An Example of Stunning Musical Storytelling

If you’ve ever seen me give a clinic or taken a lesson with me there is a very good chance you’ve heard me talk about storytelling. The whole reason we put in thousands of hours in the practice room is so we can better tell our story.

Every once in a while you come across a performance that is so good that it makes you a better musician just by listening to it. Like something transfers from that performance into your playing on the spot like some kind of magic.

Those performances are quite rare.

Here is one in case you haven’t heard it before. Prince’s While Guitar Gently Weeps solo during the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony has been the stuff of legend for the last 17 years.

This newly produced clip just surfaced for the first time last week and it is stunning.

Even if you don’t like the Beatles or Prince or his interpretation of this solo you will be blown away by the conviction. He commands a room full of superstars like few in the history of the music business have ever been able to do.

I’m going to go practice now…

No One Cares About the Facts

As musicians we get caught up all the time in getting all of the facts right. Sometimes, in the moment, it is all we care about.

The problem is that most people don't really care. Or at the least only care when the facts aren't correct. But they are rarely a value add.

"Don't just tell me the facts. Tell me a story."

—Seth Godin from All Marketers Are Liars

The above Seth Godin quote has absolutely nothing to do with music. He was talking about marketing. But this quote could have come from any number of world-renowned music teachers.

The problem with focusing on the facts in an audition is that so many people will show up able to play all of the facts correctly that you are going to be in trouble. And the number of people who can do that is greater than ever and getting larger all the time.

There will be a few people at that audition who can deliver all of the facts (impeccable rhythm, pitch, phrasing, articulation, etc.) but will also be able to use those facts to tell a musical story so compelling and so remarkable that they force the committee to consider them for the job.

The same goes for conductors and trios and composers.

So whether you are hoping to someday replace Joe Alessi in the New York Philharmonic or are sitting in a high school band, always go for the story.

The notes on the page are a car. Drive your audience somewhere interesting. Somewhere they have to go back to. That's what it's all about.