- Several important work habits to develop
if you are playing in an orchestra are,
number one, always be prepared.
You certainly don't want to find yourself
in a position of sight reading
in front of a hundred other musicians and a conductor.
Secondly, develop strategies
to help yourself diffuse stress.
Power walk, swim, jog, run marathons,
do whatever it takes
to keep yourself feeling calm and focused.
Be sure to get enough sleep.
A lot of people think that after concerts,
it's great to go out and party, and it is,
but if you're on a tour in a foreign country,
it's really important not to burn the midnight oil
and to make sure
that you stay physically in excellent condition
for the next day's work.
Lastly,
always remember
that technical work is beneficial throughout your career.
My dear friend and colleague
from the New England Conservatory Paula Robinson
gave a great masterclass
at the Shepherd School a few weeks ago.
She said,
"I feel that I'm a gardener.
I'm always weeding in my technique.
And I continued to do that
throughout my years in the orchestra,
and I'm continuing to do so now.
It really makes a difference
in enabling you to keep your playing at a very high level."