So, the Mendelssohn Concerto....your thoughts.

So, the Mendelssohn Concert…Your Thoughts

A mock interview exercise I conducted with composer and French horn player (Imani Winds), Jeff Scott.

Me:  So, what made you want to write a Michael Jackson arrangement for the Imani Winds?

Jeff: I have never written a Michael Jackson arrangement.

Me: Oh, I saw that the first track on your CD is titled, “Startin’ Sumthin.”

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In your performing life, you will encounter many interviewer types, including the “Rookie Interviewer, the “Overworked Interviewer,” the “Uninformed Interviewer” and the “I’ll Wing it Interviewer.”

Each could fall under the umbrella of the “Unprepared Interviewer.”

I have compassion for the rookie and the overworked colleague, and hold admiration for those with the experience and listening skills to successfully wing it.

I know a colleague who begins each interview with something general, like…“The Mendelssohn Concerto....your thoughts.” (It could be any piece – the last interview I heard him do involved the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto.)

He always gets good answers using that opener. 

Me?  Not so much. In fact, that opener has never worked for me. Ever.

He gets good answers for two reasons: luck and because the interviewee is totally prepared.

You may need to discreetly take over the interview with these interviewer types by being prepared and ready to tell your story, whether it’s your new CD or the concert performance you’re there to discuss.

It has now become your responsibility to inspire the audience with your interview.

That's how they'll get to know you better, and be more inspired to buy tickets to your concert or to buy your CD.

Just like you need a 30 second captivating and memorable bio to tell your story, you also need a 45 second – 1-minute captivating and memorable description of the most relevant elements of your CD or concert. 

It’s on you, and with any luck you will bring out the best of your interviewer.

What about when you encounter the highly competent, prepared interviewer?

See above: rinse/repeat.

Looking to crush your next interview?  https://www.allartispersonal.com/crush-the-interview

Startin’ Sumthin’ by Jeff Scott: http://bit.ly/2UvsGGi