musician
Tips 6
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Have
weekly or monthy meetings with your band. Lay everything out on
the table such as the rules and the expectations for your band.
If you have this understanding from the beginning, it should eliminate
much confusion down the road. |
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Musician
Tips 7
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If
there is money involved (which most of the time there is), be sure
everyone is clear on what their slice of the pie will be. Draw up
contracts if you have to. Take the necessary measure to make sure
everyone understands the money. Many great bands have broken up
over money issues. |
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Musician
Tips 8
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To
promote your band, make a professional looking business card, flyer,
and website. The more professional you look, the more your chances
of being hired. A strong presence can boost your group's reputation. |
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Musician
Tips 9
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If
you ever mess up than don't try to go back and fix what you messed
up on, just go off from where you messed up and maybe no one will
notice! |
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Musician
Tips 10
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"Leave
your ego at the door." While it takes a certain amount of ego
to shred your guitar, thrash your drums or rock your keyboard, remember
that, as a musician--and especially as part of a group--you're there
to entertain your guests, not to show your attitude or be a diva. |
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Musician
Tips 11
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Songwriters
- Keep a tape recorder or small notepad with you at all times. You
never know when inspiration will hit and if you don't have some
way to record a melody or capture the lyrics they may be lost forever. |
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Musician
Tips 12
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There's
always been a lot of drugs in the music business. You'd be smart
to run the other direction. Keep your distance as much as possible
and don't buy into this notion that you have to do drugs to be creative.
Nonsense! |
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Musician
Tips 13
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Protect
your hearing! Invest in some earplugs and earphones. Use them during
practices and as much as you can on louder gigs. Don't forget to
keep earplugs with you for concerts too. |
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Musician
Tips 14
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Never,
ever, EVER argue with each other on stage.This is so unprofessional
and it just makes your band look bad, not to mention embarrasing
the other members of the band. |
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Musician
Tips 15
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Out
of respect for the audience you're playing for, try to avoid taking
extended or extra long breaks. So many bands like to stretch those
breaks out and sometimes really abuse it. The crowd wants to hear
you play and at least some of them are there just for you, so respect
this and don't keep them waiting. |
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