The Rules of the Game

We all make mistakes. The key for me is to make new mistakes and not repeat the same ones (like Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day”). My challenge is that I don’t always see when I am caught in a pattern.

To help me get (and stay) unstuck, I create lists. I have a list of what I need to do for myself to stay balanced. I have another that outlines what I need in a romantic partner. When I feel out of alignment in these areas, I go back to my lists and can often find what is lacking. I can then create an action plan to get myself back on track.

This past weekend I found myself once again frustrated over some ineffective rehearsals and no-show musicians. In the midst of ranting to my cat, I stopped, recognized this latest pattern, laughed, and put my journal to work creating a new list of rules.

Evaluating Musical Collaborations

Just as in relationships, the beginning of a musical collaboration is fraught with excitement, grandiose ideas, and all the best intentions. Over time, however, differing priorities and values become increasingly apparent. To shortcut this painful process, I have detailed six criteria that I need to consider before committing to a serious collaboration.

1. We must love creating music together. This may sound obvious, but I have been assigned to chamber music groups where I have had nothing in common with my musical partners. While they were excellent musicians, we did not share a passion for the same kind of music, and it showed.

2. We must all be practicing musicians, constantly learning and expanding our craft. This is essential because to grow as an ensemble, we need to first grow as individuals.

3. We need to respect each others' time. This one seems to be nearly insurmountable for many free-spirited artists who do “not believe” in adhering to a clock. Living in L.A., I understand the need for occasional lenience due to traffic and other crazy city happenings. Patterns of tardiness or forgetfulness, however, I do not tolerate well.

4. We must each come able and prepared to WORK. Designated sight-reading and jam sessions can be incredibly fun and invigorating, but when it comes down to getting to work, WORK needs to happen.

5. We must share similar goals and commitment level. Collaborations can be miserable when one person wants to try for a record deal, another wants to jam, and still another wants to spend more time talking and socializing than playing music.

6. We must be able to communicate openly. Artists are known for their sensitivity. At the same time, we need to allow our collaborative partners to give us constructive feedback on our playing, the music in general, and other aspects of the collaboration (like timeliness!)

It’s a Wrap

I understand that these rules are not the “right” way to a successful collaboration, just like there are no magical qualities that will ensure a happy relationship. (I heartily agree in the saying, to each his own.)

Nonetheless, I have learned through 20 years of working with other musicians that these are things I need to flourish. And, I know that when I adhere to these rules, I am able to create more satisfying music.

Now I’m off to put these rules into action.

Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.

She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com