Everybody Starts Somewhere

Picasso didn't start out being Picasso.  He started small, and was probably not very good at first.  However, he made a start.

Last night Carolyn and I attended a musical show featuring high-school students age 12-18.  They were doing a show featuring the great hits of the Beatles.  For some of those students, this was their first time on a stage performing their brand of music. 

They made a start.  THE MADE A START!

That is significant.  For their first outing I give them all an A+.  I chose to put my music critic ear aside and enjoy the moment for what it was – young and eager talent stretching their collective wings and daring to perform. 

Way to go kids!  So proud of you.

This was their starting place. 

I’m reminded of how the Beatles got their start.  Legend has it that in their early days, before they became the internationally known group, THE BEATLES, they performed in any venue that would invite them.  They played their original songs for 10-12 hours per day, perfecting them writing more songs.  And the songs continue.  They perfected their craft and that is what helped launch them on the Ed Sullivan Show in January 1964.  They were not an overnight sensation.  They practiced and prepared for their moment of glory, and when it came they were ready.

We could name any great individual and the story would be the same.  Their talent was honed in secrecy and obscurity.  They practiced in the quiet of their home, or a drafty studio in some forgotten university music/arts hall. 

Where did you get your start?  Parents, it is a good thing to remind your children of this important aspect to talent development. 

We make a beginning.  We start somewhere. 

And where that takes us is largely up to us and our commitment. 

Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student

See a Pro

My friend, Richard, reminded me of this principle this week.  This is for any of us in pursuit of “better”.

Do you want “better”? 

Better skill

Better speech making

Better piano playing

Better drumming

Better selling

Better parenting

Whatever your pursuit might be in the “bettering of your life”, the main idea is this – go and see a professional do what you aspire to do.

Learn from the best.  Buy the best seat you can afford and go see the show. 

Be amazed.  Be wowed.  Be impressed.  Be inspired.

And then mimic what you saw until you make it your own.

As a young drummer, before the days of YouTube, I listened to the Dave Brubeck Quartet often.  I learned some of my best drumming methods from Joe Morello, Dave’s drummer on the Take Five album.

A year ago, thanks to YouTube, I watched Joe play that famous drum solo.  Later, I remarked to Carolyn how much Joe’s playing had influenced my own drumming style and had never realized it until that particular moment.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

And it’s a great way to learn from the best of the best.

Carolyn Biggs

Steps and Skips

Tips for the Developing Student