A Thought on "Talent"

The concept of talent has always been a source of fascination and frustration for me, particularly in the early stages of my musical journey. It sparked endless questions: Why do some people seemingly grasp concepts with ease, while others struggle? What exactly is this elusive quality we call "talent"?

Is it our physical makeup – vocal cord length, tongue size or lung capacity?  Is it a superior intellect, a head brimming with kinesetic intelligence? Perhaps it's rooted in experience – years immersed in music lessons, a childhood steeped in rich musical education. Maybe it's shaped by our formative experiences – the encouragement or discouragement of our parents' reactions when we sang, the joy or indifference on our friends' faces when they us play.

Like many things in life, the answer likely lies in a complex web of factors. Talent, it seems, a multifaceted thing, a confluence of genetics, experience, and environment.  The frustrating reality is that it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what's happening "under the hood."

However, as I've delved deeper into the world of music, my focus has shifted towards a more practical realm – the meticulous details of daily practice. These details, once overlooked, seem to have been the biggest players in my own development.

The Power of Practicality: Unveiling the Hidden Variables

The questions that now consume me are far removed from the nebulous concept of talent.  Instead, I find myself fixated on the practicalities:

• The Quantity and Quality of Practice: How much time do you dedicate to your craft? Is it an hour a day of focused work, or three hours of mindless repetition? What exactly are you doing and is it working? How good are you at discerning effective from ineffective?

• The Art of the Break: When and how do you employ breaks during practice sessions? Are they long enough to avoid excessive fatigue? Are they so long that you waste the time you set aside?

• Preparation with Enough Time: How organised are you with upcoming rehearsals, studio sessions and performances? If you're a last-minute type of person, and you're trying to cram muscle memory into your body, how successful an approach is this? Conversely, if you prepare with ample time and rehearse something to death, how does it impact your relationship with what you're performing?

• Knowledge: Are you sure that what you're applying is giving you the results you're hoping for? Often, we can use strategies that help in the short-term, but work against us in the long-term. For example, you might be able to 'muscle through' some of the higher notes in your voice, but it certainly doesn't feel good whilst you do it.

• Self-Awareness: How successfully do you think you perceive your own singing? It seems to be the case that people aren't that good at judging their ability. What if you reflect too positively, or even negatively on your development? How does this impact the action you're willing to take?

• Supportive Environment: Do the relationships in your life support your musical aspirations? Is your environment conducive to focused practice and personal growth?

This list goes on and on, each question a thread leading to a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of factors that influence development.

Cultivating the Controllables: Beyond the Notes

The beauty of this idea is the realization that many variables are within our control. We can cultivate deliberate, intelligent habits, educate ourselves on voice, build a supportive network, and prioritize healthy lifestyle choices. These factors, seemingly mundane on the surface, have a profound impact on our ability to learn and grow as musicians.

But the influence extends far beyond the realm of music. Consider the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life:

• Financial Stability: Does financial insecurity create a mental burden that saps creative energy?

• Organization and Tidiness: Does a cluttered environment translate to a cluttered mind, hindering focus during practice?

• Sleep and Rest:  Do late nights and insufficient sleep leave you with a hoarse voice and a sluggish mind?

• Substance Use: Do habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption negatively impact vocal health and overall performance consistency?

These really are questions. It might be that some of these things seem to help you, it's up to you to try to understand the relationship with your voice and the rest of your life. These seemingly disparate areas of life are interconnected. Our overall well-being – physical, mental, and emotional – directly affects our mood, our concentration, and ultimately, our ability to harness our voice effectively.

Beyond the Rock and Roll Myth: The Disciplined Musician

There's a stereotype associated with musicians – the wild, rock and roll lifestyle, fueled by chaos and "feeling." While there's no denying the power emotion & identity in music, I've come to realize that this is just one take. Many successful musicians, in reality, are incredibly disciplined. They adhere to practice routines, prioritize healthy lifestyle, and meticulously manage the factors that could hinder their performance. Their success isn't a stroke of luck or a magical gift; it's a testament to dedication and a deep understanding of the intricate dance between geneitcs, practice, and lifestyle. A step further from this, is that of course there are many who also don't exercise significant effort into managing all things voice. But their intuition, their habits guide them towards excellence. Perhaps a case can be made for really learning to listen to the voice within your mind.

The Demystification of Talent: A Call to Action

The deeper I delve into music, the more the concept of talent seems to lose its mystique. It transforms from an unobtainable gift bestowed upon the chosen few, to a mosaic of manageable variables. When we see someone with seemingly effortless talent, we're witnessing the culmination of countless factors, many of which they've cultivated through deliberate effort. So, what does this mean for you, the aspiring musician? It's an empowering realisation. Take an honest look at your life. Identify the practices that nurture your growth, and the habits that hinder it. Be honest with yourself about the areas that need improvement. Seek support from friends and mentors. The solutions exist, and with focused effort, you'll find them. The path to growth may not be paved with magic, but with dedication, a healthy dose of self-awareness, intuition and a commitment to the practical details. You can fulfil your potential. Remember, the journey itself is hard, but a source of immense satisfaction. Embrace the process, celebrate victories, and track your growth, one step at a time. The power to create, to express, and to connect with others through music – is within your grasp.