The old saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say about someone, say nothing at all” is great advice for any musician. The classical music industry is extremely small, to the point where I would guess that there is only one degree of separation between any two musicians. When bashing someone you are always in danger of alienating yourself from someone else who may be a friend/relative/teacher/student/co-worker of your target. Your unkind words can also make it back to the person you maligned.

Most people are susceptible to this mistake. There will be people you have work with whom you just don’t like. A common reaction to this situation is to vent your dislike or frustration to your friends and colleagues. Many of them may openly agree with you. However, that does not protect you from possible repercussions.

Beware of your reaction when someone comes up to you to complain about a colleague. Even if you agree your best reaction is the non-reaction.

I have made this mistake a couple of times in the past, and I have always regretted it later. Some people habitually commit the mistake so often that they irrevocably destroy their entire career. It is best not to malign or complain about anyone, no matter how insignificant they may seem to your future career right now.