15/09/23
Professional Practice
Professional practice is undertaking activities which should help further your knowledge and skills in a work environment.
3 tips I could individually work on.
Focus on the harder stuff.
Rather than playing music I can already play with ease, I need to focus more on material I find difficult or appears technically harder to myself so I can use this practice time to expand my song knowledge and work on new stuff rather than consistently just replaying tunes I know or can play with ease. Not only will this stimulate my brain but give me opportunities to improve my skill.
Ensure I am using the correct posture and technique.
Even while rehearsing at home, I should be standing up straight, using the correct breathing technique, singing from the correct places, and ensuring I am in no way causing damage to my voice. Additionally, if I'm practicing bass, I should use the correct technique all the time so make sure I don't develop any bad habits that could cause issues later on.
And finally, I should set goals.
Even just small goals in my daily practice could be a positive action. By setting achievable goals it not only gives me something to work towards but also can help motivate me by making myself feel as if I have accomplished something. Over time, my goals can get more and more challenging as my skills improve. This will be very helpful as I'll be less likely to give up because I'm struggling. It should be something achievable but still requiring focus.
3 tips I could work on in a band.
Rehearsing together is essential.
Practice together often. While practicing your own part solo can be helpful as you can figure out what needs work and become confident in your own ability, you also need to ensure you continuously and regularly rehearse together. Group work is completely different to solo, you must listen to and support each other. If anyone is struggling in the band, try to help them or find a way around the problem while not belittling them and being respectable of their struggles.
Be respectful of each other.
Play to each other's strengths. Everyone’s skill level can be different. Regardless of your playing, it is always fun to play something everyone enjoys and wants to do. Make sure each member has their own individual chance to show off their skillsets should they want to. Listen carefully to each other and refrain from playing your own instruments while others are talking. In my past experiences being in bands, that can become a big issue, it's a matter of respect for each other and it can become very frustrating when a bandmate continuously plays their instrument over you, especially if you're trying to communicate something important.
Work hard but have fun.
I believe the most important thing is to make sure you're working hard, while still enjoying yourself. You will want to make the most of your time together to play the best you can as often, those times can be limited. Make sure you stay focused while rehearsing but put aside time to have breaks and fun. There must be a good balance of work and rest, or it can make rehearsals completely miserable and even take away your desire to work in the band. You should ideally know your own part by the time of the rehearsal and be ready and able to play it alongside the rest of the band.
Health and Safety Measures.
Whether in rehearsal rooms or music venues, health and safety should always be a priority. There are many different ways to ensure you and your band can stay safe and happy such as a health, safety and risk assessment.
All in all, it appears keeping you and your band safe all comes down to your awareness and responsibility. Making sure you take these simple safety precautions can make or break your ultimate well-being throughout your rehearsals and ensure you don't have easily prevented accidents.
Professionalism in the Music Industry.
While you have to stand out and play good music to thrive within the music industry, your attitude is crucial too. For example, if you were a paying customer, you would expect to be provided with an enjoyable set as well as polite conversation should you talk to the band. You can't treat the customers awfully as at the end of the day, these customers are who are paying your wages. When it comes to venue owners and workers you must again treat them kindly and in high regard as this is their venue you're playing at. In conclusion, regardless of who it is, you must make sure you treat them with respect and give them the performance they desired, after all, who would want to pay to see a rude bands set? Ultimately, your courtesy and kind stage presence are one of the best ways to earn a mutually respectful fanbase.