What Recorder Players Can Learn from NASA

My son has gotten really into space lately, so we’ve been watching some shuttle launches on video. And while my kid been enraptured by the plume of liftoff, the astronaut gear, and the space ice cream, I’ve been enthralled by something else entirely.

The pre-lauch checklist.

Basically, before any shuttle can launch, the team must make its way through a massive to-do list, examining and double-checking every system. Sure, everyone involved might already feel like everything is ready to go, but if you’re launching into space, readiness should probably be more than a feeling. The checklist ensures that everyone, and everything, is truly ready to proceed.

Other industries make similar use of checklists. There’s a pre-flight checklist for pilots. A pre-surgery checklist for the person cutting into your chest.

Why not a pre-music checklist?

I know I’m not the only one guilty of picking up my instrument and plunging into playing. I try not to, but when I’m feeling short on time, the temptation is real. And I see many students –maybe even most students– beginning to play before they’re fully prepared.

Sure, we’re not astronauts or pilots or surgeons. (At least, most of us aren’t!) If something goes wrong nobody dies, and we might not need a 47-step safety check before we begin to play. But readiness -real readiness- makes us better musicians. And taking the time to run through a quick pre-music checklist before playing is a great way to prime ourselves for musical success.

Try it out next time you pick up your instrument. Before you make a sound, run through the following:

1) Check posture and positioning

2) Check key signature

3) Identify and finger the first note

4) Feel at least one full measure of your tempo

5) Inhale in time and with musical purpose.

I’m betting your checklist improves your launch.