Tips from the Top

The gift of music was given to me. The possibilities of enhancing this gift through music lessons were given to me. The opportunities to play and be recognised by my peers and the public were given to me. All I have done over the years is to try to be worthy of these gifts. I try to do this by attempting to fulfil my responsibility by serving the music (as player, teacher and conductor) and hard work.

By attempting to put the music first and not trying to serve my own ego-oriented goals, many 'problems' do not occur. For example, if I'm totally involved with making the music sound as beautiful and passionate and strong as possible, there's no room left to worry about whether 'I' might miss a note, or how the audience will perceive 'my' performance. In other words, total involvement in serving the music leaves no room for negative thoughts to clutter the concept. This, by the way. is something which has to be practised on a regular basis. It is not something which one suddenly stumbles upon.

One more important point. The word music itself draws from the source 'Muse'. In my opinion this is often overlooked in that we often tend to equate the making of music with something which also had its roots in ancient Greece, the Olympics. I do not wish to negate the prowess of artists possessing superior technique - not at all. It must, however, be made clear that technique is something which can (and should) be pursued and mastered. A Muse, similar to a butterfly, can be pursued and enjoyed, but never captured and owned.

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