Natural Talent vs. Hard Work

by Linda Ratcliff

Hard work beats talent ... when talent doesn't work hard.




Natural Talent vs. Hard Work
Is it possible for a person without any inherent musical talent to become skilled at playing their dulcimer? Now to clarify ... a person who lacks musical talent will usually manifest the following characteristics:
  • Lacks a sense of rhythm - plays on the wrong beats.
  • Tone deaf – doesn't notice when he/she strums or hammers the wrong notes or chords.
  • Finds it difficult to keep in step with other players.
Is that YOU?  


Talent may be overrated - especially if a person doesn't put in sweat equity as well. I believe a person who doesn't possess a natural instinct for music can still learn to play the dulcimer if he/she possess the following attributes:

Dedication: This person is willing to make a larger investment of time into their practice than the natural musician.

Determination: This person doesn't let the skepticism of family members or friends stop him. He won't let anything or anyone discourage him from learning to play the dulcimer.

Passion: This person loves music and has a great love for the sweet sound of the dulcimer.

Practice will not make you a natural musician, but it will definitely bridge the gap between the musician for whom playing comes easily and the one who has to work at it. With practice, a fumbling musician can become a skilled instrumentalist.

If you have any questions, always feel free to ask Steve or myself.

Happy dulcimering,

Linda



Bridging the Gap Between What You Know ... And Where You Want Your Music to Go
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3 comments

Natural Talent vs. Hard Work | Jerry Rockwell's Dulcimer Blog
 

[…] Source: Natural Talent vs. Hard Work […]
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Brenda Wingrove
 

Thanks for the encouragement!
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Why Natural Talent Is Overrated | Life is for Living
 

[…] the hours of practice the martial artist has put in to master this skill and others like it.  To master this skill, the martial artist has to learn to stand in a correct stable position and twist his […]
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