There Are No Mistakes, Only Opportunities

   Now see, this one is actually encouraging...on the outside; and of course I have to ruin it for you.  Anything that suggests a negative is really a positive sets off my relativism alarm. This one really isn't too bad but I think there is a caution of implying that you can rationalize any mistake. So it really depends on your definition of "mistake" as well as your sense of judgment to know when the mistake is because you didn't prepare or due to an intermittent brain fart. It is certainly an opportunity to understand with honesty and discernment how a mistake happened and what you plan to do about it should it re-occur.

   Without composure you will find it very difficult to keep your focus - be it the wrong part, forgetting the arrangement or dropping a stick - there is that moment where you can't script your next move.  I like watching my mentors or even other artists deal with mishap because I am always interested in how they respond - usually with grace; surely from much experience.  I'll accept Art Blakey's quaote, "So go on and play, and if you make a mistake, make it loud so you won't make it next time."  It's kind of a "Die with your boots on" vibe but it doesn't rationalize but exhorts you to own it. 

"What are you prepared to do?"

Mistakes are going to happen so invariably the question is what are you prepared to do?  Must we necessarily attribute it as an opportunity when in the end it should be handled like passing gas: most of the time nobody will know - provided you keep your cool!  Although...farts are always funny.  But if they're getting bad - please excuse yourself. 

  Attending my first Rush concert in 1985 I saw my favorite band handle a momentary snafu (a rarity indeed) where suddenly the music drops out and the drummer is the only one playing - a few measures tapping out the pulse on the ride cymbal before the band jumps back in and within seconds the band is back on track - no harm, no foul.  Until then I didn't know things like mistakes happened to people of such high esteem.  But while their caliber easily survives such mishap, I highly doubt they refer to those moments as "an opportunity", particularly since they made it seem rather insignificant.

   How then do we approach handling mistakes?  I would suggest the first thing you should try to do is get in to the mindset of not stopping (including refusing to stop) and do your best to keep your place in time no matter what is going awry.  Once you can do it for just a little bit longer you are developing an important survival instinct!

   Thoughts?  Comments?  Criticisms?  I'm open to read your thoughts!