How to Survive Your First Professional Orchestra Tour Without Burning Out

The first tour I did with a regional orchestra hit me harder than any audition. Eleven cities in fourteen days, four different programs, two flights, three bus rides, and a body that didn’t know what timezone it was in. I learned more about professional musicianship in those two weeks than in a year of conservatory. Most of it was about how to take care of yourself when the schedule isn’t on your side.

Pack Like Your Career Depends on It

Your suitcase is your survival kit. Bring two of everything you can’t replace: rosin, strings, mutes, shoulder rest hardware, a backup bow if you can. Bring a humidifier for your case. Bring earplugs for hotel rooms. Bring a power strip because hotel outlets are always inconveniently placed.

And pack a backup concert outfit. The dry cleaner in the next city will not save you when your pants get coffee on them at the airport.

Protect Your Sleep at All Costs

Sleep is the first thing that goes on tour, and it’s the thing that affects your playing most. Bring a sleep mask, earplugs, and melatonin if you tolerate it. Avoid the social temptation to stay up drinking after every concert. The veterans in the section are not impressed by your stamina, they’re worried about your playing.

One nap a day, even 20 minutes, can save your ears and reflexes for the evening concert.

Manage Your Body Like an Athlete

Bus rides and plane seats wreck your shoulders and lower back. Stretch every morning. Walk whenever you can. Most major orchestra tours have at least one player who knows physical therapy basics: introduce yourself early and learn from them.

Ice or heat anything that hurts immediately. Don’t be the person who develops a tendinitis flare in city six and has to be subbed out.

Eat Like You’re at Work

Per diem is not a license to eat garbage. Greasy food and alcohol the night before a heavy concert will absolutely show up in your playing. I keep a stash of nuts, dried fruit, and protein bars in my bag at all times so I’m never forced into a gas station decision.

Hydrate constantly. Dry plane air destroys your hands and your reeds and your vocal folds and your patience.

Bond With Your Section, Not the Whole Orchestra

You don’t need to be best friends with everyone on tour. You need to be solid with the four or five people sitting around you. Those are the players whose energy you’ll be matching every night. Get coffee with them, find their humor, learn what they need.

Your first tour is hard. Your second is much easier, because you’ll know what to bring, what to skip, and which stand partner to rely on.

Ethan Kim is the founder of Orchestra Kingdom, helping string players win auditions and move up in their sections. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for daily tips.