David Motto’s Practice Tip of the Week:
Know Who to Listen To

Criticism Comes from Many Sources

As mentioned in last week’s Practice Tip, musicians get negative comments from a lot of sources – even people closest to you.

Sometimes musicians receive criticism from people within the music community. This criticism can be harder to ignore than criticism from friends, family, and other non-musicians. Many musicians feel they should pay attention to the comments from musicians they’re rehearsing with or more advanced musicians they meet for the first time.

A Very Important Guideline

Here is a very important guideline:

Only pay attention to advice from people who have your best interests at heart.

Generally speaking, there are only two people who fall into that category: you and your teacher. And, even criticism you give yourself can be subjective and based on negative thinking that isn’t going to help you succeed.

You should expect and welcome criticism from your teacher. (You actually pay for it!) Follow your teacher’s advice and recognize that, even when they tell you something that’s pretty hard to take, they truly do want to see you improve.

Who NOT to Listen To

For all other sources of criticism, you need to develop a mental cocoon – essentially a shell you wrap around your thoughts that keeps you focused on your learning and practicing process. Your thoughts, your actions, and your plan that you follow in the practice room will make you the musician you want to be. Don’t let in any outside interference, especially when this interference is in the form of a single piece of criticism from a musician who really could care less whether or not you reach your musical goals.

Sure, criticism from other musicians can be difficult to hear. But, you must bear in mind that these people seldom care about your personal successes or your musical growth. They’re usually more worried about themselves and about showing you that they know more than you do.

If you’re lucky enough to have a performance written up in the media, never take seriously the words of professional critics in their reviews. They’re actually called critics. Their job is to criticize! These writers are not called supporters or coaches.

What to Focus On

Your job is to keep practicing and stick to the path you know is working for you. You and your teacher/coach create this path together in order to move you closer to your musical goals. Keep your thoughts focused on creating the outcomes you want.

You need to think about success, visualize success, and stay focused on success at all times. Failure is not an option. Frustration needs to be eliminated. What you focus on will make all the difference!

So, focus on both criticism and strategies from your teacher. With these strategies in place, you’ll have your game plan for the practice room. This is your path to success.

To Your Musical Success!
David Motto