Ask yourself these questions: Why are you making music? What really makes your soul sing with joy? And most importantly, what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Because, as an amateur, there is no failure. Just do what you love. Think about amateur tennis players. They reserve a court, knock around a few balls, and keep score; someone wins, someone loses, and they leave feeling great. They don’t have the same form as the players at Wimbledon, or achieve the same ball speed or score. They play because they enjoy it. And that’s how it can be for amateur musicians.
With the emphasis on giving, there is no need for fear. Imagine that a friend makes you a beautiful piece of pottery; the sides are a little lopsided and the glaze isn’t quite even. Wouldn’t you receive that pot and cherish it within the context of the love in which it was made and given? That’s how people will receive your music if you give it with love.
I implore you not to go near the land of “Should.” Don’t think about what your parents want you to do or what your teacher thinks you should do. Don’t imagine how you should play as compared with someone else.
Exposing your heart can be scary, but it’s human. Trust your heart, because that is where your power is.
Claim your musicality. Empower yourself to use your music to radiate love and caring. The world is in serious trouble, and music has the power to transcend our differences and create vibrations of change. You have the power to make that happen.
I ask you not to underestimate that power or the beauty of your playing. You may be sitting in one little niche in a huge wall, but if it’s your special niche, the one to which you’re well suited, you can light up the whole world.