Steve Raybine

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Believe in Yourself

Steve Raybine:

Blog #33:

Believe in Yourself

The four words, “I Believe in myself,” are perhaps the four most important words you will ever say or think. Regardless of what career field you choose someday, at some point it will come down to how much you believe in yourself, your talents and your abilities.

As a professional musician, there are many times that I’ve had to rely on the words, “I Believe in myself.” Like many professions, music is very demanding, competitive, and at times, frustrating. Throughout my musical journey as a performer, educator/instructor/clinician, composer/arranger and music-business person, I’ve had to be very versatile, talented and hard-working in order to survive within this all-encompassing field. I’ve spent many hundreds of thousands of hours (or more), practicing, performing, composing, studying and listening to music. Moreover, the business of music is a complex and thoroughly time-consuming enterprise in its own right.

It isn’t my intention to intimidate you about music, but I do want to tell you that in order to succeed in any career someday (law; medicine; teaching; engineering; business; the arts; sports; computers; information technology; sales; etc.,) you will need to try to do your very best at all times and to always believe in yourself and your abilities. Believing in yourself gives you the determination, discipline and dedication to keep pursuing your dreams and personal goals. Believing in yourself keeps you going when things are difficult. Believing in yourself gives you an inner strength that will not let you down. And, believing in yourself can and should be the cornerstone of your personal philosophy.

Now is the time to try to establish a pattern to put forth your very best effort (personal best) in whatever you do. If you do, your skills will not only improve, but your self-esteem (positive self-image) will experience a big boost. This should help you to become more self-confident as you affirm the four words, “I Believe in myself!” Then, you can march towards your dreams and goals as you also inspire others on their path.

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Are You in the Clique?

Steve Raybine:

Blog #32:

Are You in the Clique?

Cliques (clicks), a select group of people, are by their very nature, often considered exclusionary, and perhaps snobbish and elitist. However, have you ever wanted to be a member of the "academic clique," the "sports clique," or the "music clique?" At some point in many peoples' lives, they've longed for being an accepted member in some clique, regardless of its perception by others. I'm not an advocate of cliques, because any group that potentially discriminates against anyone's admittance or participation within any organization is not my style. However, whether I like it or not, cliques exist.

In the professional world of music, there are most definitely cliques. The symphony musicians; jazzers; rappers; rockers; opera singers; funksters; folkies and academics all have their cliques. The operative question is, "Are you in or out of the clique?" Perhaps the underlying question really is, "How popular or unpopular are you as perceived by the clique?" You see, the people in the most popular music cliques get the majority of the available work, which means they make most of the money$$$. Many times, these individuals try to keep other musicians out of their "popular clique," because they don't like to share money, opportunities, prestige, etc. If you hope to become a member of the clique of your choosing one day, someone will have to let you in and accept you into their private musical club. You'll need to have the requisite skills, personality and luck in order to pass the initiation test(s), which could take months...years...or unfortunately, it may never happen. Becoming a member of the exclusive clique is really a 'crap shoot,' a very complex game with potentially high stakes--the success or failure of your career to some degree.

Whether you choose to play the "clique game" is up to you, but ignoring it, unfortunately, won't make it go away. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, so choose wisely as your career may depend upon it.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Raybineisms': Part 3

Steve Raybine:

Blog #31:

Raybineisms': Part 3

As I start the second month of my blog, I've decided to begin with Raybineisms': Part 3. I hope they inspire and challenge you.

1.) "Use your talents, don't abuse your talents."

Everyone has certain talents, so maximize your true potential by harnessing your talents, not neglecting them.

2.) "When you get paid on time, it's sublime."

One of my 'pet peeves' is receiving my paychecks in an untimely manner--late. Conversely, I'm always appreciative when my clients pay on time. Perhaps this is why I always pay my musicians on time, or even early. Remember: people like to work with and for people that pay their bills on time and they tend to avoid working for so-called 'deadbeats.'

3.) "Be a winner, not a whiner."

No one likes to be around someone who is chronically feeling sorry for themselves. So, change your 'cry-baby' attitude and become a more positive and 'upbeat' person.

4.) "Don't trust untrustworthy or dishonest people."

If you place your trust in someone who has a dubious reputation, you will undoubtedly be disappointed or hurt.

5.) "If you act tired, you'll be fired."

No one wants to hire someone who either looks or is tired. Maintain your energy level and at least look interested in your job--even if you're not.

6.) "Your reputation is earned, not given to you."

Each and everyday, you need to earn your reputation. Your reputation is who you are, so respect it and never compromise it.

7.) "Be kind, generous and forgiving."

If you are kind to others; generous with your time and money and forgive others for their imperfections, you will be liked and respected by most people.

8.) "Music is freedom of expression."

The ability and the opportunity to express yourself freely with music is the ultimate joy.

9.) "Stand-up for what you've earned."

Did you play or sing a great audition and not receive the part? Were you passed over for a job promotion that you deserved? If you answered yes to either of the above questions, stand-up or speak-out for that position or gig that you worked hard to attain. Sometimes, decisions can be reversed if you are able to make a compelling case for yourself. However, I recommend discussing the situation in a non-threatening manner, otherwise your chances of getting what you deserve will be significantly diminished.

10.) "You've got more 'power' than you think you have."

People often underestimate their influence and personal power. While I was a struggling jazz artist in Los Angeles during my twenties, this is a lesson that I learned time-and-again after dealing with music publishers; producers; managers and club owners. You may feel powerless, but in reality, you have much more power and influence within the music industry than you think you do. Stand-up for yourself and realize your inner power.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Musical and Personal Integrity are All-Important

Steve Raybine:

Blog #30:

Musical and Personal Integrity are All-Important

Possessing and maintaining artistic standards are not often easy in the overtly image-conscious and sometimes blatant commercial orientation of the music business. In certain instances, individuals achieve musical success and status without possessing credible musical skills or knowledge. Alternatively, some musicians embarrass themselves by flaunting sexuality in a crude and suggestive way in concert or on their CD covers--not exactly admirable in my estimation. In either circumstance, the reputation of the system is diminished because inferior work or blatantly 'cheap' theatrics are applauded and rewarded.

It is, however, admirable to set high musical and personal standards for yourself regardless of compensation or musical accolades. People make choices in their lives and then must live with the consequences of their decisions. Sometimes, extreme musical and personal compromises breed artistic frustration and disenchantment within yourself and with the music industry. Alternatively, devoting a significant portion of your time and energy to making your definitive musical statement(s) in a dignified manner can be an exhilarating and life-affirming experience. Selling out and acting like everyone else that makes poor choices is certainly not worthy of adulation and praise--at least not in my estimation.

I am cognizant of the fact that contemporary musicians need to address economic concerns and deal with the business side of music. However, is it really worth abandoning your musical and personal integrity in order to achieve success? For many people, they unfortunately wouldn't think twice about "selling their soul" in order to become popular. I however, believe that in music and in life, one should lead by example and set high musical and personal standards for yourself and for others (students; colleagues; family; friends). As Socrates so brilliantly said it, "Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of--for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear." So, remember my friends, your legacy as a musician and as a person is important, so maintain your integrity and be a person with character.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

A Musical Legacy

Steve Raybine:

Blog #29:

A Musical Legacy

As we're approaching the holiday season, I seem to be in a nostalgic mood. I've been reflecting on my days as a percussionist in the Oshkosh High School Concert Band in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I performed in that concert band under the musical direction of Dr. James Croft from 1970-1972 and was the percussion section leader in 1971-72. These were formative years during my musical development and thirty-five years later, I still value those musical memories.

Our band director, Dr. James Croft, was a musically-gifted and inspirational conductor. His conducting skills were impeccable and his superlative musicianship was evident in every musical gesture and nuance he articulated. As individuals within this performing ensemble, Dr. Croft held each player to the highest musical standard possible, and for this, I will always be in his debt. Being good was never enough--we aspired to musical greatness and remarkably, sometimes we felt as though we were indeed capable of achieving such rarefied musical glory. Even today, I rarely hear a high school concert/symphonic band that is as musically sophisticated as we were 'back in the day.'

This nostalgic musical reflection is not some self-indulgent 'sentimental journey' as the great Glenn Miller might have said, but an acknowledgment that sometimes you have the good fortune to have been a member of a musical ensemble that established a rich and esteemed musical legacy. As young people, sometimes we don't possess the insight or wisdom to value our contributions to the musical tradition of an ensemble that we are currently a member of or have been involved in. Frequently, as older and wiser people, we'll reflect upon those days with greater insight and only then, do we finally realize how fortunate we were to have experienced such a glorious musical achievement. However, for those of you who are 'wise beyond your years' and do possess the 'mindfulness' (Buddhist concept) of being able to appreciate the very moment in which you are living, you will undoubtedly comprehend your contribution to your ensemble's musical legacy.

In hindsight, although I truly appreciated my high school concert band, it wasn't until years later that I grasped the importance of my contribution to the band's rich musical legacy. However, through the subsequent years as a music professional, I too, have been establishing my own musical legacy as a performer; composer; band leader and educator. I've tried to become more 'mindful' of what I'm trying to accomplish musically--creating and performing my original music that communicates to audiences and is artistically compelling, as well as being melodically and harmonically well-designed music that has an enduring quality.

I will always be grateful for the years I performed in the Oshkosh High School Concert Band in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. My great hope is that many other middle school and high school band students of their generation have a similar musical experience with their concert/symphonic band that I had with mine. If they do, they will be forever blessed and they too, will have contributed to their ensemble's rich musical legacy.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Live Musical Mistakes Can’t Be Undone

Steve Raybine:

Blog #28:

Live Musical Mistakes Can’t Be Undone

How many times have you made a mistake while practicing only to go back immediately and play the passage again in hopes of erasing the error? If you’re like most musicians, you have done this more times than you care to remember. By replaying the musical passage (even though you play it accurately the second or third time), does this ultimately erase the original error? NO, it does not! Unfortunately, the damage has already been done and replaying it won’t make it correct.

Many skilled musicians are perfectionists—they can’t tolerate mistakes, which in general, is a good thing. Although most musicians strive for musical perfection, it is rarely attained. I’m not sure what constitutes perfection anyhow, as it is completely subjective. However, if you obsess about your error(s), you will miss the greater picture, which is to keep the music flowing to the best of your ability and to continue playing as musically as possible.

The old adage, “How you practice is how you’ll play in a performance,” is relevant when discussing this issue. During your practice sessions, if you develop a habit of constantly stopping-and-starting with the intention of correcting your mistakes by immediately replaying the passage with the error, you’re conditioning your mind to focus only on the mistake(s) instead of the music. Ultimately, you do need to correct the passage(s) with the error(s), but this start-and-stop routine can become a bad habit if it continues for too long and can negatively impact your performance(s). Once any musician has made an error during a performance within the music, that musical moment is over, so move on. Don’t draw attention to the mistake by reiterating it--de-emphasize it and downplay it. In most instances, the audience won’t catch the mistake unless you do something to draw attention to it--like trying to replay the passage correctly.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pack Your Musical Equipment and Personal Items the Day Before a Gig

Steve Raybine:

Blog #27:

Pack Your Musical Equipment and Personal Items the Day Before a Gig

How many times have you rushed out of your house or apartment on the way to a gig, only to hope that you haven't forgotten to pack all of your gear (equipment and clothing) that day in your car? Unfortunately, I have done this numerous times and have regretted it on more than one occasion. In my haste, I've forgotten the following items that I needed for my gigs at various times: sound reinforcement cords; music; set list; merchandise-table materials; power source for my amplified vibes; percussion accessory instruments; extra clothing; repair kit; music stand; music stand light and microphones. Needless to say, the lack of any of these items can proved detrimental to your gig.

Over time, I have found that the answer to this problem is actually quite simple: pack your equipment and personal items the day before (or earlier) you leave for your gig(s). This is especially relevant if your engagement is out-of-town, which doesn't enable you to quickly drive home for the forgotten items. Moreover, you certainly can't instantaneously alter your travel plans if you've failed to pack all of your necessary items when traveling by airplane to your gig. If you're particularly cautious and diligent, you might even consider having a check list (that you consult) of all your items that you require for your performances. By doing so, you don't have to rely exclusively on your memory, which can be unreliable when you're in a hurry.

As I've often said, "Preparation requires prior planning," so think ahead in order to minimize errors. If you follow this advice, you'll hopefully never show up at a gig without the essential musical and personal items that are necessary for your engagements.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Believe in Yourself

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Are You in the Clique?

Monday, December 7, 2009

Raybineisms': Part 3

Friday, December 4, 2009

Musical and Personal Integrity are All-Important

Thursday, December 3, 2009

A Musical Legacy

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Live Musical Mistakes Can’t Be Undone

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pack Your Musical Equipment and Personal Items the Day Before a Gig

Steve Raybine

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