I was wondering what makes a musician what they are...
I can outline fundamentally three points.
1) The first is surely TALENT. We could also call it predisposition, or musical sensitivity. Now, I don't know about you, but the idea I received was that talent is something pre-existing: you either have it or you don't. It has to do with DNA, destiny, the very earliest years of training, family background... in short, a series of characteristics you have by birthright. And on this position, I am starting to have some doubts...
2) The second is surely STUDY METHOD, and this is perhaps the determining point. How we study, in fact, determines who I am instrumentally, i.e., the TECHNICAL ability to control my body.
3) But there is a third fundamental point, often overlooked, which is the ability to COMMUNICATE. That is, knowing how to be on a STAGE, of any size, and entering into contact and communication with the audience. This too is a skill and can and must be developed.
I am ready to bet that by working on the second and third of these points, one naturally arrives at working on the first point, that supposedly untouchable TALENT. Starting from this reflection, I wrote a short book, 44 pages, which was published by my publisher and is available in PDF for free until June 30th:
"ON STAGE - 8 steps to overcome fear"
it is a practical guide to acquiring more tools to face oneself on stage. In reality, "fear," or "insecurity," or "nervousness," at their various levels, are never completely overcome, and even less so by reading a book. However, through reflections and practical exercises, one can discover how fear is precisely what we need to put ourselves fully into play, in a new way, to reflect on our role, to find a more effective attitude in the study method, and to move at greater speed toward our improvement.
You can find the free PDF at this link:
I look forward to your opinion and your reflections. We are all precious, and by collaborating we can move faster!
Nicola