Table 5: Personality factors found to ease the transition into musical careers
Personality:
• Self-confidence
“Performance is a crazy thing and I can honestly say this. I don’t fear anybody when
I perform. I know that I can put it out there with the best of them.” (Popular,
Portfolio musician)
• Perseverance
“More important than ability is ...the determination you need to progress.”
(Classical, Portfolio musician)
• Enjoyment of music
“Fun is fundamental. It’s central. It’s just the joy of it. That is what is at the core of it,
is the joy and the satisfaction of performing.” (Scottish traditional, Portfolio
musician)
• Communication skills
“A good people person. . To find ways of making the music comprehensible and
accessible to people.” (Jazz, Portfolio musician)
• High musical standards
“I had to have my standards so high, that when they dropped by 30% in a
performance, I still got away with it . I’m very protective of my level of
performance. ” (Classical, Portfolio musician)
30