5 Things Young Artists Must Have In Place to Leave Home Successfully

What does it say about a young artist who goes off to further their training and join a company, only to fall apart?  To me, it says, he / she was not fully prepared.

Teens who study their craft for as long as they can remember often feel ready to take on the world and become the next sensation before they are 20 years old.   I know; I used to be like that.  Parents who invest time, effort, and money in their child's artistic education are equally eager for their talented child to realize their dream especially when they are offered scholarships, even contracts.  I know; I was once that parent.  Teachers and coaches who historically launch teen artists into the first step of their training or career can be too willing to encourage their protege to take initial offers eagerly putting a feather in the student's and his / her cap.   I know, in my early career, regrettably and unwittingly, I did that.   My apologies extend to my early students.  At each phase along the way, I learned a thing or two:

1. talent is not enough 
2. parents and teachers cannot make 'it' happen; students must be able
3.  immediate success at their next step did not determine long-term success

I made adjustments in my teaching, coaching, and advice to parents to create lasting success for my students.  Bottom line, artists must shape and mange their own

• sense of responsibility (in and out of the home)
• ability to communicate (sometimes negotiate)
• health and well-being
• education
•  emotional resilience                                                                                                                                                       

My students' parents are encouraged to establish and uphold responsibilities at home that includes a set of chores and care-taking of family members.  They are asked, at a time when consequences are not so severe for mishaps and accolades are more meaningful, to do less for their child so that the child can do more for his / her self.  Children love being in charge of their own lives.  Showing them how and letting them grow into doing so keeps children from rebelling, and moves them toward lasting confidence and independence....success!

Practicing the use of those five essential skills ...sometimes above and beyond those in their art form takes vigilance on everyone's part.  Any inconsistencies detour the progress.  The goal is to build and maintain a life-skill-set that is likely to be instrumental through many career moves.  It is a rare person who's talent is enough to start in the industry, and a rarer person who can grow their abilities once in the industry.  Staying sane and financially solvent in the teen years is an anomaly when at home, never mind living away from family.  The patience and diligence of parent and teacher must be in place to help them achieve their potential without sacrifice to their financial and emotional well-being.

Before leaving home, young artists must be proven in their ability to

1. take care of their belongings:  laundering and mending their clothing, pack their own equipment, dress themselves for all ocassions
2. ask questions to superiors on their own behalf
3. bounce back from disappointments, meet and set appropriate goals
4. be socially adept without falling into poor peer influences
5. academically self-directed
6. attend to the care of their own physical, mental, and spiritual health

A lot to ask?  No! Ask my parents and students.  They will tell you they once thought my expectations were unreasonable or old-fashioned, until they saw results.  Start today; the sky is the limit!