I don’t really mean “Don’t forget how to play [insert instrument goes here].” I’m not talking about what you do in a literal sense, but rather from a philosophical point of view. Quite often I’m asked what I think is the most important thing to do in order to be successful as a musician, and my answer is always the same.

Don’t forget what it is that you’re actually doing.

Now this can be understood from two different vantage points, and they really are complete polar opposites. Where the truth lies is somewhere in between them, and you’ll have to decide where that is for yourself. Allow me to play Devil’s Advocate for a moment and explain them two you:

1) Don’t forget what you actually do. You’re an entertainer; a Song-And-Dance-Man – I mean, it’s just show-business, right? You’re not a medical doctor saving lives and you’re not a police officer or firefighter risking it all so that we can sleep well at night. I’ve spent my life practicing an instrument, not sacrificing my time (and potentially my life) in another country defending the freedom of a people I don’t even know. What we do as musicians is so small and insignificant in the scheme of things. Remember this sense of humility every time you walk on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom. Remember this the next time you complain about how hard it is to do what you do.

2) Don’t forget what you actually do. People listen to music EVERY day. They get in their cars to go to work in the morning and they pop on the radio, or plug in the iPod with the day’s playlist ready to go. They go to work, sit down at their desk, and immediately the earbuds go in. Music is playing in the grocery store, the restaurant, the waiting room, even the operating room (or so I’ve heard). When I listen to heavy metal I drive fast, and when I listen to reggae I drive slow. Music is a drug in every sense of the word because it alters our state of mind. It can make us feel joy, sorrow, anger, fear, and so much more. My point is this – you make a HUGE difference. People admire you, they look up to you, and they need you just to get through their day. Don’t forget that, and don’t forget the message that you’re feeding them. Remember that they’ve placed you on a pedestal, and with that power comes responsibility.

So there you have it. You’re everything and nothing at the same time. I feel that if you really understand opinion #1 you’ll grasp opinion #2 naturally. I feel that it’s far greater to be humble than it is to act like you deserve something. More musicians will want to work with you and more fans will be attracted to what you do. And by respecting the importance of what I represent I never jeopardize the sanctity of my art and the passion of my audience. I’ve found that it’s very important to maintain these two attitudes toward my profession.

What do you think?