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.

The problem with perfectionism is that it robs us of the enjoyment of performing.  We become so bogged down with every minute, trivial detail that the slightest variance distracts us and makes us believe we are less because we made a mistake.

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. 

You love playing your instrument, but you don't think you want to make a career out of it.  So, you'll play until graduation, then sell your instrument or put it away as a souvenir, right?  Wrong!