Recently, people were discussing the pursuit of mandolin "brilliance" on another thread. I'd said that one of the joys of taking up mandolin in my 60's was that I didn't have to aim for excellence; competence was a reasonable goal -- or words to that effect. Here's an article for those who've realized or are coming to grips with the fact that they aren't going to be the next Monroe, Grisman, Thile or whoever.
I've noticed in my adult life, a phenomenon developing that I call the "professionalization of everything." A person can't make a good meal or show their new quilt anymore -- let alone play a musical instrument well -- without being told, "That's really good; you should do this professionally." I didn't hear that kind of comment much in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's. I shake my head when I hear that universities have "folk" or "traditional" music courses. Failing a fiddling course? The only people who may have the right to fail you in traditional music are the traditional audiences for that music, and I'm not even sure about that. Let the brilliant be brilliant while the rest of us have fun, while improving as we're able. As the author of this article shows, the pursuit of excellence can often scare a person away from a favoured activity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/o...ction=Trending
If the link doesn't work, search: "In Praise of Mediocrity -- The New York Times".
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