# The Switch The Switch is the ability to shift between the two mind-states: - one that is relaxed, carefree, and accepting of fun, humor and unexpected chaos while still remaining receptive to important information in a non-judgmental way - It is the "conscious fun" state where we make jokes, laugh, and stay calm and fluid as things change, slow down, and or speed up between instances of extreme focus - one that is surgically focused, precise, and ruthlessly fixed on the task at hand regardless of the environment's potential distractions - It is the "subconscious fun" of being excellent where we are quiet, our gaze is fixed, we are the most open and existentially poured into whatever vessel *is* the task at hand: be it a rep of two beats, two measures, or full run, or just listening to your conductor The Switch is colloquially referenced all the time in athletics, theatre, and almost any medium where a "performance mindset" is required. The Switch is really "to each their own" out in the wild. However, we've defined it here to help you develop your control of it to be successful in the professional world. Your command over these two mind-states is what will "get you the gig" and what will also "get you more gigs." It's inextricably linked to the **two most important qualities of a professional:** 1) being a great player 2) being a great hang. Great musicians do not carry themselves as brooding, hyper-serious drill sergeants all the time. In fact, they're quite the opposite. At the highest levels and among the best ensembles, rehearsals and moments of respite are typically filled with joy, shenanigans, and other "non-serious" behavior. But when the baton goes up, or the click track starts, they *switch* to military-grade focus and execution... because their job depends on it. The Switch is the way elite musicians survive in high-stakes environments and how they thrive amongst each other. After all, we often must share confined spaces for long periods of time with one another, laboring intensely toward an end goal and usually with limited time and resources to do so. If we were to all be miserably serious for every second of these journeys to the goal (whatever it is) we'd be miserable. Thus, learning The Switch in college is crucial for your success in the real world. Think about it, embrace it in your way and practice it regularly in rehearsal. You'll start to see and feel a difference as you develop it and your confidence will skyrocket. Likewise, you'll probably notice your peers will enjoy your presence in rehearsal because you'll contribute both excellence musically and a warm, relaxed demeanor personally... a win, win.