“Professionalism” is a word that is thrown around a lot by music educators and others in the music industry.  Statements such as “You need to act like a professional”, “He is a true professional”, and “She has no sense of professionalism” are commonly heard and said.  However, a definition of professionalism is rarely included or talked about.  So what is professionalism?

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary states the definition of professionalism as the following:

1 : the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
2 : the following of a profession for gain or livelihood

It states the meaning of professional as:

engaged in one of the learned professions c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace

It states the definition of profession as:

a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation

According to the definitions listed above, to act as a professional, or to exhibit professionalism in the music industry requires the following behaviors and actions:

“a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation”

• It is expected that you have the education and experience to perform your job at a very high level.

“characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession”

• You must come to the job with all of your music prepared beforehand.
• You are expected to perform at a very high level every time you play, no exceptions or excuses.

“exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace”

• You don’t cause problems.
• You do your job without being a distraction to those around you.
• You take your job seriously.
• You don’t spread rumors.
• You don’t partake in unnecessary complaining.

“the following of a profession for gain or livelihood”

• You are being paid for your services, therefore, you are expected to show up on time and be present for the entire period for which you are contracted.

“the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person”

• You are reliable.  This is the most important feature of being a professional.  This quality is the one that many of the other qualities of professionalism I listed above falls under the umbrella of reliability.

Choosing to call yourself a professional is a big deal, and not something to be taken lightly.  Displaying professionalism is something that is very important to your career, however, many aspiring musicians don’t realize this fact.  Your professionalism is what will determine whether or not you get called back by an organization.  It determines whether or not your name is passed around.  Everyone should aspire to display a sense of professionalism at all times.