Take a deep breath, embrace the unknown, and go slay your first day!
Whether it’s orientation at a new school, day one at a new job, first week back after vacation, the first day is always an exciting opportunity to start fresh, engage in new community, and learn from the colleagues and peers around you. As musicians, we’re often thrown into new situations without knowing a single person—cue the social anxiety! While it can be overwhelming, the first day can also be the first day of a new chapter of your life. So here’s a fool-proof guide for making your first day fierce and fabulous.
Get the 411
Well before your first day, you’ll want to do some reconnaissance. Check out a roster of your future colleagues, Google your new institution, and ask your friends and colleagues if they have any connections there. Knowledge is power, and a little background will help paint the picture while giving you good fodder for making new connections.
To be early is to be on time
True story: The first time I subbed with a major symphony orchestra, I arrived at the wrong location. Later that week, I nearly missed a concert because I thought it started a half-hour later than it really did. (Not exactly nailing the first week!) On both occasions, allowing loads of extra time was a life saver (professionally-speaking). With a big instrument, complicated logistics, and traffic variables, that buffer time will give you the security you need to feel cool, collected, and confident. If you end up arriving early, guess what? You have more time to tune and to get to know your colleagues. It’s a no-lose situation.
Can do attitude
After being the new person countless times in my life, I have found it helpful to be my own best friend in every new situation. As I’m leaving my house or getting out of my car, I’ll take a look in the mirror and give myself an affirmation. It can be something like, “You got this!” or “I am energized and ready to slay the day!” or maybe sing a verse of your favorite guilty-pleasure ’90s song. Maybe giving yourself this affirmation in a journal or in meditation is more your style. Regardless, a moment or two to set your intention before you walk through those doors can help you stay grounded as you navigate a new situation.
Get to know your colleagues
As much as some might love hearing about your last four audition attempts, who you studied with in college, and your latest concerto appearances, resist the temptation to boast about all your accomplishments. Instead, when someone asks you about yourself or gives you a compliment, be gracious and then return the question. Where are they from? What’s their story? Remember to avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, personal drama, and money, and instead focus on the things that we all have in common: weather, location, seasons, food, Netflix, and puppies…oh, and music.
The three P’S
Professionalism: Whatever the dress code is, you’ll want to start by wearing something that looks legit, gives you confidence, and feels comfortable. Avoid revealing clothes, distressed denim, graphic tees, or anything you wouldn’t wear to visit your grandmother for a nice dinner. One of my favorite discoveries as a musician was BetaBrand: a crowdfunding company that created the world’s most comfortable dress yoga pants. I always bring a change of shoes in case pair number one becomes uncomfortable. In terms of your area (whether it be a desk or a corner of backstage), it’s important to keep your space tidy and fold your harp covers nicely in the corner. Even in a physically demanding job, we must always maintain a calm and composed front.
Positivity: While it’s true that misery loves company, make an effort to stay positive and acknowledge the good in any situation. Even if you see or hear others complaining around you, simply smile and nod, and throw in a dose of humor. “Ugh, that traffic was slower than a sloth on holiday,” and casually change the subject. Additionally, you can always be a source of support by listening for your colleagues’ solos and complimenting them afterwards. Even on a bad day, you can always find something nice and genuine to say: “I just love your sound,” or “Your pacing in that slow movement is perfect.” Remember, you don’t lose anything by giving a compliment.
Preparation: In Santa Fe, my first boss had a brilliant saying that I’ve come to live by: “In opera, as in life, expect the unexpected!” Life is truly full of surprises, so prepare for all scenarios to ensure minimal stress. Make sure your gig bag is always stocked with the necessities—extra set of strings, wire clippers, tuner, picks, etc. But also grab an extra battery for your tuner, cash and change (gotta pay those tolls), a cell phone charger, Advil, a granola bar, water bottle, Chapstick, a sweater for cold rehearsal halls, your reliable nail file, and something to make you smile. Make sure you pack your bags the night before, lay out your outfit for the first day, double check your gas gauge, and treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee or tea before you go. Take a deep breath, embrace the unknown, and go slay your first day!
Lessons on the Job is a new series we’re launching in this issue that helps harpists navigate their harp life. From forging a relationship with a new teacher to getting your feet wet in a new job, professional harpist Grace Browning draws on her years of experience with several major orchestras to help harpists avoid common newbie pitfalls.
