Carlehr Swanson

1. Network: The more people you know, the more help you’ll have. I have a connect for everything. You must know at least one person that’s great at something. There’s a theory boy, the aural skills girl, and the friend that’s friends with the teacher that fails people. AM I RIGHT? STEAL 2-5-1 licks, “BORROW” CHARTS, ETC ETC. Networking goes beyond the music building. Find out who’s in charge of the radio station, the news station, and the school paper. The school offers lunches with the President, sign up. If someone’s doing something, you want to do? Ask how. You’re probably an email away from your destiny.
2. Don’t take yourself too seriously: All my life, I’ve been a joke. No, seriously; I’m a hoot. You think I’m one way; then in a moment, you realize I’m not haha. However, anything I do I take it very seriously. Sometimes too serious. I’ve found that not taking myself too seriously, yet everything I participate in very seriously has helped me progress faster. One minute, I’m upset about a diction quiz and after a burrito bowl from Chipotle; I’m back in the practice room. #NotToday
3. Find a teacher that you like: I had a teacher once say, “you won’t pass this class based on your potential,” and boy were they right! Sadly, as a freshman, I needed someone to see my potential. I needed someone to ask me about my pageant gowns. I needed someone to ask did I like Beyonce’s acting or the most recent episode of Braxton Family Values. Most importantly, I needed someone to turn my potential in performance. Thanks, Dr. P!
4. Develop other skills: Growing up I was very shy. I still am, despite popular belief. My public speaking skills have helped me tremendously. As musicians, you have to speak to an audience at some point. Unless you’re guaranteed your music is going to speak for itself, you have to sell it. It always calms my nerves if I can make them laugh while I’m at it. Developing those skills have presented me with great opportunities. Just like your instrument, you practice it.
5. Keep a schedule: I love saying Yes! However, I have found myself in trouble more than once because I don’t write things down. Balancing school, work, and extracurriculars get hectic. Write it down, put it in your phone, and please show up! (early)
6. Practice: This sounds like a no-brainer, but it wasn’t for me my first month in college. As a mature college student, I am learning to maximize my practice time. The best semester I’ve had thus far is when I woke up before class and practiced for two hours, later throughout the day, and at least an hour once my classes were over! Good times.
7. Buy Black Clothing: You need it! Every musician should have what my mom calls the “please don’t fail me now” outfit. This outfit looks good no matter when, where, or how you wear it.
8. Go to church: I get it, everyone is not a Christian but in the words of Jim Carroll, “Have a spiritual life.” Music is hard. Life is hard. You need an outlet. Jesus is mine. I wouldn’t have made it this far in school without Him.
9. Eat well/ Exercise: I struggle with this one. I love food, and only the worst food places are open when I’m up. However, after spending a week at home last semester, I realized how important healthy food choices were. I even started cooking and going for walks. I take vitamins too! Sometimes, I get carried away with the “I can do whatever I want” attitude and run my myself raggedy. It’s okay to say “no.” It’s okay to be in for the day at 5:00 pm. It’s okay to sleep your weekends away. Get your rest; you’ll need it later! We all need our bodies to make our instruments work, so take care of it.
10. Love it: There’s nothing I would rather be doing. If you feel the same, you’ll make it. It’s not easy, and I hear it gets worst. If your intentions are pure, I can guarantee the sheer joy of music will outweigh your bad days.