What separates accomplished musicians from less accomplished?

• They love the repetition of practice
• They understand cause and effect
• They love the minutiae of practice
• They understand the value of patience
• They have conquered their fears
• They see themselves as committed to a larger community of accomplished and developing artists
• They seek feedback from those who know
• They are organised 

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1. They love the repetition of practice. Simply put they live in a great part for their craft, especially in the early stages of development.  As an early mentor said, "if they aren't twice as good every 6 months, they'll never make it" 
2. They understand cause and effect. Nobody gives you skill, you earn it through hard consistent focused effort. Period. To an outsider it looks easy and effortless, but insiders understand.
3. They love the minutiae of practice. As Wayne Gretzky said, "I loved every aspect of the game". What some see as drudgery, he saw for its true value: the path to greatness.
4. They understand the value of patience. Musical skill is an athletic skill, it takes time, you can't be given it, your body learns it slowly over years of effort and commitment. Ask Michael Jorden.
5. They have conquered their fears: They get courage and energy from the audience and seek out every opportunity as young musicians to develop their skills in front of live bodies.  
6. They see themselves as committed to a larger community of accomplished and developing artists. "I’m a jazz musician", "I'm a classical musician", "I'm a piano teacher" etc. They feel at home in a company of peers. They don't wait for permission to join; they just show up and learn to fit in. 
7. They seek feedback from those that know. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. One small insight from a master musician can change everything. 
8. They are organised. Life is short, get it together. 

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  Best regards, 
  
  ​David