What does a Musician Need To Be Successful

[blue_jays]

This question was a popular question on my website (The Business and Musicians Forum) and I just want to know what everyone thinks about it?

No matter what instrument you play whether it be piano, guitar, organ, bass, drums everyone has a different meaning of success.

Some of the answers that I got were:

Strength
Will power
Determination
Attention to detail
Continuing Education
Teamwork
Patience

I want to know what do you all think about this: What does a musician need to be successful and why?

[floaded27]

An instrument
Skill and proficiency playing your instrument
In depth knowledge and experience with music

those are 3 that are specific to music. otherwise i can add to the list of generic qualities that are needed for success in any area, from being a successful musician to a successful restaurant chef.

I agree with what you listed, but most are overly broad, so anything someone else says could most likely be grouped with one of those. but i'll suggest a few.

Good communication
Excellent work ethic (on time, prepared, etc)
Visibility (no point in being good or knowledgeable if nobody knows you are)
Creativity
Exposure (being successful requires at least knowing what else is going on in your field of expertise or study)
Good character (respect, manners, attitude, etc)
Self Discipline
Balance (dont overload or overwhelm yourself)

thats all i got of the top of my head.

[betnich]

Okay - going negative.
Things that IMO will torpedo a Music Ministry - (and I have been guilty of some of these) 

Bad, indirect communication (complain to each other or the Powers that Be, instead of take it up directly w/the MD or MOM)
Willfullness (absolutely having to have one's way at all times, no matter the cost to others or the ministry)
Inconsistancy (not spiritually or musically prepared - won't pray, practice or listen to songs on their own)
Last-minute-itis - failing to prepare, then magically expecting it all to come together without the hard work required (then blaming others for the resulting trainwreck)
Lack of goals - not thinking long-term, past the next service. "Without a vision, the people perish"
Not caring about others enough to encourage them to continually improve their craft. "Oh, he/she doesn't do parts/play drums, etc."
Not caring about or praying for each other. Lack of respect for each other. 'Mean' teasing and name-calling. Treating the people on your team as your servants or 'employees' rather than as brothers and sisters in Christ (I actually had one Praise Team leader say this out loud, with the Pastor standing by - and AGREEING)
Nepotism - everybody else has to obey rules, but the Pastor and kin get a pass...

Have been reading Joe Pace's PERFORMANCE TO PRAISE - deep, a lot of good insights...Lord help me to absorb some of them...

[floaded27]

Last-minute-itis - failing to prepare, then magically expecting it all to come together without the hard work required (then blaming others for the resulting trainwreck)

if u gonna be sitting in at my church, at least say hi. lol

[under13]

Swag

[nanodruy]

those are 3 that are circumstantial to penalty. otherwise i can add to the move of generic qualities that are required for success in any expanse, from beingness a victorious musician to a undefeated building chef.I agree with what you listed, but most are overly undogmatical, so anything someone else says could most possible be grouped with one of those. but i'll suggest a few.

[floaded27]

Swag

i guess i should just quit now.

[under13]

i guess i should just quit now.

I'm just saying, look at the most popular musicians, they all have a little swag and a unique style to them, both on and off the instrument. It's also a lot easier to make connections and network when you have a good personality.

[floaded27]

I'm just saying, look at the most popular musicians, they all have a little swag and a unique style to them, both on and off the instrument. It's also a lot easier to make connections and network when you have a good personality.

I stand by my statement. although swag doesnt equal a good personality. swag (as overrated and overused as the term is) indicates a certain flair and stylish presence. Although i have a good personality, im a bit of a square. quite the nerd. more so off the instrument.