The field of music can be very competitive. Whether you're a performer, teacher, arranger, repairman or a janitor in a music store, there are a lot of people who are just as capable as you. Many times the difference between success and failure can be measured by the little things that we sometimes take for granted. In a perfect world, when we do something that's not in our best interest, we would be notified of our mistake immediately and could correct it. In reality, people don't always tell us the real reasons that cause us to lose a job, blow an audition, or fail to get an interview. The more experienced I have become the more I realize that "going the extra mile" can make the difference between success and failure.

I'm not sure where the phrase originated, but over the years "going the extra mile" has come to mean things like doing a task before you've been asked, giving extra value for the money, and doing a job better than expected. In short, giving 110% all the time.

In the field of music this phrase could be applied to just about everything we do. Starting with ourselves, this could be applied to practicing. For instance, 

• When you practice do you use your best sound or do you just run through the music as quickly as you can? 
• Do you do more than your teacher assigned or just the minimum? 
• Do you concentrate fully on what you're doing or do you practice while watching TV? 
• Do you push yourself to extend your limits or are you content to just get through it?

• Do you arrive early to start rehearsals on time or do you walk through the door at the last minute? 
• Do you arrive with enough time before a performance to thoroughly warm up or do you walk on stage cold? 
• Do you return from breaks on time?
• While you're playing do you continually watch the clock to make sure you don't play a minute longer than you have to or are you able to go with the flow if it means going a few minutes over?

• Do you offer to help pack up equipment when the gig is over or do you make yourself scarce until everything is put away?
• Do you honor requests for special songs that you normally don't play or do you ignore them?
• Are you thinking about your appearance on stage while performing? 
• Do you act like you're enjoying yourself or do you frown while you're standing there? 
• Do you help the other musicians do their best when playing with you?
• Do you accept compliments graciously and talk to your fans? 
• Do you treat your audience like they are very special human beings or more like cattle?

• Do you have extra reeds in case one breaks? 
• Did you pack your flute in case there is some doubling required? 
• Did you call the day before the gig to double-check the details? 
• Are you willing to do what's best for the ensemble even if it means doing something you don't like? 
• Do you look ahead in the music when you're sightreading to see if there are any cuts or codas that you might miss?
• Do you let other musicians know that you appreciate their efforts?

Unfortunately we don't always get noticed every time we do something extra, but if you make it a practice you will be rewarded often. The basic questions to ask yourself are: 

• "What can I do to enhance the performance?" 
• "What can I do to help?"

• "How can I improve this situation"

Many successful performers keep mailing lists of their fans to let them know where they'll be appearing and to let them know their patronage is appreciated.  This would work for any type of music or group.

Finally:

• Be flexible. 
• Be willing to bend. 
• Be willing to adapt. 
• Be positive.
• If you make a promise, keep it. 
• Be enthusiastic. 
• Look for ways to get the most out of every situation. 
• Always give your best.

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