Let’s get back on track today and head into the weekend with clear thoughts. We finished off the other day with the question “Do you hear what I hear?” I’ll follow that up with a couple more questions…When was the last time you asked someone to critique your playing? When was the last time you sat with someone to improve your playing?

“Improvement” is a journey. It’s not a pill. It happens slowly over time and it is a consequence of deliberate thoughts and actions. Don’t expect Tinker Bell to sprinkle pixie dust on you as you sleep, hoping to wake up with fingers like Gordon Duncan. Ain’t gonna happen!

Did you know that the top solo competitors are constantly seeking to improve their game? Most begin their daily practice regimen with basic exercises. Most work with a metronome. Most are self-critical. Most seek regular input and critique from other outstanding pipers.

Many Average Pipers are reluctant to seek help.

You can’t hide within your band, whether it’s on parade, at a performance, or in the competition circle. What you do greatly impacts the overall musical product. Everything you do is critical so why wouldn’t you seek ways to be “fully competent”? Why would you accept less from yourself than you’d find acceptable from others? Is sloppy execution and timing and tempo acceptable? I’m hitting you with some tough questions here.

There are so many ways to improve your piping today. There are CD’s and DVD’s, Live Streaming events, YouTube videos of performances and instruction. You can connect with world-class instructors over Skype or Facetime. Never have the resources been better or more plentiful.

Here’s your Ringo-ism for a Friday morning. “If you’re not willing to see, what’s the sense of looking?”

Let’s set a goal, make a plan, and work diligently to achieve it. Don’t be vague. Be specific. We’ll talk more about this on Monday. In the meantime, please review The Average Piper daily posts and think about what goal (or goals) you’d like to set. Have a fantastic weekend! Me? I’ll be playing for the Piano Guys tonight in Waukegan, Illinois.