The Pianist and the Muse

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The Pianist and the Muse

Author: Paul Tobey | Total views: 62 | Word Count: 697 | Category: Psychology | Date: Oct 24th 2006

Search for: pianist, concert pianist, the pianist, piano music, psychology of music, spiritual, motivational

A muse once told me that achieving greatness is as a result of three things; one-third talent, one-third character and one-third luck. As a professional concert pianist Ive pursued this equation with energetic ambition and a lifelong commitment to success. As a result, Ive accumulated some wisdom along the way though, I must admit Im searching for the answers to the good luck part of the formula. Unfortunately, this particular muse didnt tell me exactly how to make the good luck part work. But Im beginning to understand more and more each day.

In my experience, it is very difficult to get to the top on good talent alone. Many great masters die virtually unknown and only a very select few will rise to the status of true greatness. Therefore, contrary to popular belief its not crowded at the top but very crowded at the bottom.

Many masterful pianists will continue to toil in relative obscurity while wondering the entire time why their talents continue to go unacknowledged. Perhaps they lack the good character part that the muse was talking about. But, Im not so sure.

Historically, there have been many famous pianists that have risen to stardom and have been well known for both their great technique and their over the top diva like personalities. Their unkind behaviors, sense of entitlement and lack of compassion have often been labeled as eccentric. But I can understand their rise to stardom because this type of behaviour is perfect fodder for the media; they love drama. What else is there to write about except drama

On the flip side, there have also been famous pianists who have been technically accomplished as well as grounded, centered, kind, generous and a pleasure to do business with. Both types have risen to the status of maestro. So then, if good talent and good character isnt the only pre-requisite to achieving greatness, what else does it take Ah, thats where the luck comes in.

What is luck exactly Is it random good fortune that happens to you in certain areas of your life Or is luck something you create by deliberate action I can tell you that in my twenty five years as a professional pianist, I have struggled with this concept for most of that time. I am currently of the mind set that luck is something one creates through deliberate action. And perhaps that is what makes one truly great.

I think the greatest skill a pianist could ever achieve is self-mastery over ones reality or the ability create ones own reality. Self-mastery translates into effortless mastery or effortless creation which is; the ultimate ability to create without fear, without judgment and without thought. Therefore without the ability to accept that ultimate mastery over ones own reality is truly possible then luck cannot exist.

But, how does one achieve mastery over ones own reality You can create your own reality by focusing entirely on what you do want as opposed to what you dont. Many people focus all the time on what they dont want such as; no money, no work, no recognition and no life. They sit around and wait for things to happen while all the while blaming others for their misfortunes. If you focus on these things youll just end up with more of what you dont want.

Conversely, those who focus on what they do want tend to get more of what they want. If you focus on a big goal or a big dream and take the necessary steps to achieve it without worrying about failure youll eventually get most of, if not all, what you do want.

The muse is right. The keys to success are an abundance of talent, good character and good luck. But, the luck part can be created through deliberate action. Fitting thoughts for anyone who seeks to become a true master.

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About the Author

Paul Tobey is a professional concert pianist who lives in Ontario, Canada. He has performed jazz, classical and popular piano concerts to rave reviews.

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A muse once told me that achieving greatness is as a result of three things; one-third talent, one-third character and one-third luck. As a professional concert pianist Ive pursued this equation with energetic ambition and a lifelong commitment to success. As a result, Ive accumulated some wisdom along the way though, I must admit Im searching for the answers to the good luck part of the formula. Unfortunately, this particular muse didnt tell me exactly how to make the good luck part work. But Im beginning to understand more and more each day. 
 
In my experience, it is very difficult to get to the top on good talent alone. Many great masters die virtually unknown and only a very select few will rise to the status of true greatness. Therefore, contrary to popular belief its not crowded at the top but very crowded at the bottom. 
 
Many masterful pianists will continue to toil in relative obscurity while wondering the entire time why their talents continue to go unacknowledged. Perhaps they lack the good character part that the muse was talking about. But, Im not so sure. 
 
Historically, there have been many famous pianists that have risen to stardom and have been well known for both their great technique and their over the top diva like personalities. Their unkind behaviors, sense of entitlement and lack of compassion have often been labeled as eccentric. But I can understand their rise to stardom because this type of behaviour is perfect fodder for the media; they love drama. What else is there to write about except drama 
 
On the flip side, there have also been famous pianists who have been technically accomplished as well as grounded, centered, kind, generous and a pleasure to do business with. Both types have risen to the status of maestro. So then, if good talent and good character isnt the only pre-requisite to achieving greatness, what else does it take Ah, thats where the luck comes in. 
 
What is luck exactly Is it random good fortune that happens to you in certain areas of your life Or is luck something you create by deliberate action I can tell you that in my twenty five years as a professional pianist, I have struggled with this concept for most of that time. I am currently of the mind set that luck is something one creates through deliberate action. And perhaps that is what makes one truly great. 
 
I think the greatest skill a pianist could ever achieve is self-mastery over ones reality or the ability create ones own reality. Self-mastery translates into effortless mastery or effortless creation which is; the ultimate ability to create without fear, without judgment and without thought. Therefore without the ability to accept that ultimate mastery over ones own reality is truly possible then luck cannot exist. 
 
But, how does one achieve mastery over ones own reality You can create your own reality by focusing entirely on what you do want as opposed to what you dont. Many people focus all the time on what they dont want such as; no money, no work, no recognition and no life. They sit around and wait for things to happen while all the while blaming others for their misfortunes. If you focus on these things youll just end up with more of what you dont want. 
 
Conversely, those who focus on what they do want tend to get more of what they want. If you focus on a big goal or a big dream and take the necessary steps to achieve it without worrying about failure youll eventually get most of, if not all, what you do want. 
 
The muse is right. The keys to success are an abundance of talent, good character and good luck. But, the luck part can be created through deliberate action. Fitting thoughts for anyone who seeks to become a true master. Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesoft.com" target="_blank">ArticleSoft.com</a> About the Author: 
<a href="http://www.paultobey.com">Paul Tobey</a> is a <a href="http://www.paultobey.com/pianist.html">professional concert pianist</a> who lives in Ontario, Canada. He has performed jazz, classical and <a href="http://www.paultobey.com">popular piano concerts</a> to rave reviews.

Tags: pianist, concert pianist, the pianist, piano music, psychology of music, spiritual, motivational