As I prepared for a BSO rehearsal on short notice earlier in the week, I enjoyed reading this profile of keyboardist and conductor Michael Beattie, who launched his career with a last-minute gig of his own.
“When Craig [Smith] called me and asked if I would take this job, I knew I couldn’t,” says Beattie. “But I said yes and spent three painful days extricating myself from other obligations…” That decision set the direction of Beattie’s career and has opened doors for him ever since.
I also found it reassuring that a seasoned pro like Beattie described new experiences as “frightening” because so often I am terrified in unfamiliar rehearsal or performance situations. I try to heed the adage “Be like duck — calmly floating above the surface, but paddling like the dickens underneath.”
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I emphatically nodded YES, YES, YES when I read conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya’s advice to young singers, which is applicable to all musicians of any age:
But truly, the number one thing is being prepared and professional. It’s such a simple notion, but it will take you so far.
This philosophy is the basis of my entire career. I even have it tattooed on my back.
KIDDING!
But seriously, music is absolutely a referral-based business and a small, small world. Apologies to my Facebook followers who already heard this anecdote: Yesterday I accompanied a music concert at a public elementary school, and shortly before the concert started, I discovered that a couple who are major donors and board members of the BSO were seated directly behind me.
Be prepared and professional at every gig. No gig is too small.
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Things I wish I learned while my brain was young and flexible:
- Russian
- Subdividing in 5. Even better, subdividing in 5 while someone is conducting in 2 or 4.
- Improvising
Things I learned while my brain was young and flexible, but subsequently forgot and now would find useful:
- Whatever that other clef cellists read is. Tenor clef.
- Figured bass
Eileen Huang 