The following are characteristics are associated with an entrepreneur and also with an artist:

• Imaginative
• Skillful
• Flexible
• Adaptable
• Collaborative
• Connected
• Communicator
• Savvy
• Fundraiser
• Dedicated

I am able to identify that I have the ability to be imaginative, flexible, adaptable, collaborative, communicative, savvy, and dedicated.

Being skillful is a quality that I believe I do not have, but through rigorous coursework and training in the field of music and academia, I will gain the competence and excellence as a student.

“Every day is an audition,” my high school theatre director would say. This meant that your behavior, your attitude, your work ethic, and your decisions were always observed so as to determine how you were placed in a role in a show or a [leadership] position in a crew. With this concept, I understand that the relationships with my peers and authority stem from my personality and choices. Being connected to the right people matter, but maintaining a professional and likable persona is even more crucial for networking purposes. I love how music educators seem to know everyone, and I think this is because they praise one another for their talents and feats, creating an enjoyable environment to be a part of. Being connected is a skill that I may not have now but will come to have if I maintain a positive attitude and sociable behavior.

I do not identify myself as a fundraise just yet because the opportunity to raise money for a cause has not introduced itself; however, I do see how it is a skill needed in the future as a choral director. Extracurricular activities such as competitions and concerts do require funds to run, so I may consider completing an Art Entrepreneurship or Arts Management course or minor.

One trait that is important to have, especially as a teacher of the arts, is patience. Results will not be immediate. Pieces will take weeks to learn and training a voice will take months and certainly years to improve, so patience is key to have a teacher and now as a music student.

Are there any other skills a music educator and/or a musician in general must have? What are skills do you possess, and how do they help you? What skills do you wish you had, and how can you obtain them?

Note:  The image used was found through Google Images.