We tend to close ourselves off to things we can’t do. I know there are choral professionals who won’t let others visit their rehearsals, or who avoid hearing other choirs, because they don’t want to be exposed for what they can’t do.
But opening yourself up to what you can’t do might just mean you turn that “can’t do” into “can’t do yet.” You get inspired, you make a connection, you move yourself down the path. Today I heard three choirs and a middle school band do things I can’t currently achieve myself – peak among them the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers making glorious musician with such casual brilliance. On Tuesday I had Duane Davis work with my ensemble, doing the brilliant work only he can do.
I can’t…yet. But I keep learning, keep growing, and keep open to those paths that move me further down the road.