I live in a fast-paced world, or at least that’s what most people claim, even artists. Certainly, this statement is entirely true and is based on the mentality of today’s society, which seeks to achieve a lot in a relatively short time.
This societal aspect also affects musicians, especially young musicians who often need to meticulously organize their time, dividing it between practice and performances. Many young artists start their careers at a young age in orchestras, chamber ensembles, or choirs. In parallel, they must complete their studies in the field while also dedicating sufficient time to developing their interpretative skills through individual practice.
It seems that young artists often face a very challenging mission, but the secret to success lies in efficient time management. Therefore, we aim to offer some advice to support young artists in organizing their time without giving up anything they love, avoiding compromises, and, at the same time, preventing the most dangerous consequence of overexertion, burnout.
As mentioned earlier, modern society lives at a very fast pace, and opportunities arise more frequently than in decades past. These opportunities should not be refused, as they are the first steps toward a successful career. However, can we manage them efficiently? Each artist must answer this question primarily based on their personal characteristics and set realistic goals after conducting a self-analysis. If you believe you are ready to embark on this challenging path, you should start by establishing personal goals.
Before organizing your time, you must know what you are organizing it for. For example, a young artist may aspire to become a member of an orchestra, rather than a soloist. In this case, they must continue individual practice but dedicate most of their time to collaborating with various orchestral groups to gain valuable experience in that field. Conversely, a musician aiming to be a soloist should allocate more time to individual practice and participation in masterclasses to enhance their technical and expressive skills.
A second step is to list all the activities that need to be organized and leave some space for unforeseen opportunities. This way, you won’t have to give up what you’re doing if a new opportunity arises.
Equally important is to allocate sufficient time in your daily or weekly schedule for relaxation. This time helps clear your mind and recharge your batteries so that you can accomplish what you set out to do. Organizing your leisure time doesn’t have to be very rigid for each day; for example, you can have several days of intense work during the week and 1-2 days focused on relaxation. However, it’s essential to find what works best for you.
Setting priorities is crucial. Priorities are the activities in the daily life of an artist that are absolutely necessary to accomplish. The most common priorities for a young artist are education, individual practice, and stage performances with orchestras or as a soloist. Avoid setting priorities that do not contribute to your personal development, such as performing at small gatherings or events like weddings, which, while providing short-term financial gains, may hold you back from your personal growth as a musician.
Moderation is another aspect to consider when organizing your time. Your activities should be balanced, and even if some occupy more time, avoid having significant discrepancies between the time allocated to each activity. If a single activity takes up more than 60% of your time, you may start to believe that only that activity matters, neglecting other crucial elements for your career development as a musician.
If, after reading this article, you realize that your time is not necessarily being used productively, remember that it is never too late to make a change. Start organizing your time efficiently to meet the challenges of today and become a well-rounded artist.
For more info check:
https://www.whippedcreamsounds.com/time-management-tips-for-busy-musicians/
https://blog.flat.io/time-management-for-musicians/
https://www.millennialmind.co/time-management-for-musicians/
