The skills of the orchestra musician are not limited to playing an instrument, they are much more. Below are some of their strengths and important competences today.
Being able to make a living as a musician is magical, but a professional orchestra musician knows that it’s not like being a sexy rock star. Being an orchestral musician requires a very high level of professionalism and some qualities become very important, it is not enough to play well.
The competences of the musician
Organization
The orchestral musician needs a great capacity for organization and management of his time: since he was a child he has combined the conservatory classes with the studies at the school; now he organizes a large amount of materials and musical pieces, hours of study and preparation combined with family and personal life. The workload frequently “asks” the musician skills of time management and personal resources.
Communication
Sharing space and time surrounded by so many other musicians and directors, make the musician a professional in terms of communication. Working in a group goes hand in hand with giving advice, commenting on successes and failures, sharing information or waiting turns to act… Making the musician a person who needs to communicate clearly, assertively and empathically considering the position of the other.
Realization of Goals
If something defines the orchestra musician par excellence, it is constancy and perseverance. The amount of effort in the music profession requires musicians to be aware of their abilities and limitations, creative and who see adversity as an opportunity to learn. They are tenacious in their purposes and flexible in the face of change.
Emotional and Corporal Management
Touching for hours and hours entails engaging with body and mind care. In this way, the professional musician manages his body by controlling the postures when playing, in order to avoid injuries. The management of emotions by their side, become important in the management of scenic anxiety and relationships with peers.
What else?
We agree that music is a competitive field and mastering the instrument is a very important part, but as we can see, other aspects are also important.
For you, what other competences can be added to the list?
Francisco Fermín Galduf
