Musicianship - The Art of Listening

One thing I try to teach my students is the art of listening and awareness of what's going on around them in a live performance setting. It is great to be able to have the skill to make your instrument sing but completely worthless if you cannot use it in a musical way that enhances the music for the listener.

I run jam nights locally and use these as a platform for some of my students to practise their performance skills. Away from my students, I encounter some really good players that are technically competent and know their way round the instrument (be it bass, guitar or drums), but unfortunately are only listening to what they're playing. They are oblivious to what everyone else is doing and I can guarantee that they will not have noticed if they are playing something incorrect or if they need to alter their dynnamics. Even more, they are playing for themselves with disregard for the final product that the audience hears. If you are respectful and give space to other musicians, you will become respected for it and people will want to work with you. 

My advice is listen to others as much as you would do to yourself and your playing will greatly improve.