My Musical Journey: Part 1
My Story: Being “Great-But-Not-Woah”
Comparison of musical ability. It has its benefits and pitfalls. In a competition driven society where we are trained to evaluate, we’re so quick to label ourselves and others just like the judges on American Idol. Or The Voice. Or X-Factor. It’s such a part of our society that it’s become second nature. Who’s got that special something that will get them to Hollywood. Who’s gotta be sent home because they’re just not good enough. So definitive. So conclusive.
In light of all this comparison and labeling, I decided to do something difficult, as passionate musician and teacher who has put all her eggs in the music education basket – take a good look at my own musical journey, label myself, evaluate where my label has gotten me, and reflect a bit. So here we go.
As I rewind my musical journey far back to my piano lesson days, my place on the musical-ability spectrum in comparison to my piano teacher’s group of students is very clear in my memory- around the top 90%. Great, but not “woah”. I was really good, but there was always someone better.
What you do with this realization is what matters. Do you give up, wondering what good it does to be great if you really need to be remarkable to “make it big”? Or do you think that being great means becoming remarkable is within your reach? Do you hold your head high or do you get discouraged? Do you accept the distinction? Or do you reject it, demand the next level, and put in the work to get there? Does your label even matter at all? It’s awesome if music comes easy to you. But it’s also awesome if it doesn’t or if you’re somewhere in the middle.
So there it is – I’m “great-but-not-woah”. Let’s keep a running tally. What has my particular self-assigned label done for me so far? I acknowledge that with a great deal of time and practice, I could change it. I still can. But as a new business owner and new mom, I don’t have the time. Maybe later in life I’ll get there. For now, I’m proud of where I am. I’ve really made my spot on the musical spectrum work for me. I perform, I teach, I try my hardest to make a difference. One point for being “great-but-not-woah”.
My vocal journey wasn’t easy. I worked hard to figure out my voice (more on that later) and I take pride in how far I’ve come. I think that makes me a better teacher. The knowledge, experience, and understanding I gained from the difficulties I faced and vocal obstacles I overcame have really proven useful in helping my students work through their vocal issues. Another point for being “great-but-not-woah”.
I thought my piano journey was easy when I was young. I loved playing. I loved harmony. I loved expression. But as I grew, I realized how much better I could have been if I had only practiced more (more on that later). You live you learn and it’s never too late. Kids need to know that. Point for “great-but-not-woah”. For a long time, I only played by reading notes, not by listening. One big humbling experience (more on that later) taught me to start using my ear and not be so tied down to sheet music. Another point for “great-but-not-woah”.
Since college, I’ve been plagued by performance anxiety (more on that later) – but I push through it and have many strategies to combat it. Kids get nervous. They need someone who gets it and can help them. Point again for being “great-but-not-woah”!
I love writing music. I always have. I figured out myself how to use recording technology and made connections with people that could help me because I’m one really determined chick. Didn’t have the stuff or the knowledge, but I figured it out. Point for “great-but-not-woah”. I performed my songs all around high school and college, but also knew that I wouldn’t make it big. Does that mean that all is lost? No way. Why do music? For the glory? No. Because it feels good? Yes, for me. Shoot for your dreams. Work your tail off to get here. But remember that the most important piece is enjoying what you do. Kids need to know that. Point for “great-but-not-woah”.
There always is someone better. And you have no idea what they’re dealing with or what they’re thinking. Who defines “better” anyway? And who cares? You just need to do the best you can do and have fun. Kids need to know that. Point for “great-but-not-woah”. It’s important to note here that being “woah” is awesome, too. So is being just “so-so”. Always aim high, but remember that the most important part is your passion, your enjoyment, and your love of music.
…Maybe all my points actually make me “woah”? Maybe I don’t want to be “woah”. Maybe it just doesn’t matter. 🙂
Of learning