One of my favorite subjects is how learning to play an instrument and performing with a large ensemble, prepares you for the business world. As a flute teacher you will realize that all of your students will not go on to be professional flutists. They will be sales people, teachers, doctors, business owners etc. Unbeknownst to them, their music lessons have prepared them in many ways for the business world. So let’s say yeah for music education, once again!
After many years in business, working in various positions in the computer cash register industry, I have interacted with many sales people and business owners who were unprepared for the basics needed to succeed in a business environment.
It was my experience as a musician which instilled in me so many habits which also applied to being successful in business. Think about these as you read through them and see which ones you have also learned on your path to becoming a flutist. These are things you are instilling in your students and this topic becomes a great one when you are talking with parents of a potential new student. See also Business in Music presentation.
Here are the things I learned from my music education that served me well in business. The language will be from my experience but can be extrapolated to many other professions which may ring true with a parent. Might be good to know what they do in their work world.
Being on time
Musicians must not only arrive “on time”, but must arrive ahead of time at the concert location, find a parking space, find the right entrance door, find the green room, warm up their instrument, and be on stage ready to play before the concert begins. Say you have a business meeting and you leave the office ½ hour before the meeting starts knowing that it is about 20 minutes away. You will be late if there is traffic or you cannot find a parking space or you cannot find the address of the client’s office. Being late is not a good impression to leave with your client. If you are in competition with another company for a sale, this may be the tipping point in their favor!
Preparation
You must arrive at the concert location, with your instrument and your music and in the appropriate concert attire. You have also spent hours listening, practicing your part, looking up terms, and are prepared for your performance. In business you must also be prepared with a bid, a sales presentation, and answers or suggestions for your clients. Yes, there are actually people who try to “wing it” in business meetings. Imagine the kind of impression that leaves if you give a half-hearted answer or have to always “get back to them”. Be prepared. Sounds like a good slogan.
Excellence
All work must be done in a professional way i.e. the best that you can. As musicians this is second nature to us. We would not even think of performing only half as well as we knew we could. How many of us have performed while ill, pushing ourselves to forget our illness but playing as well as we can. The show must go on. Do the best you can in every way in your chosen profession. Take this into your business life and you will set yourself apart from others. Musicians do not do things half-way.
Teamwork
As part of a performing group, like a band or an orchestra, we know that the whole group has a common goal, the best performance possible. We know that we want to prepare our own part, play in tune, use appropriate dynamics for the musical moments and work with the other musicians in the group. As part of a business team you also want to do your part. Whatever part of the work goal, like preparing a part of a demonstration or bid, you have been assigned? In business, you may often find that your “team” does not have the same goals in mind. It is not a bad idea if you take the lead in suggesting that the group state the common goals so that the end result is timely and well done. This kind of input, when done as if you were working and showing respect for other musicians, will certainly bring out any leadership skills you may have.
Efficiency
As musicians we have just so many hours for practicing, rehearsal and performance. Mostly rehearsals do not go long because these time frames are respected. A concert is a set amount of time, it happens on a specific date at a certain time and that is that. In business it is also important to be efficient. Meetings need to have a specific subject and a goal to accomplish whatever work needs to be done. We are used to working on a set program. In business you will find you will want to have a list of things to accomplish and a date by which they need to be completed. We are used to working within these parameters and this is a great thing when it comes to a business environment. In this way you are again way ahead of others coming into business.
In Summary
It does not matter which profession someone chooses, all of these and more will be helpful in being the best that you can be, in getting ahead, in being happy in your work environment and in moving toward you highest earning potential.