That's why Sam van Betuw has a good work ethic and he has made sure he will be very busy over the next few months.
The 21-year-old University of Otago student has just finished playing keyboards for Musical Theatre Dunedin's Phantom of the Opera.
Now that the show has finished, he will convert from pianist to conductor and take on the role of musical director for Taieri Musical's next production - Gourmet Broadway, which is a dinner theatre cabaret.
The show, directed by Ben Thomas and choreographed by Emma Holloway, aims to create opportunities in musical theatre for people under 30, not only on stage but behind the scenes and in production management.
Rehearsals for the show began on Monday and it is expected to hit the stage in Mosgiel on November 26-29.
But the moment the show is over, Mr van Betuw will convert from conductor to composer and compete in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Todd Corporation Young Composers Award.
He was named a finalist in the competition earlier this year, and from December 1-3, he will be in Wellington having his latest composition, The Stone Mage and the Sea, performed by the NZSO and recorded for Radio New Zealand.
Mr van Betuw said the piece was inspired by a fantasy novel of the same name, by Australian author Sean Williams.
The author is coming to New Zealand especially to hear the composition during the NZSO recording session.
''That's pretty exciting. Hopefully, if someone turns his book into a movie, they'll call me to write the soundtrack,'' Mr van Betuw said.
In its 12th year, the award is an opportunity for young New Zealand composers to have their work recorded by the NZSO over a three-day residency in Wellington.
Mr van Betuw said he was one of nine young composers from around the country selected as finalists this year.
Their compositions will be assessed by a panel of industry professionals, and the best overall composition will win the award and receive $750.
All of the young composers will receive invaluable mentoring from an established New Zealand composer, and participate in industry seminars and instrument workshops.
After the competition is over, he will no doubt look forward to moving from composer to recliner for a bit of rest and relaxation.
