BeProfessional.

I just thought I'd blog a little bit on this subject. During the course of my life as a musician, I have been blessed to come to become acquainted with quite a few GREAT musicians! I mean these folks really play/write/sing/arrange their asses off! The common thread among quite a few of them, though, is that they don't really know how to handle themselves as professionals. Though "professionalism" can mean quite a few things, I want to blog a little bit about professionalism as it concerns time commitments. Professionals are expected to do three basic things.

Be accountable. Deliver what you've committed to deliver, and be upfront about everything. If you've accepted a gig and later realize that it require the ability to read sheet music, and you know you can't read sheet music, let somebody (who is in charge of making decisions) know ASAP! If you've accepted a gig backing an artist that you've never heard before (not the smartest move in the first place), and you later realize that this is neither your ideal situation nor a situation you're willing to endure, be upfront and say, "I apologize. I'm not going to be able to continue with this gig." You'd be surprised how many people would rather hear that than show up at the second of two rehearsals before a big gig without a board player and no real alternative. Don't leave folks "out in the cold". Being upfront gives others the respect of choice and an opportunity to regroup and reorganize things. It's also great karma for when you decided to do something big on your own.

Be prepared. Don't accept a gig if you don't think you'll have time to learn the material. Remember that all music (and art is general) is somebody's blood, sweat, and tears. Nine times out of ten, there was a vision for the performance, and a timeline by which certain rehearsal goals are set to be achieved. To be prepared is to show respect for others' time and energy. Also, who knows better how you learn that you? So be prepared with your learning utensils (i.e. pen, paper, recorder, dictionary, pitch pipe, instruments, microphones, etc.)

Be on time. Remember that to be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable. We all have issues with time from time to time. (That was hot! You like that, don't you? Don't steal it!) However, if you're gonna be late or not arrive at all, let somebody know as soon as you know or even think so. It's cool to arrive earlier than expected…not so cool to arrive later. It's all a matter of respect for others' time and energy. Some folks don't perform so well after they've been stressed about whether or not their background singers are going to make it or not.

For the selfish folks (LOL…no seriously.), try thinking about it like this. Think about how your behavior will affect the outcome of the show. The better the show, the more bookings will come (if it's good enough). The more bookings, the more gigs for you. More gigs usually mean more money in the bank to use as you will.Just thought I'd drop that little bit here on my blog for the folks who don't know, and apparently there are a LOT of them!Peace.Kev.O