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Writer's pictureLarry Pareigis

If you're a musician, excellence is more important than perfection.

Perfection is impossible. Excellence is achievable.


This is an important distinction for musicians to make. Striving for perfection can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even burnout. It can also stifle creativity and innovation.


Excellence, on the other hand, is a more realistic and rewarding goal. It means striving to be the best that you can be, given your talents and abilities. It means working hard, but also being patient and forgiving of yourself when you make mistakes.


Here are some of the reasons why striving for excellence is more important than striving for perfection as a musician:l


  • Creativity and expression: Music is an art form. It is about creativity and self-expression. Striving for perfection can lead to music that is safe, predictable, and uninspired. Excellence, on the other hand, allows for risk-taking, experimentation, and personal interpretation.

  • Growth and development: Excellence is a journey, not a destination. It is about continuous improvement and learning. Musicians who focus on excellence are always looking for ways to grow and develop their skills.

  • Connection with the audience: Audiences appreciate authenticity and emotion in music. Striving for perfection can lead to music that is sterile and soulless. Excellence, on the other hand, allows musicians to connect with their audiences on a deeper level.

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: Striving for perfection can lead to performance anxiety and stress. Musicians who focus on excellence are more likely to relax and enjoy themselves on stage. This leads to better performances and a more positive experience for everyone involved.

  • Adaptability: Music is a dynamic art form. Things don't always go according to plan, especially during live performances. Musicians who focus on excellence are better able to adapt and respond to unexpected challenges.

So, if you want to be a successful musician, focus on excellence, not perfection. Set realistic goals, be patient, and forgive yourself for your mistakes. The most important thing is to make music that you are passionate about and that you are proud of.

Here are some tips for striving for excellence as a musician:

  • Set realistic goals. Don't try to be perfect. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself, such as learning a new piece of music or improving your technique in a particular area.

  • Be patient. It takes time and effort to become an excellent musician. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and learning, and you will eventually reach your goals.

  • Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and move on.

  • Find a good mentor. A good mentor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and they can also provide you with guidance and support.

  • Listen to other musicians. Pay attention to what other musicians are doing and try to learn from them.

Remember, excellence is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process of learning and growing as a musician.


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