We recently asked a group of musicians of all genres and levels to share the best piece of advice they had ever gotten for their career. Here are some of our favorite responses.

The best piece of advice I ever got came from the guys in Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. I was told that “the best thing you can do for your career is to be a person people want to work with”. Develop a reputation as a good friend to have and the right people will tend to gravitate towards you — Carter Pochynok

“Play one the drummer knows!” Best heckle/ advice I’ve ever received, half way through one of my band’s first gigs at The Garage nightclub, Glasgow. — David Daisley

Musicians need to practice, practice and practice, so their music is totally nailed. This gives us the the confidence to be ourselves. — Hugh McManners

My experience is that a little humor can break the ice, but only if it’s your spontaneous self and not an act: every time I can’t resist ‘trying to be funny’, it, um, doesn’t work, haha.. very embarrassing. — Liseth Horsten

To me, as an audience member, there is nothing more engaging than someone who is happy to be doing their thing. Conversly nothing is more of a turn-off than someone who seems annoyed to be performing. I try to create the love of the music and experience for myself each time.. it always reads as genuine… because it is — Nancy Pope

Don’t worry you’ll be fine as long as you don’t make any mistakes. — James McLeod