Lately there are videos online of a somewhat famous young woman pianist who gives performances wearing very revealing outfits. I don’t call them gowns because there isn’t much actual dress there. She IS a fine pianist but…cut out dresses, short short exposing lots of leg…basic clubbing outfits.

When one is becoming a professional musician one learns kind of in a hurry what TO wear to perform and what NOT to wear. And when one is performing especially for the high-end audiences in concert halls throughout the world, one also needs to respect the audience. Most people who come to hear the high class piano music you’re playing or arias you’re singing are NOT the T-shirt and underpants crowd who wake up in the morning and go for coffee in pajama pants. Oy vey!

Sure I have a friend who happens to be a doll, who is also a concert pianist and martial arts expert etc. etc. She has played in somewhat sexy gowns…strapless, a little low-cut but…that’s it. She looks terrific and plays spectacularly and still looks respectful to herself, her art and her audience. And that’s the difference.

Music and other creative personal careers are YOU being your own business. But…how do you sell yourself? Everything is not about you personally so-to-speak. Once you enter the “I’m My Own Business” arena you have to literally create a “performance persona” that is YOU but tailored a bit to appease an audience whilst performing the music the way YOU do it. A bit tricky but you get into your groove eventually as you become a more seasoned musician/performer. And, creative people are always re-inventing themselves…or polishing might I say…as we move through life.

This is also the same with teaching. You are YOU as a teacher but always refining yourself as you work with students. Nothing like the “people business” to draw out the numerous creative ways you can relate to people. All whilst being professional, of course. What a trip!

The above advice applies to all professions, not just music. But let me re-iterate. This may be the year 2025 where people “do their own thing” but there is a standard for presenting to the public which is a bit more conservative as it involves both respect for your craft, the audience and ultimately, yourself. Never forget that. People will more than appreciate your effort.

Then you can go home and change into the pajama pants you originally wanted to wear. Hahahahaha!

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