The way we think, behave, feel, act, talk, believe and value will affect the way we approach our music career.

At this age and time that I write this, musicians need a new way of thinking. 100 years from now musicians should be able to apply for jobs at a music company just like applying at McDonalds, except for the pay rate of course. Or maybe a 100 years from now to become a musician that is in demand, the industry needs to see real value and demand for our services.

How do we get to that point?

Good question…

I believe we need to change the way we think and create new innovative job descriptions.

What new jobs?

I’m still working on it. In the meantime I have compiled this massive list of attributes and qualities a thinking musicianshould have. (My opinion of course.)

A thinking musician…

1. Serves
2. Networks
3. Seeks relationships
4. Grateful
5. Passionate
6. Manages household
7. Manages time
8. Invests
9. Saves
10. Respectable
11. Friendly
12. Fearless
13. Reads daily
14. Listens
15. Adaptable
16. Collaborative
17. Anticipates
18. Prepared
19. Persistent
20. Playful
21. Mastered technique
22. Mastered music theory
23. Mastered their instrument
24. Composes
25. Early
26. Team player
27. Creative
28. Grooves
29. Style
30. Stands out
31. Connects
32. Gives eye contact
33. Smiles
34. Lifelong learner
35. Physically healthy
36. Learns from his failures
37. Dedicated
38. Disciplined
39. Practices daily
40. Never borrows
41. Never loans
42. Gives
43. Fights back
44. Stubborn
45. Helpful
46. Energetic
47. Leader
48. Entrepreneur
49. Wise
50. Hard working
51. Selfless
52. Character
53. Communicates
54. Focused
55. Teachable
56. Curious
57. Asks questions
58. Patient
59. Careful
60. Seeker
61. Humble
62. Perfectionist
63. Loves people

Whoa, this list scares me… Geez!

But it’s a nice list. A list that will serve all future thinking musicians looking to make an impact in this amazing little third rock from the sun.

Number 34 “lifelong learner” I believe is probably one of the main components to a successful life, career and pocketbook. Take this one to heart, without constantly learning, growing mentally and emotionally we will always lose sight of the bigger picture.

Read all 63 qualities and examine your career and see if there is anything missing and grade yourself. Please don’t hesitate and mention if there is any other quality that you think is missing. Let me know in the comment section below.

Question…

What’s one quality that you need?

“I don’t appreciate you guys playing that disco jungle music here at church! I can teach you guys some things about music. I’ve been doing this for about 35 years.” The old beer bellied bass player said.

My buddies looked at the dude with conceit. My 23 year old inexperienced mind said, “If you’ve been doing this for 35 years than why do you still suck.”

Seriously, this guy didn’t like our view of music especially for church. He thought it was the devil. Lol What happened was I visited an old friends church to perform, but some folks kind of disagreed with our choice of music. Go figure…

The beer bellied bass player wasn’t horrible at bass but I assumed if you’ve been playing for 35 years you’d be pretty amazing and the guy was average at best. The guy was stuck back 35 years ago.

According to Malcolm Gladwells book “Outliers” he states it takes about 10,000 hours or 10 years to master your profession. But those who are geniuses never stop learning and keep striving for perfection.

John Maxwell talks about: experience and evaluated experience. Experience is when an individual learns based on life. Evaluated experience is when an individual not only learns based on life, but also strives for more knowledge and skills for constant improvement. The learning process never ends for someone with evaluated experience.

“Experience is not the best teacher…Evaluated experience is the best teacher.” John C. Maxwell.

I want to learn from someone with evaluated experience, not just life’s experience but also from an individual who is always striving for perfection no matter what age.

There are cycles in our music lives and careers that always turn up when we least expect it. When those cycles return what are you doing for growth and improvement? Are we just “living life” as they call it, or are we actually taking the time and effort to get to the next level of the musical stratosphere?

There are 8 Cycles of Music that tend to always be around and we can’t really get rid of them. These cycles always need maintenance and upgrades.

Here is the list of the 8 Cycles of Music.

1. Musical Skills: This incompasses skills like: technique, ear training, reading, rhythm. Practice should be part of your life,
2. Musical Knowledge: Music theory, biographies of the greats, evaluated experience.
3. Creation: Music is 100% creative. We need to emphasize more on composition than anything else.
4. Social Network: Our network depends on our relationships with the right people. Are you around the right people?
5. Finances (For working professionals.): When we make a decision to make music our profession, proper finance management must be a part of the equation.
6. Body: Without proper diet and exercise we won’t enjoy the fruits of our labor. I believe this is a must and common sense for anyone.
7. Mind and Emotions: Stress is the number one symptom for chronic diseases. Remove yourself from anything or anyone that can create a toxic environment for you. Your attitude, beliefs and value can also determine the health of your career. Adopt the mindsets of the “GIANTS of MUSIC” and other successful individuals and everything else will follow.
8. Spirit: How grateful are you? Everyday you wake up, thank your creator for giving you another day to live, for your family and loved ones. Your talents and career. Though you may not have reached your goals yet, stay grateful. Dedicate to helping and serving others in your field. Discover Selflessness.

From a scale of 1-10, what would grade yourself on all 8 cycles? I don’t believe a “10” would really exist because that would mean perfection, but we can always strive for perfection and that’s by committing yourself to your growth.

The Lesson

1. Become a lifelong learner.
2. Evaluate all 8 cycles of music.
3. Create a plan for long sustaining growth.
4. Execute your plan.
5. Be prepared for bumps.

There you go folks stay the course and excellence will soon be achieved. Feel free to comment in the section below.

If you graded yourself on all 8 cycles of music, which cycle would have the lowest grade?

And man this kid sucked at clarinet. I don’t mean to be jerk but this kid squeaked and squawked every other quarter note. He seemed to be a very studious student, but just didn’t have the talent or skills for music.

One day I was walking back home from school and Robert was walking in the same direction so we walked together. We were chatting about video games and ninja turtles. Then I worked the conversation into music practice, I mentioned I practiced every day for at least half an hour.

He said that he hardly practices only when his mom lets him. He also thought that I never practiced and thought it was a talent that I was born with.

I told him, “I play well because I practice everyday.”

“Hmm…” Robert curiously sounded. “Don’t you gotta be born with it?”

“Uh..no! You have to work at it just like all the greats did.” I responded.

“Wow! I learn something everyday.” Robert said…

The most talented musicians work harder and want it harder than anyone else. Talent is never enough.

So I devised a step by step plan from how to be a terrible musician to how to become a master. Now I’m not calling myself a master. Mastery means you have reached a high level, but there is always another level.

Here’s the list…

To be terrible:

1. Learn some
2. Practice none

To be okay:

1. Learn some
2. Practice some
3. Get involved in some

To be average:

1. Learn some
2. Practice some
3. Perform some
4. Get involved in some

To be good:

1. Learn a lot
2. Practice a lot
3. Perform a lot
4. Get involved a lot

To be Great Master:

1. Learn forever
2. Practice forever
3. Perform forever
4. Teach forever
5. Review forever
6. Evolve forever
7. Get involved forever
8. Live and desire this forever
9. Repeat this forever

There may be something missing from the list…

But, I’ll let you tell me.

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Peace my friend…

Nah! If we do Ill keep getting the munchies during rehearsals. Haha! Jim giggled.

“That’s the eighth drummer we’ve audition and ever single one had their ups and downs. Man, it’s hard finding the right guy..”  I sighed.

It’s always hard to find good help especially in a band situation. You get all kinds of characters. If I were to find the ultimate band member he or she would have all of these qualities.

Ultimately, the leader is responsible for the success of the group. Before you read the list check out the 35 qualities of a music director and see if you fit the standard.

29 ultimate qualities of a band member.

1. Similar Goals: Each band member must have the exact same purpose and destination in order for the band to succeed. Everyone has the right change their mind. But just like Stephen Covey states: “Everyone has to have the end in mind”
2. Music Skills: Each group has their certain style of music. Your ability to obtain the skills to perform the tunes is essential.
3. People Skills: This is very important. If a particular band members social skills needs an upgrade then maybe you should seconded guess his application.
4. Equal Interests: Some band members have nothing in common which can lead to unrest. I have stories.
5. Same Influences: Different musical influences can either make or break your band. There has to be some mutual influences in musical styles in order for the music to gel.
6. Team Player: I love a band member who’s willing to go with the flow.
7. Chops: This is a musical term meaning “great technique”. I definitely look for flash every now and then.
8. Dependability: Nobody’s perfect. I’m guilty of being flakey in the past, but that’s no longer the case. I’m looking for someone I can really depend on.
9. Energy: People can really be party poopers. Look for someone who’s going to bring a new light to your band.
10. Step Ahead: Sometimes they’re band members who are way ahead of me in ideas. That’s great contribution to the team.
11. Learner: I’m a huge learner. A band member who’s always looking to improve their abilities and themselves is a big plus in my band.
12. Selfless: This world is full selflessness. I require musicians who think of others not just themselves.
13. Never Quit Attitude: I played in a cover band years back. Chad the singer didn’t have the voice for funk and RnB, only punk and rock. That didn’t stop him. Chad practice everyday and didn’t quit. We cut him eventually but his attitude was on point.
14. Servants Heart: The drummer always has the big task of carrying the gear. When I  see a band member just standing there not helping I want to kick him in the face. Sorry for the violence but it always happens.
15. Hard Worker: I dont think I need to say much about this quality.
16. Integrity: Two-face people are rampant in the music industry. Honest, consistent, we’ll intentioned folks are key to a successful band.
17. Loyalty: Every band member has the right to play in as many bands as they please. The question is, “Where does their loyalty land?”
18. Experience: This is a no brainer. Of course you need experienced musicians.
19. Like Ability: If the guy or gal is not easy going or like able and can’t take a joke. Then they get the boot.
20. Drug and Substance Abuse: Drug free is the key and alcohol abuse many times leads to poor judgment. Give a drunk a drink and your band will drown.
21. Drama Free: Save the drama for your mama! Not in my band. I want a drama free band.
22. Communication: If there is no consideration in texting or calling someone that you’re not going to make it or be late then stay home forever.
23. Adaptable: Eclectic musicians can switch back and forth with many styles. This is a plus for me.
24. Prepped: Please don’t come to practice saying you had no time to rehearse. That’s total disrespect to the music and your team.
25. Creativity: This is a must requirement. Music is pure creativity and we live in a world full of copycats.
26. Music Theory: Not a must requirement for me but a huge plus for.
27. Great listener: Probably the number one skill in music.
28. Family Oriented: God and family is number one for me. I like to think of my band mates as family members.
29. Musical Passion: Music doesn’t really have to your full time job, but if it is then I know we’re on the same wavelength. My buddy Jermaine works for the gas company but his passion is music and when he’s not reading meters he’s writing songs and gigging every weekend.

Conclusion

That pretty much sums up everything that I can muster that would make up for the ultimate band member. Though I think it would be impossible to find all these qualities in a musician, I’m sure they are out there somewhere. There are certain qualities that are a must for any band.

I hope you dig the list of the 29 qualities of the ultimate band member. Sorry, I couldn’t thumb up the 30th guality but my brain is fried. Please share this post with your buddy by clicking on the social media links below.

Question.

What do you think would be the 30th quality?

We all have purpose in our lives, the question is….. What is it?

Purpose is something the every human being on this planet is searching for.  Many times we give up and continue going through our daily lives working our 9 to 5, Monday through Friday and taking weekends off and then we go back through our mundane cycle all over again. Blah!

No thanks, not for me. I mean if you enjoy that sort of thing and your job gives you all the passion you need then go for it. Yeee ha!!

It may take awhile until you find your passion because daily life always gets in the way. When it comes to your team what is their purpose?

These are the seven deadly D’s of purpose that we should keep on striving for. I do mean deadly, because with these you’ll kill for success in your team.

1. Desire

With out this nothing will follow suit. Desire is the number one element that will keep your passion and your purpose on course. Desire is like a fat guy salivating for a Krispy Kreme donut. You have to become like that fat guy and crave for your dreams and goals.

2. Decision

Once that precious moment of desire enters into your soul you have to make that decision whether or not that fire inside your belly is not just indigestion. Making a decision or choice and sticking to it will separate you from the talkers to the walkers. I’m a walker of course.

3. Destination

Indiana Jones always knew what his destination was or what he was looking for. If your team doesn’t know what their mission or goals are then your just a bunch runners in a marathon and you don’t know where the finish line is. Set a clear written destination.

4. Directions

X marks the spot!  You found your destination now how do you get there? You gotta create a plan of action that’s gonna get you and your team to that precious gold. An action plan is a daily step by step road map of what your supposed to do everyday in order to reach your destination. Without your action plan, your up the creek without a paddle. Make sure this gets done.

5. Dedication

Time spent working with your team and honing their craft and also developing relationships with each other will take your team to levels way beyond then what they expect. Growing together will also carry growing pains but when we help each other to grow out of those difficult moments it will make your team even stronger.

6. Determination

Your team will always encounter difficult moments and distractions that will try to stir you away from your destination. This is where determination kicks in.

7. Discipline

Ever have that moment when you don’t feel like working? Well, this is where discipline comes to the rescue. Believe me, I have to work more on this area myself. Zig Ziglar says,

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”

This is a tough one because the human race is mostly driven by what we feel at the moment not on what needs to get done. Discipline is definitely a tough nut to crack but I’m getting better at it.

I could keep going forever but I’m gonna stop here and let everything soak into your amazing mind. Study the seven D’s and tattoo them on your heart. Never stop learning, work hard, work smart and become a student of the word for the rest of your life.

“All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

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Roland

Well, I jumped out of bed the other day thinking of what I was going to write for this next part of this series. Thinking hard in this awesome Salifornia weather in January (It must suck for the east coasters. HAHA! ) I ended up coming up with so many ideas that I was overwhelmed. I figure I have to extend this to a four part series.

Making sure everyone is accounted for is tough. Everyone has a different personal situation in their daily lives. They have to work late, pick up the kids, traffic, etc. That is why communicating is important in your team.

Commitment and dedication is also a key factor in our walk for an awesome band rehearsal.

Thanks for reading

Roland