Really, this article could have been named “My Two Best Pieces of Advice for Solo & Ensemble.. or Auditions… or Exams… or Concerts." Two. One is easy, the other not so much.
Music and the Holidays
Making the Most of Class Time
Live Listening
Scales and Arpeggios
Excellence vs. Perfection
Taking Care of Your Instrument at Home
Improving Your Sight-Reading
When Should Kids Start an Instrument?
Buying a New Instrument
Holiday Shopping
Pass... or Fail
Your favorite professional musicians have all had experience with failure. They aren't some magical league of super-human talent that just effortlessly glide through their careers. The performance that you hear is determined beforehand with many, many hours in the practice room. Professionals are where they are because they've worked for it. You can be excellent, too, but you will have to earn it.