8 Things I wish I had learned in Music College.

It has been a full year since I finished my degree and became a full-time working musician. Although I had learned a lot of great things in college, I am sure that many of you would agree that you can't learn everything in a classroom. After all, PSHE in the arts isn't usually a module accredited at an undergrad level.

Here are just some of the things that have impacted me this year, or I wish I learned earlier as a student.

1. Don't apologise.

I get it, we sometimes make mistakes. So let's just move on. Instead of apologising and disrupting the rehearsal even more by announcing every duff note you play... especially in an audition!
To be honest, out of politeness I'm the sort of person that would instinctively say sorry if a stranger bumped into me. However, in a musical situation over apologising can just get annoying. I used to do this a lot as a student, but I didn't realise how annoying it was until I was on the receiving end of it.

2. Don't feel guilty when it comes to talking about money.

It's your job. You are no longer a student so don't feel afraid to say something if you feel you are not getting paid the right amount. Obviously, am-drams exist, and most people have to stick to a budget. However, before you agree to a job don't be afraid to negotiate as long as you are respectful and approach them in the right way about it. 

3. Support your friends.

You mean the world to them. Their success is also your success. Besides, don't you love it when your friends come to your gigs?

4. BASS PLAYERS AREN'T YOUR ENEMY.

It doesn't matter what instrument(s) you play; you shouldn't look at other people as competition. In my first year as a student, I remember being determined to move in with musicians - any musicians - as long as it wasn't another bass player. As it turns out, SO many of my gigs have been from other bass players' recommending me, or using me to dep for them. More often than not, this has led to more work.
It doesn't matter what instrument you play, or your style - you can learn a lot from other people playing the same instrument as you.

5. Get over yourself.

This was probably one of the biggest life lessons I picked up on whilst I was a student. It can be easier said than done, so here are a few thoughts that could be relevant to you (or not): 

• No-one likes a diva.
• It is okay to make mistakes because that is how you learn.
• There is always someone that is better than you, and sometimes bitching about other musician's chops can make you seem insecure about yourself.
• Be honest because people respect that. 
• Never be jealous over somebody else's success because that distracts you from achieving your own goals.
• And for goodness sake - you are here to learn, so just play!!

If you are too scared to get up with the band at a jam night, then how are you going to learn and get better? Sometimes taking the plunge is both the easiest and the hardest thing to do. But more often than not, it can be the quickest and best way to learn.

Once you get over this barrier, you can truly let your musicianship grow. Instead of practising in your bedroom by yourself until you finally think you might be ready.

6. Use fear to your advantage.

Instead of worrying about the current state of the industry we are in, try to think creatively and use it to your advantage instead. Often the best ideas come when someone is in the need for change. You never know, this could be your chance to start something innovative.
Secondly, you don't have to be amazing in every genre. Find your niche and sell it.

7. Remember why you became a musician in the first place.

Not all of us have the luxury of playing music we like all of the time. Whatever your gig is at the moment, make sure you create time for things you do like to play. It's so important to keep a balance. Otherwise, your motivation can slide downhill. In time, the right gig for you will come along, or you'll be driven enough to make it happen instead of waiting.

8. How to sustain yourself in the industry.

This is probably the biggest issue people in the arts have to face. There is no right way to do it, but it seems now more than ever musicians have to be versatile in order to have a sustainable career. For example, even Laurence Cottle- one of the busiest, most prolific session musicians in the UK is earning more money from arranging music than playing these days. So what does that tell you?

Being a nice guy, playing well and showing up on time should be taken for granted at this stage. So what other assets can you bring to the project to make people want to work with you, or for you... Can you design? Are you good at communicating, selling, branding or promoting? Can you arrange, MD, or even compose and record for other people? If not, do you know who you could outsource this to without damaging your reputation?

Music college is also the perfect time to start building your brand. You have a student loan that you don't have to pay back until you start earning money, so make the most out of it whilst you have the chance! Starting up a function band agency or a private teaching service can take a long time to build up before it can become financially rewarding. Therefore it makes sense to start these things in college whilst you have the extra support. This will allow more time for your projects to develop before you are back in the real world. Unfortunately, not everyone has a nest egg to dip into whilst times are tough. Therefore, making the most out of your maintenance loan and the people around you will increase your chances of staying in the music industry after you graduate.

I hope this has been helpful. You don't have to agree with everything I have said in this post, so let me know what you think!