Back when I was in the junior high intermediate band there was this kid named Robert.
And man this kid sucked at clarinet. I don’t mean to be jerk but this kid squeaked and squawked every other quarter note. He seemed to be a very studious student, but just didn’t have the talent or skills for music.
One day I was walking back home from school and Robert was walking in the same direction so we walked together. We were chatting about video games and ninja turtles. Then I worked the conversation into music practice, I mentioned I practiced every day for at least half an hour.
He said that he hardly practices only when his mom lets him. He also thought that I never practiced and thought it was a talent that I was born with.
I told him, “I play well because I practice everyday.”
“Hmm…” Robert curiously sounded. “Don’t you gotta be born with it?”
“Uh..no! You have to work at it just like all the greats did.” I responded.
“Wow! I learn something everyday.” Robert said…
The most talented musicians work harder and want it harder than anyone else. Talent is never enough.
So I devised a step by step plan from how to be a terrible musician to how to become a master. Now I’m not calling myself a master. Mastery means you have reached a high level, but there is always another level.
Here’s the list…
To be terrible:
- Learn some
- Practice none
To be okay:
- Learn some
- Practice some
- Get involved in some
To be average:
- Learn some
- Practice some
- Perform some
- Get involved in some
To be good:
- Learn a lot
- Practice a lot
- Perform a lot
- Get involved a lot
To be Great Master:
- Learn forever
- Practice forever
- Perform forever
- Teach forever
- Review forever
- Evolve forever
- Get involved forever
- Live and desire this forever
- Repeat this forever
There may be something missing from the list…
But, I’ll let you tell me.
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