If you write for long enough, you will eventually read something that you forgot about writing in the first place. Here are ten rules, taken from my Saxophone Journal column in May/June 2013.
1. Never immediately discount anything, ever. Give it a chance, or put it away for future exploration.
2. Study with a master teacher for an extended period of time. Then, find a new master. Repeat as necessary.
3. Transcribe [copy] one artist until you gain deep insight into his style. Then, find a new artist. Repeat as necessary.
4. Respect the tradition, study history, and get the oldest [artist] in town to tell you her stories.
5. Don't lie to yourself, and don't quit.
6. Have a notebook. Fill it. Get a new notebook.
7. Be confident, but always assume that there is a better player in the band, and an even better player in the audience.
8. Be generous . . . and share the spotlight.
9. Regularly read all sorts of books, magazines, and newspapers.
10. Teach! You will nurture the future . . . by helping young artists, and by building new audiences. You will also learn unexpected things from your students.
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