Entries by OGibbles02

Dealing with the success of others when you feel like a loser (PSP11)

June 10, 2016 /4,973 Comments/in /by

On this episode of the show, we’re talking about accepting other people’s success, when you feel like a loser.
And this is something that we all feel like at some point. It’s become an issue especially lately with the advent of social media and how fast news travels these days. You know, because Jascha Heifetz didn’t get a notification every time Isaac Stern played a sold out concert. But this is a daily occurrence for us these days.

But more importantly, what does this dwelling on this negativity do for us as musicians? And in the second half of the show, we cover some actionable things you can do to improve if you feel like you have stalled.

How to Make Friends at Your Gig (PSP 10)

May 27, 2016 /3,112 Comments/in /by

Making friendships with colleagues can be quite the challenge. There are a lot of potentially awkward dynamics to navigate, and managing your social avatars has only made things more difficult. But despite the challenges, having friendships at your gigs makes “going to work” a much more enjoyable, inspiring, and pleasant place to be.

In addition to the personal reasons, friendships are essential for getting more work. Musicians are more likely to send a gig to, or recommend someone they like and trust, than to somebody who may be a great player, but a jerk.

The problem is: Musicians are not that good at making friends. Let’s be real here. We’re good at spending prolonged periods of time in very small rooms, often looking into a mirror and listening to recordings of ourselves. On top of that, most gigs are not good social gathering places. You only a few minutes beforehand to warm up, 15 minutes at the break to go to the restroom, get some water, turn in some paperwork, and as soon as it’s over, everybody races to their car. So how do we do it?

Well, that’s what we discuss in our 10th episode of the podcast.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Cynicism PSP 09

May 13, 2016 in /by

We have a confession: We may look like happy smiley people, but we are actually highly critical and cynical. And it’s not just us. You don’t have to look far in the classical music world to see the cynicism and pessimism.

So, is cynicism just part of becoming an advanced musician? Or is it detrimental to becoming a top-notch musician.

The Per Service podcast hosts discuss these issues, and arrive at 5 simple things we can do to avoid becoming a cynical musician.

Rejection: How do I move on? (PSP 08)

April 22, 2016 /438 Comments/in /by

Today we’re digging into Rejection. It’s not a lighthearted topic, and one that’s not very comfortable to talk about. But that is why we’re here. Because all of us have been there.

We invite you to sit in on our conversation as we discuss why it’s such a big deal, and then some of the things we can do to pick ourselves back up after facing rejection in both college auditions or professional auditions.

But your mindset going into an audition has a lot to do with how you feel after it’s over.

PSP 07 Hard Work vs. Talent? Who Cares?

April 8, 2016 /855 Comments/in /by

Hard Work Vs. Talent. Which is more important? Or is it possible that we’re forgetting about way more important aspects? Also, why does it matter? If you were more talented would you watch more Netflix?

These are some of the topics we get into by digging into Jessica Wiersma’s story, our 4th in our series of introducing ourselves.

You can learn more at www.perservice.co/7

Persisting when you’ve lost motivation (PSP 06)

March 25, 2016 in /by

Finding the motivation and drive to practice and improve is hard enough when you’re feeling inspired. But what do you do when your family moves away from your great teacher, or you literally don’t have the strength to hold your instrument up?

These are just two of the challenges that Anna has faced while battling a chronic illness since undergrad. But she hasn’t let that define her playing.

“I’ve had to continue in persistence, and conjure up a form motivation, even if the circumstances are bogging me down. Every year or two, something big happens that gets in the way of my plans as a musician. And I could choose to walk away from it, but I can’t let go of it. Even when I’m not feeling motivated, I have to keep going. Persisting even if the motivation is not there… cause sometimes the music on its own is not enough.” -Anna

Pursuing Your Curiosities (PSP 04)

February 19, 2016 /7,328 Comments/in /by

How do you know if being a musician is the only thing you were meant to do? Today we dig deeper into Michael’s story about why he stuck with music despite trying different careers and jobs. We talk about the “Turd Sandwich” of being a musician, our desire for autonomy vs. being a cog in the machine, and getting started as a freelance musician. Show notes: www.perservice.co/4