| I wonder if the perception of somebody being great is, in actuality, the result of an early start. My teacher, for instance, started playing at age 8 (on a Bach 1 1/2C, no less!) and was in an elementary school band in Atlanta that played and recorded, very well, the Holst First Suite (and the like). It seems like all of those who are great have one thing in common: intense self discipline. They put the time in and had great instruction. I can blame my shortcomings on not having a natural bent toward music, which I don't; but, the simple fact is that I haven't put in the time that I should have.
There's a line from the musical Ragtime that sums it up: "All men are created equal, but the cream rises to the top!" |