Hello Everyone! I am the Database Manager for the Rochester Philharmonic in Western NY. I never saw myself on the digital side of things, so I wanted to start a discussion where some of the veteran Database Managers, or people with a good deal of experience, could share some of the Lessons/advice/dashboards/etc. they find to be essential, unique or otherwise important to their work. I'm sure I am not the only person who would benefit from this, but as a 25 y/o who is 3 months into this position, I would love to learn more and get these gears spinning! Thanks all, I look forward to contributing here however I can. Michael
I had no background in database management or CS when I started and I read a few books on SQL and the one I learned best from was SQL for Dummies.
Also, a lot of the tasks of the job are things you only do once a year, so I recommend starting a document that is a timeline of what you are doing in each month so that you can get ahead of it next year. Did you just learn that your website breaks when the source code date expires at the end of the fiscal year? Put it in the document!
I'm attaching my version of this which is very specific to me and my organization but might give you some insights.Annual To-Do Timeline for Tessitura Operations 10.23.20.pdf
Thank you for the timeline, Kanani! This is a great template to build off of.
Hi Michael,
I am right there with you when it comes to looking for tips, tricks and useful resources. You bring up a great topic and I think this will be a great topic for discussing for our first virtual meetup. We are working on settling a time and date for our meeting - once those are confirmed we will be sure to communicate that to all in this group.
In case these might be helpful, here are a couple of helpful previous conversations about Learning SQL and transitioning into a Database Manager role with some good advice in them. The best piece of advice I can offer is to ask a question when you've got one - whether you're asking here on the Forums, or to the Support team, or in the Developer's Slack channel, people are always willing to help!
I don't think this is necessarily common knowledge, so I wanted to let everyone know that you can now (as of version, I have no idea) have a comma delimited list of default source codes in that t_defaults field. This wasn't always the case, so I wanted to share since you brought the source codes up. Super nice to have since you can schedule a new one to be active when the old one expires, right at midnight. I want to also agree that a list like yours is very helpful.
Hi Michael!
When I first took over as DBA I had very little Tessitura experience. I highly recommend asking questions as the Tessitura community is the best!
DO NOT underestimate the documentation. Tessitura documentation is some of the best out there and really does cover most things. I tell people all the time I learned everything from the documentation and I still read and reread it nearly every day.
Then learn SQL - I mostly did this with W3 schools (free) and google. It is extraordinarily helpful to understand how things work in the backend so you can add to the front. I recommend having a copy of the Tessitura Table Structures document (under system administration here) on hand so you can start working with the data (in TEST!). The best way to really learn SQL is to do it. Start with checking out the 'show query' tab in list builder.
And also have fun!
Thanks, Ryan! I think I learned that at our last FY changeover and had forgotten about it. Also, Tessitura now sends us messages when the source code is about to expire. Maybe because we are on RAMP, IDK. Anyway, I like to use that as the prime rude awakening example of my early DBA days that were trial by fire.
I too had a traumatizing experience with the default source code. Fun times!
Ryan Rowell said:I too had a traumatizing experience with the default source code. Fun times!
Haven't we all? Blessings to whomever added support for a comma delimited list in the 'Default Source_no' field in T_DEFAULTS. ;-)
I learnt SQL the same way. But it is useful to have a little bit of structured understanding on the database architecture and why things are the way they are. I'd echo that the Tessitura community is invaluable. Maery's links are great.
If TLCC run classes like they have in past years jump into them. SSRS & SQL workshops were amazing for me starting.
Also you'll quickly be amazed at how much little (and big) pieces code you write. Before you build up and unmanageable amount of stuff in a word doc somewhere, get into the habit of saving it into a well referenced git. Also commenting everything you do. Future you will love you for it.