Practice is a word not many people want to think about when considering a hobby. I’ve heard so many people claim that they don’t have any musical ability, and could never play an instrument. It is true that some people have natural abilities, but is natural ability enough on its own? Are these individuals just born into their gifts, or do they still have to practice concepts they don’t already know?
It has long been rumored that players like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, B.B. King, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, Jimmy Page, and a list a mile long had no formal training.
Although it may be true, I’m pretty sure every one of these players did not play by ear alone, and both Paul McCartney and John Lennon could write multi-part harmonies in sheet music form. Jimmy Page inherited the idea of playing his guitar with a bow from his childhood instructor. B.B. King has long spoken of his arpeggios and scales he uses to practice and warm up before gigs. Miles and Wes might not have known anything about instruction, but I’m sure some of the great players they practiced with taught them something.
Many people are discouraged from playing music and adopting a new hobby, because they claim not to have any ability. It is something we hear daily and not just with music, but in sports, education, and life itself. Everything in life can be improved with a little effort and practice. Even with numerous States cutting music from most educational institutions, a few free outlets exist to learn from. So put down the remote, cut back on internet surfing, and don’t be afraid to try a new hobby you’ve always thought about. I promise with 
a little practice you will be full of new ideas and achievements that won’t come during those 20 minutes of commercials every hour on the TV.
Good article. Television is a waste of time and more people should take up hobbies that are creative.
By: Jill Swanson on January 23, 2011
at 5:00 pm
I really like your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more, and also really liked reading small towns large towns. I have been down that road, and it has moments of brilliance. I miss the small towns, after living in such a large city recently.
By: Katie O'Hara on January 24, 2011
at 1:36 am
Well crafted. Practice. Yes. Life is art, truly. We should all practice living.
By: Suzanne Wells on January 24, 2011
at 3:09 am
Very interesting ideas, not just here, but into all articles. I like the read, experience, and motivation. Images interesting also.
By: Yoshik W on January 24, 2011
at 3:10 am
I truly appreciate everyone stopping in to support and say hello. Thank you
By: patrickmccomas on January 24, 2011
at 3:13 am
Really appreciate your love for music, and thanks for responding to my theory question on linkedin. It was a lot of help for understanding how to improvise and tie together things.
By: Jeremy on January 25, 2011
at 6:10 am
So true, sometimes you just have to power up your mind and work on improving things you don’t understand. I’m told I have natural ability myself, but I work very hard to improve all the time. I have a passion for music, so this concentration comes easy, not my ability.
By: Will J. on January 27, 2011
at 5:07 am