Auditions, performances, new teachers, new environments, new languages and new girlfriends are usually intimidating.

Everything new is!

But some things/situations you must do/go through anyways.

Finding the guts to jump-in when your nerves are screaming otherwise is an act of courage.

A different approach

Scary moments come once in each area of your life. The first audition, the first meeting and the first kiss are always the most intimidating. Jump in. Don’t think twice (for most things, kids stay out of drugs!). See it as an opportunity to grow as a person and musician.

Next time you face the same problem, even when the circumstances are different—you’ve kissed a girl before, you’ve done many auditions—it will go more or less the same. The level of scariness will be lower—lean on that. You have a bit of experience. Believe in yourself. You CAN solve it.

When you move to a different country (like me), you deal with “firsts” almost every day. First time talking to a stranger, first time talking to someone who speaks mumbling, first time talking to an old lady and not understanding her dialect, first time ordering food, first time speaking to a boss, first time drinking hot wine, etc. The truth is, and I’m speaking for myself now, it doesn’t get easier. First times are horrible because you’ve never done it before, there is uncertainty.

Remember not to kill your courage by judging it to death. Be delicate and appreciate your effort. You cannot expect a world-class performance on your first try, it will probably suck and that’s fine. Go easy on yourself; realize it’s just a step not a (accomplished) goal—at least not yet.

If you face scary moments with that attitude you will succeed. What can be better than knowing you are on the right track? People succeed when they take right tracks.

Jump into crazy waters and smile. What other choice do we have?

For the Empire,

CESAR AVILES