The Value of Making Mistakes

Most artists lean toward perfection. Every note, technique, and performance need to be just right. But it’s important to realize there is value in making mistakes, too! Read on as New York guitar teacher Chris K. explains…

 

 

Face it, we’re human – tainted, prone to error.  Yet we thrive in spite of – sometimes because of – our flaws, proving that the pursuit of unattainable, platonic “perfection” is perhaps a fruitless endeavor.  As musicians, we grapple with this every day we practice or evaluate a performance.  Too often we dwell on “getting it right” as opposed to “making music.”  This is a hindering mindset, for good musicianship involves more than merely stringing the correct notes together; it requires a complete acknowledgment of imperfection and the courage to play on anyway.  That’s tough.

Today’s tunes don’t make it any easier.  The inexorable rise of the unnaturally polished, computer-generated aesthetic of modern music can leave a fledgling player frustrated, futilely trying to emulate the impossible and performing with a timid, “damage control” mentality.  Instead, she should embrace her fallibility, for the fear of flubbing can choke her musicianship and actually become a self-fulfilling prophecy onstage.  Once she accepts that she will err, she can unleash her artistry.  Plus, sometimes mistakes lead to unconsidered solutions and musical breakthroughs.  This is why one should also take risks in performance.  Jump in the deep end and endure the occasional belly flop.  The only way to grow as a musician is to consistently drift outside of one’s comfort zone, and that requires being at peace with the mistakes that come with it.

Dust off any Led Zeppelin record and delight in all its beautiful imperfections and errors.  We regard the band as a paragon of rock godliness… and all of their albums are laden with picayune mistakes.  But those performances are dripping with swagger and soulfulness, attributes we as musicians should stress more in our practice sessions than micromanaging every note in every lick.

Do you need to learn the right notes?  Of course.  But don’t be enthralled by them.  Focus on phraseology over accuracy.  The notes will inevitably fall into place the more you play a passage, so invest most of your energy in making material feel good.  And don’t get down on yourself for screwing up, because it won’t be the last time.  Putting yourself in the right headspace allows for more honest, fearless, and passionate performances.  By playing an instrument or composing, you validate the human component that makes music special.  And part of being human is making mistakes, so make ’em your own and get used to ’em.

Stay funky, y’all.