Don’t worry about what you can’t play. Simplicity or complexity are not gauges of musicality or measures of artistry. Take that which you can play and make it as musical as possible. Our minds are so ready to focus on the glittering details we may easily dismiss those most basic simple elements that make the music strong.  

Don’t worry about your limitations. Recognize and understand your limitations. Your “style” must conform to them. If you are playing above your technical ability, you will be skipping over those most basic music making ingredients and weakening your music making abilities. 

Step past the technique and into the music making. If need be, the technique you are “stepping past” can be incredibly simple. Like playing one chord with each heartbeat. Hey…maybe you can go back and forth between a couple of them. Or maybe you can play these incredibly fast 1/32 note arpeggios over dozens of chords. That does not matter. Remember – Simplicity or complexity are not gauges of musicality or measures of artistry. Just be “sure footed” in those things you know will work for you. Trust in them and keep your intention sincere. 

Do step back and listen to yourself. The technique is not the only thing you need to “step past”. You must also step past the action and idea of you playing. In other words…take a step back outside yourself and listen to the sounds you are creating. The quality of your music will reflect this attention. 

Pay attention to the quality of your tone. Just enjoy the sounds you are producing. Just enjoy the rhythm of the time by blending your body and soul into the music. The tightness of your beat reflects your focus just like the tone reflects your attention.  

Just enjoy the action of decorating time, and listen to yourself making these wonderful sounds. 

The biggest impediment to your music making is fretting about how you are doing. 

Don’t add information at the cost of deepening your understanding. 

Never forget the fun.  

-Stan Hirsch