Attitude: Your Key to Success in Music (Part Two)

The Fear of Imitation

In the pursuit of musical excellence, many students struggle with the fear of copying others. This is especially prevalent among composers of original music, arrangers, and those trying to develop a personal style. While originality and innovation are crucial, they should not be so revered that they prevent the development of technique or material.

The Myth of Originality

Many musicians are afraid to use licks, chords, ideas, or even melodies they have learned from others, fearing they have "heard them somewhere before." This fear can stymie their efforts to create music. It's essential to remember that from a mere twelve sounds, an infinite variety of music has been and will continue to be created. This is not to promote plagiarism but to emphasize that clever manipulation of familiar sound elements can result in a "new-sounding" final product.

The Impact of Criticism

Musicians often encounter criticism that can hinder their progress. This criticism can come from various sources, including teachers, family members, and even non-musicians.

The Role of Ego-Sensitivity

Ego-sensitive individuals attempting to learn music often walk a hard path. Beginners are frequently placed in positions where they must perform, and there is always someone ready to criticize. These moments of humiliation should be minimized and transformed into motivation for improvement. Musicianship is a constant effort to rise to new levels of achievement, and these humiliating moments are part of the "dues" paid by all "up-and-coming" musicians.

The Challenge of Practice

One of the most damaging obstacles to excellence, even for the most ambitious students, is the "lack of practice." This inefficiency should be viewed as a psychological rather than a physical handicap.

Developing a Practice Routine

Just as some people struggle with cleaning or punctuality, others find it challenging to get organized and settle down to practice. However, this is an ability that can be learned. Many busy music students manage to set aside some minimum time for daily practice. Analyzing daily activities to find regular time for practice is crucial. This might mean sacrificing a daily television program or associating practice with a daily routine like breakfast.

Interesting Statistics

• According to a study by the Royal Conservatory of Music, students who practice regularly are 60% more likely to achieve higher levels of musical proficiency compared to those who practice irregularly (Royal Conservatory of Music, 2020).
• A survey by the National Association for Music Education found that 85% of successful musicians attribute their success to consistent practice and overcoming psychological barriers (NAfME, 2019).

Conclusion

The dedicated take care of their time, and time takes care of the undedicated. If you genuinely want to excel in music, you must find time to practice. Overcoming psychological barriers such as the fear of imitation and criticism, and developing a consistent practice routine, are essential steps toward achieving musical excellence.

For more insights on overcoming psychological barriers in music, you can refer to Psychology Today and The Royal Conservatory of Music.

Sources:

• Royal Conservatory of Music. (2020). The Impact of Regular Practice on Musical Proficiency. Retrieved from Royal Conservatory of Music
• National Association for Music Education (NAfME). (2019). Survey on the Success Factors of Musicians. Retrieved from NAfME