10/10/2021
PIVOT POINTS AND EMBARRASSING MOMENTS.
A lot of memories flood my mind as I write this.
I've had epic fails and embarrassing moments in my quest for musical growth.
But that's story for another day.
Let me tell you about someone else.
Charles, an up-and-coming saxophonist was invited to play alongside some musicians. While they were jamming, he was asked to do a solo.
He flopped. Big time.
Played completely out of the chord changes.
For those that may not understand what that means, it is like going off key.
Very embarrassing.
It was so bad that the drummer removed one the cymbals and flung it at him in anger.
That was a signal for him to leave the stage.
True story.
Charles was embarrassed, but he vowed to himself to work harder. He left there and practiced up to 15 hours every day.... for about 3 - 4 years.
Today, the story is different.
His full name is Charlie Parker.
If you know anything about Jazz music, then you must have heard that name. But if you don't, he's one of the greatest saxophonists that ever walked this planet.
And he died at age 34.
Most of us have had our share of on-stage fails and embarrassing moments.
A man (a piano player) once shouted at me to "GET OUT" of the piano area in a fully packed church event because I was not good enough to play. The man was so loud that everyone paused and turned to look at us.
I can't even begin to describe how I felt....man!
Here are a few ways you can turn those fails and embarrassing moments into something beautiful:
1. USE IT AS FUEL ⛽
A lot of people when faced with such embarrassment tend to decide that music is not for them, so they give up and do something else.
That's a waste of valuable experience.
Use it as fuel.
They doubted you could ever be good? Work so hard in the area you failed that next time they hear you play or sing, they will be speechless.
Produce results that they cannot deny.
2. DON'T PAY LIP SERVICE TO YOUR DREAMS 🗣
Guys, music is not beans.
Yes, it is a lot of fun, but it is not simple.
Having great ambitions without putting in the required work is the bane of many singers.
You say your role models are Kim Burrell, and Tasha Cobbs, and Beyonce, yet your musical work ethic is like that of the average choir member - you only remember your singing career during choir rehearsal and church service.
Go ask all these singers and musicians you admire the amount of time and effort they spend honing their skills.
You think it's just about talent?
Talent is everywhere.
Almost everyone can sing and play basic 1 4 5 chords!
And some of you even meet someone that is good and ask them to teach you; they give you tips and things to work on, you start giving excuses.
Wasted the opportunity.
You can either have excuses or results.
You can't have both.
3. BE PATIENT 🧘🏽
Be patient with yourself.
Growth is a process, so you won't get results after 3 days.
Stick to it.
4. MAKE LEARNING FUN 🙂
Find ways to make your personal rehearsal enjoyable.
Some people don't have a problem practicing the same thing for two hours straight.
Others would be bored and frustrated.
So, if you need to break up a 2-hour rehearsal into 30 minutes per session, do so. The important thing is getting results from your practice.
You can reward yourself with cake and ice cream for completing the session. It could be the incentive you need to work hard.
All the cake and ice cream lovers in the house say "Amen"?
P/S: Turn off notifications for WhatsApp and all social media platforms during your rehearsal.
Focus is key.
And if you call yourself a singer or musician and still do not have a personal practice time by now, I don't know what to say to you yet.
I hope this helped you.
Have a great day guys.
❤️🥰❤️
