(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)


A gifted teacher can have an outsized effect. We were a bunch of Junior High School band members, surely no more than average, but he led us to win the citywide (of Dallas, not exactly a burg) marching band competition in the Fall and we shared top honors in the Spring concert band competition.

But that is prelude, context for what this S3MC is about.

I played trombone. I worked at playing trombone. I practiced, took lessons. I wanted to be really good at it. And yes, part of me wanted this teacher’s recognition and praise. So the motivators were in place.

But I really wasn’t very good at making music. I played the notes, played them accurately; you just didn’t want to hear me play because something was missing. There was no feeling, no heart, no passion. I never transcended the collection of notes and rose into the realm of making music.

All head, no heart. Sigh…

Everywhere you are in life it’s good to see if you’re struggling to ‘play the notes’ or groove’n to your music.


Coaching Point: What’s your best music?


Copyright 2023 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.