We Need More Beginners...

We may need more beginners… I think I have playing for three years now. I have been playing long enough now that I have forgotten exactly when I started to learn. That doesn't mean much either because most of the time I can't remember where I left my keys. I feel good about what I have learned and about how far I have come.

Which brings me to my point. Feel good about what you do. Love your music. Don't sit there and tell yourself how poorly you play. Above all else; don't apologize to others that you are "just a beginner."

I have done this. I can see now that I should not have.

I came to this revelation after a conversation about woodworking. Without bragging, I can say with all confidence that woodworking is a field that I have mastered. I have been doing it for over 60 years now. Does that mean I never make mistakes? I'll let you all in on a secret. I make mistakes with every piece I make.

A master woodworker knows how to work past and through the mistakes. Also, you never point out the mistakes to anyone. [Except maybe family members who love you anyway.]

The other day I was in conversation with a budding woodworker. He had posted a picture of his "first piece" with the caption, "This isn't very good but I am just getting started." I had to say something to him. This is exactly what I posted:

"Looks great!

A word of advice:

1. Never point out your mistakes (I don't see any, btw).

2. Any obvious mistakes you do make should become "design features."

3. Have fun and love what you make."

After I wrote that, I realized the same principles are true for any artistic endeavor, especially music.

Gary Bell, Vice President