Pretty Mundane, But Worth Remembering

I'm making this point more for myself than others.

Image courtesy of amenic181 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Before you begin to play:

1. Look at the key signature.
2. Look at the time signature.
3. Note the tempo indication.
4.  Make sure your fingers are on the proper strings, keys, valves, frets, etc.

The first and last are the ones I seem to overlook most often, making for a less-inspired beginning, not to mention interesting harmonies. 

But don't worry - I almost always catch up with myself and vow never to make this mistake again.