Welcome to my very new blog.  I've resisted doing this for so long. I've finally decided to take the plunge and put my years of teaching and performing down in writing, primarily for my students to refer to and for any others who may find the writings of interest. Here is my first post which prompted the entire idea...

For all young musicians, a few important precepts:  

1) Study each subject as if it is the most important and only one

2) Don't forget - ALL subjects relate to each each other, but it is YOUR responsibility to make those connections

3) Squeeze everything you can get out of your professors, colleagues and yourself, because you THINK and profess to be become such -and-such, but your preparation is for the unknown, therefore prepare and develop your full and complete self for any possible career path - then you'll be assured to move forward with confidence into whatever pathways open before you, and your direction will be by your choice not because you've limited yourself to your narrow college 'track' or thinking.

4) DON'T do the minimum - All of your experiences and learning is fodder for your personal and musical development

5) ...and I've copyrighted this one ;) ..."All the time you think you are making music, music is making you!". Music is transformative, That is why you are musician, isn't it?  Therefore open yourself to transformation and be brave!

6)  For those preparing a solo recital or Jury - you CANNOT throw this together - it requires regular dedication to study, emotional and physical work! Again...you CANNOT throw this together. Professional musicians prepare ALL YEAR for a program and perform that same program all year long! You as a less experienced musician, perhaps performing your program only once, cannot expect less of yourself. Performing musicians are athletes - and you know what happens to athletes who either don't maintain their regimen(!)  So, stay in shape, stay in top shape and don't suddenly ramp up your practicing in any dramatic way or you risk dramatic injury. Have a practice plan and if you are planning a solo recital or a concerto gig or that you forsee many more performances ahead; plan on building up to the task by steps rather than by leaps.  

7) Above all remain in love with what you do by loving the process, enjoying every individual sound, feeling and emotion you create and you can be in the moment (which is what you'll do in performance!) because you can lean on and trust with confidence the practice plan which you have made and stuck to such an excellent practice regimen!  

Go and be fruitful and musical for yourself and the world!

My Very Best Wishes!

Sincerely,

Robert Trent