How to build credit with other musicians

Have you checked your credit score lately? Building credit with other musicians is much like building your personal credit score. There are things you can do to gain respect from other musicians. This credit or respect can help you get gigs in the future. Building personal relationships is one of the most important things you can do to be successful in music.

Be on time!

This might seem obvious, but it is not. Being on time is not just about being to the gig or rehearsal on time. It is about being ready to play on time. This is one of the most critical things to build credit with other musicians. I can not tell you how many times someone comes in says, “I just made it”, and then has a 20 minute setup all while the rest of the band is standing around waiting. This will lower your credit score really quickly! This concept was drilled into me from a young age from my high school band directors many, many years ago.

Practice your music!

Practice your music before showing up for the rehearsal. Rehearsal is a time for the band to become a cohesive unit. This is not the time to work out that one measure you can’t seem to get. Work out that measure before rehearsal. Also make sure you are prepared and know where endings, repeats, and codas are. Any music questions should be asked ahead of time during your practice to ensure a smooth rehearsal.

Be kind!

Be kind, this is not the time to be arrogant. After all, you are trying to build a relationship and credit with these other musicians. Now is time to be helpful. Help the drummer bring in his equipment. Help the guitarist with that heavy amp. These might seem like little things, but those are the things that count! The next time they need to fulfill your role, are they going to go with the person that just grabbed their own gear or are they going to go with the person that helped them out.

There are probably dozens of things you can do to build your credit with other musicians. But these are some of the small things that can make a big difference. Remember these when you are at that next gig or rehearsal. It might be the key to getting your next gig.