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People often desire to be someone else. Be it a rich millionaire on a Yacht in san Marino, or a Peace Activist working in the Sudan. Musicians are no different: ‘Teach me how to play like Kirk Hammett’ they may ask, or ‘I want to write songs like Thom Yorke’. Often, they already look like their idols – long hair and mascara sheathed in spandex and denim.
The problem is, there is already a Kirk Hammett and Thom Yorke and they are infinitely better at playing themselves then anyone else. Inevitably, the songs and riffs the student has created sound like bad imitations of their favourite artists. The player then finds herself frustrated by her lack of inspiration and can’t understand why her songs are average and somewhat dull. As a teacher, this is where I can offer the most value. By instilling in the student that learning all the scales, practising for 8 hours a day and drinking tea out of fun music notation cups will not make a huge difference. There is something they must learn which does not appear in any ‘Tune a day’ or ‘How to play’ Book.
Kirk and Thom probably had similar issues when they started, trying to emulate their own idols like Hendrix and REM, but have since realised that being the best at what they do is where success and integrity lie. To apply their playing in the way that touches them most, regardless of whether it’s musically ‘simple’ or sounds like a Beethoven Symphony.
The key is learning to listen to the inner voice, the creative soul, the part that is free from opinion and judgement. To have faith in their own ability to create and not be concerned with what their peers are doing. It is easily the hardest thing any artist faces, to create without prejudice and be true to their beliefs. The truly great musicians of our time understand this and are able to express themselves on a level others can only aspire to.
If I can help a student to understand this, have faith and belief in what they create, it guarantees they will keep playing for the rest of their days. They have discovered something that all artists strive for – the ability to express themselves, the ability to create something more than themselves. To speak in a language of their own making, but which everyone understands.
Paul Reay
