The Vulnerabiity of a Musician

I recently listened to Brene Brown's 2012 TED Talk, "Listening to Shame".  Ms. Brown is a research professor who spent 10 years researching vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame.  She poses the following questions:

1)  How do we embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so we can live an authentic life?

2)  How do we get the compassion and connection we need to realize that we are enough as we are?

As a teacher of musicians in all states of development, wouldn't YOU want to know the answers to these questions before you share your ideas with your students?

Most people think of musicians (especially famous ones) as invincible--after all, they engage in highly complex, technical and artistic activity that requires physical and mental agility and concentration!  Whew--think about it!  Doesn't your favorite musician make his/her craft look effortless, inspiring, and beautiful?  They offer their music to us as a gift.  I'll never forget seeing Elvis Presley in person in Seattle in 1970.  When he performed, he was giving everything he had for each word and note he sang.

Being a performer, we must realize that making ourselves vulnerable is part of our profession.  By performing for even one person, we choose to put ourselves "out there", and hold our music up for scrutiny, praise and criticism.

Vulnerability develops at an early age, even before we  are aware of our own identity.  The early years of musical training can be difficult, with strict and critical teachers, competition, hours of practice, and a sense of being isolated and alone.  Even admitting that we are emotionally vulnerable could be taken as a weakness or a lack of talent.

Surprisingly, though, vulnerability makes us better musicians.  Without our sensitivity, we would not be able to create and play music with meaning.  We could not play music that creates unspoken communication between you and the audience.  And finally, being vulnerable prevents our ego from getting in the way of our creativity.

NOTE:  If you'd like to seen an excellent example of the most passionate and vulnerable piano performer I know, watch a Keith Jarrett video and feel the emotion that he conveys with every note.  It's a moving experience.