Talent is Only Revealed in Retrospect

Because talent can only be identified in retrospect, moving forward is the only logical direction in which to go.

Since musical talent is so difficult to define or even recognize – talent - or the lack of it, has created more than its share of anxiety in adult learners. Perhaps the greatest problem centers around the fact that talent is a fact in retrospect. Only after it has been developed does it become obvious that it exists.

Your only option when you study music is to move forward! Many people feel that if they were talented they would not feel frustration. Nothing could be further from the truth. To be discouraged is human and being talented or not being talented does not excuse anyone from being human.

The Greek golden mean of moderation, harmony, and balance is helpful to think about while developing musical skills. Since excessive reactions are so common in those who are pursuing music, the concepts of avoiding extremes – developing patience, control, and perspective are helpful in the search for musical progress.

One fact emerges clearly – that which exists within you is uniquely yours. Thus, you continue forward to develop your potential. As it develops, call it talent, if you’d like, but there really is no need to identify or categorize it. No one is responsible for the potential within him or her. You’re responsible only for the development of your own potential.

For many people, it is hard to believe that a successful musician ever struggled with the feeling that he or she was not “talented.” The reality is: most of them did.

More on talent:

• Waiting Til You Have Something to Say
• Do I Need Talent to Sing or Play Music?