Next Level Journals Strings Summer 2015

61 DREAM BIG• Identifying goals - personal roadmaps for moving towardssuccess - is the major fuel that drives most of us. Approachauditions anticipating a favorable outcome, and not just“for the experience.”• Pair aspirations with a passionate, proactive mindset. Aclearly defined game plan is a mighty and propelling force,directly impacting both the course and quality of one’spreparation.• Exhibit the tenacity of a bulldog. Think of Ironman competitionswhere, through sheer will power, athletes accomplish featsthat push well beyond the norm (pulling trains or lifting cars).• Take ownership of lofty goals, not hesitating to aim forthe top. Would your preparation be any less serious for aTier B orchestra than one ranked as Tier A? (orchestras arecategorized by the size of their annual budgets, beginningwith the largest ones, such as the New York Philharmonic, inthe A category) By setting one’s sights on the bottom rung ofthe ladder, the journey to the top may be long, arduous, andperhaps, unnecessarily drawn out. In my experience, those ofmy students who dreamt big and believed that success waswell within their reach were handsomely rewarded for theirindomitable spirit (as well as their sandwich building skills).• Being an artist is a full time job; make it your mantra and carryyourself in that role 24/7. Act the artist - be the artist.2 THE COLOR OF COMMITMENT• Think green; taking auditions is not cheap. Travel, room,and board are pricey so make the investment count. Oncecommitted to taking an audition, consider it a contract withyourself. Backing out should not be an option.3 WORK AHEAD OF THE CURVE• Work well in advance of deadlines to maintain a calm,positive mindset. Having your back against the wall producesnoticeable anxiety, eroding self confidence, and a lost senseof well being. I think it is fair to say that we’ve all been there atleast once in our lives. Last minute scrambling breeds doubtso learn to work backwards from an audition date and vow tobe completely prepared at least a month in advance.• Be amenable to the idea of sitting on repertoire, letting itmature like a marvelously aged cheese. As the audition dateapproaches, it’s helpful to keep a cool head. Adopt a routineof slow, methodical drilling to avoid spinning into a tizzy