Seeking perfection, and never reaching it, is the human condition. It’s also a fantastic lesson to learn through music.
I tell my students that I’ve never given a perfect performance, and I’m certain I never will. Even so, we strive for perfection and artistry with each performance.
Every composition I write, every arrangement I pen, comes with concessions. I’ve come to think that the moments in which I have t choose among less-than-ideal options are inevitable in any creative work. They feel more like they’re required by some sort of physical law. I strive to make everything I create match the ideal version in my head before I start; still they never can match up.
If we don’t seek perfection, we’ll fall short of our potential. If we don’t accept its unreachability, we’ll be constantly demoralized and self-critical.
Music educators have a unique opportunity to teach our students to hold this essential cognitive dissonance in their own minds.
Aim for perfection.
Be at peace with the fact that perfection is impossible.