Talent is overrated

I wasn’t the most naturally talented pianist in my high school. That title belonged to Jason (not his real name)—a guy who could hear any popular song and reproduce it by ear, a guy who arranged music effortlessly and whose rich baritone voice brought any song to life. I, conversely, was the one plugging away at the piano, reading and memorizing the music I played. I played by ear, but not as well as Jason. I sang and accompanied myself, but not as musically as Jason. Yet of the two of us, I was the one who went on to have a career as a professional musician.

I’ve watched variations on this story play out numerous times and it has convinced me that when it comes to being a musician—amateur or professional—talent is overrated. Yes, some natural ability is needed in order to become a competent player, but many times the people who go the furthest in music aren’t the most naturally talented. They’re the ones who are stubborn and are willing to work harder than everyone else.

When I taught piano lessons I had the opportunity to work with students of varying degrees of natural musical talent. I’d see the more talented players surge ahead quickly, absorbing music like proverbial sponges, and the less gifted pianists plod along more slowly. But learning something new is never smooth and easy; everyone eventually hits the limit of their natural ability and finds themselves faced with a choice: will I be willing to put in the work to learn this new, difficult skill or will I stay where I am or quit playing altogether? Many times, because they’ve never had to work hard at things before, the most talented ones are the ones who give up.

We see this play out in a more dramatic fashion when we consider the journey of child prodigies. Very few of those geniuses whose tiny fingers tear through Chopin at lightening speed will become professional musicians. In many ways, it is harder for the super gifted because once they hit their musical limits, they have no experience in having to struggle for anything. Because of this, they dazzle in videos, or make a temporary splash on world concert stages, but then they disappear.

“I wish I could play the piano,” I’ve heard people say my whole life, “but I’m just not talented.” When I tell them that talent is overrated, they don’t believe me.

If I had one message that I wish everyone interested in making music could hear, it would be this: stop worrying about talent. Stop wondering if you’re naturally gifted enough to play the piano. Just play the piano. Sure, you’ll struggle. Some things won’t come easily, but if you just keep working with yourself and with the instrument, you will one day wake up with the knowledge that you are a pianist. You may not be the most talented or gifted player to ever touch the instrument, but you are now capable of making music with your hands, your heart, and all the wonderful experiences and love that makes you, you.

Talent is overrated. Now get to work.

Photo by Jason Hoehne, courtesy of UpSplash