What Smart Musicians Do: 12 Essential Habits for the Amateur & the Pro

Strangely, one of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received is, “You’re such a nerd.”

I know, kind of weird for me to say that. But the truth is, if you can’t geek out over something, you’re too up tight. You have to dive deep in order to get the most out of life.

And we musicians can be a nerdy bunch. I’m here to tell you that is a very good thing.

When it comes to music, I’m a nerd. I’ve spent most of my life hanging out with nerdy musicians who have taught me what it takes to be effective, in demand, & influential.

So I wanted to go big with this post, listing 12 attributes I’ve learned from great musicians over the years. I’m sure there are more. That’s why your thoughts in the comments are much appreciated.

May this inspire you to become a musical nerd – one who cares, believes, and communicates from the depths of your soul.

12 Essential Habits of Smart Musicians

Smart musicians…

1. Never Stop Learning – What I’ve noticed about my favorite musicians is their insatiable desire to learn. They learn everywhere and from anyone. Older, younger, experienced, amateur – they are never “above” the place of learning. Matter of fact, this is what makes them great.

2. Listen to Many Genres – Sure, smart musicians like to keep up to date with what is fresh. But fresh isn’t always better. They are in tune with many genres and sounds. They realize that this is what gives them their unique edge – combining influences that no one is used to. They make connections between Hip Hop and rock, Shoegaze and classical, country and reggae, top 40 radio and the bands no one has ever heard of. Everyone has their preferences, but great musicians don’t allow themselves to be completely boxed in. They are open – seeing the beauty of music in all its different forms.

3. Practice Awareness – A great musician is more aware of other musicians than himself. His only place is within the pocket of what the rest of the band is creating. He listens more than plays. He adds only when it contributes to the feel.

4. Focus on Feel Over Flash – I have a friend who can play drums with the best of them. The most technical, intense tune isn’t beyond his reach. Yet when we’ve been arranging songs, I realized his passion wasn’t to show all that he could do. It was more about how the music felt – how his part felt. Music is more about feeling than it is flashing all of your technical prowess.

Here’s one way to determine if you’re working with an immature musician: they negatively talk about how simple the music is. They are bored with the simplicity. A great musician steps into the simple and sees the beauty, feels the beauty, and contributes to make that simplicity even more beautiful. It’s not about showing all that you can do all the time. It’s about making the simple sound like the best thing in the world.

5. Serve the Song – Great musicians don’t force their agenda on a song. They don’t approach a song based on what they can do, they approach it based on what the song needs. The song is “king”. That’s why a great musician is OK with not playing sometimes. That’s why a great drummer doesn’t complain about a “four on the floor” groove. Smart musicians know when to go big and when to simplify.

7. Experiment – The musicians I admire the most are incredibly curious. They don’t limit themselves to a single instrument. They are constantly applying what they’ve learned on guitar, drums, or piano to other instruments. They aren’t limited by one style. They learn country riffs, jazz chords & grooves, & orchestral soundscapes. Nothing is above them – they are bold and work hard until they figure it out. But nothing is also below them – they are never too cool for a certain musical expression.

Feeling stuck, bland, bored with your music? Try something you’ve never tried before. Then make that a regular habit.

8. Show Up – A musician grows to become great because they are kind of obsessed. I doubt a great musician would ever tell you they lived a balanced life. No, they were most likely obsessive about their instrument – showing up when they didn’t feel like it. Working hard when everyone else was hanging out. It’s what they do. Sure, you don’t need to give up your family and friends for your instrument. But there will be seasons of intensity. And those who excel are those who aren’t afraid to show up and keep showing up. Gabriel Wilson has some great thoughts on this.

9. Don’t Feel the Need to Show Off – Musician, can we agree on something? Stop feeling the need to prove yourself. Music isn’t a way to prove your worth. It’s a medium for you to communicate, to bless the world. Stop glancing out of the corner of your eye every time you play your instrument to see who’s admiring you. Love the music for the music itself and seek to serve people with it. You don’t have to prove yourself. We love you as you are. Good? OK, let’s move on.

10. Look Awkward & Quirky – Of course, looking awkward on purpose is lame. Don’t do that. But my favorite musicians have this look about them when they are in the zone. Sometimes they look like they’re in pain. They have strange movements. Their faces are hilarious. Why is this a value? Because when you feel the music – truly feel it – there will be expression. You won’t even realize you’re doing it, but the music has become such a part of you that it is expressed in more than just your fingers. You can physically see it.

Lesson learned? Feel. Feel deeply. Not just in your hands but through your entire body. I know that sounds weird, but trust me, you’ll know what I’m talking about once you experience it.

11. Communicate Something – Sure, lyrics communicate. But music itself communicates. When The Edge plays guitar, he communicates something to his audience. When Yo Yo Ma holds a cello, we all feel something. The reason you practice your instrument is so that the combination of theory and technique collide to communicate to people. What are you trying to say?

12. Watch Their Mouth – A smart musician doesn’t talk a big game. They don’t elevate themselves in people’s minds with how great they are. They just play the music. They simply do their thing. They don’t feel the need to broadcast their accolades or spotlight their experiences. The music is enough. The blood, sweat, and tears from experience speaks for itself. Music is the joy, not the feedback from it.

This list could have continued. And that’s why I need your help.

What would you add to the list? Who are your favorite musicians? What do you love about them?

Add your thoughts to the comments. It’s always better that way. You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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