Three levels of musical development

There are many ways to think about our musical development. Consider the following:

Level one, student: The student learns to control their hands. i.e. the hands do what they are told. I'm told this takes about 10,000 hours. I believe it, because after 1200 hours in on my drum studies I can see the gap between my aspirations and my reality. (2023 update. I've now given 5000+ hours to the kit. I've met all my initial goals and I'm now working on a new set) This level is about technique, repertoire, ear training, theory studies, concert going, and practice, practice, practice. It is about following my teachers' directions, and maintaining and nourishing my personal curiosity, patience, and faith in this process. 

Level two, professional: Professional hands do what they are told. Now professionals practice to maintain and refine their skills.

Level three, artist: The hands have something interesting to say and the ability to do so. Artists operate at an elevated level of creativity and skill, blending effortlessly, or so it seems to the audience, their ability to wow and amaze. To my generation names like Oscar Peterson, Lang, Lang, Stevie Ray Vaughan come readily to hand.

Conclusion?

Get off the internet and go back to the practice room!

Cheers,

David Story
January 2023 update

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