Yesterday I ventured out to attend a middle school choir and music recital. This is a city school, not the best in the area, but certainly not the worst. I expected mediocre talent, acceptable for said elementary school age group. The majority of the recital was just that. Some entertaining songs, a cute recorder ensemble, and a violinist. Then, a 10 year old boy took the stage to play a piano piece. I expected something along the lines of "Three Blind Mice." I mean, this kid's hands couldn't span half an octave, how much could he pull off? Well, what I heard astounded me. It was an incredible classical piece, swift and complex. Something I would have expected to come from someone much older and more experienced, performed flawlessly. He received a standing ovation. Turns out he's something of a prodigy, works his little rear off, and has an incredibly demanding Russian piano teacher. This kid can go places. THAT is the kind of person that depresses me. Aldrine, IIRC, didn't start seriously playing until he was a bit older, and worked his way to where he is. To a certain extent, he shows that achieving that level of proficiency CAN be a reasonable goal. This little prodigies that are already better than I could ever hope to be? They make me want to cry and sell my instruments. I'm ashamed to call myself a musician in their presence.
But the fact of the matter is, especially in the ukulele community, we do not play to impress. We do not perform in classical competitions, compete for first or second chair, or practice 6 hours a day. We are not featured soloists at black-tie events. Hell, we're lucky if we can get the general population to take us seriously. What we are, what SHOULD matter to us, is the personal joy that these four little strings bring to each and every one of us. Almost everyone here has a story of how the ukulele changed their life, and while there are many accomplished classical musicians that could blow us away through sheer prowess, not every one of those people can say the same. I'm proud to call myself a musician, and a ukulele player at that.
I guess my point is... We should always aspire to be better. Comparing yourself to the best can be motivating for some and heartwrenching for others. But seeing as our identity as ukulele players is different from the average musician's, your yardstick should be yourself. How you played yesterday, how you improved today, and where you want to end up tomorrow. Don't let anyone else dictate that for you.
ld:
