Alicia Wrigley joins Tanner Guss to discuss the struggles of music school, prioritizing non-musical pursuits, accessing your higher self, grad student life, and sexism.
“I did a great job following the program, but I don’t think I always did a great job following my heart.”
Listen
Apple Podcasts • Google Play • YouTube • Spotify
Actionable Advice
- “I think of myself as two different people in my body at the same time. There’s me right now and then there’s the noblest version of me, and I really believe that person lives inside of me and I can learn from her. What would the best version of myself do right now?” The best version of you isn’t some mythical, unobtainable persona. At any moment you’re one decision away from being that person.
- “Don’t look at social media and emails until after you’ve done personal reflection and planned your day”. You can’t do this kind of self care and maintenance with a clear head if you’re distracted by social media’s tidal wave of ads, negativity, and comparison.
- “I think the danger of music school is that people will lose their agency for learning.” Don’t wait for information to be given to you! There is so much to learn, more than anyone can get to in a lifetime, but I certainly want to get through as much of it as I can. Eventually, if we spend enough time searching, we’ll find the stuff that makes our hair stand up. Those records, the ones that remind us why we do what we do, are the ones that shape each of our sounds and approaches to music. You probably won’t find those if you’re waiting for someone to hand them to you.
- Have non musical pursuits and interests! Set aside personal nights and plan out time for friends as far in advance as possible to make sure it happens. Be a human first and a musician second.
Coda Questions
- What’s your go to feel good album? Hank Mobley’s Soul Station and Mark Johnson’s The Sound of Summer Running
- Who’s a musician in your life you think lives a healthy, happy, and fulfilling lifestyle? John Clayton
- What’s the best advice about happiness you’ve received? “Nothing outside of yourself can make you feel better or worse”
- What advice would you give to a young musician? “Cultivate the skill of forming and asking questions“
- What’s your purpose as a musician? “To be a shining light“