PERCUSSION
COMPARISON : THE UP SIDE | Mark Shelton
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are , there is confusion and every evil deed . ~ James 3:16 WEB
The life of the body is a heart at peace , but envy rots the bones . ~ Proverbs 14:30 WEB
We can easily find Bible verses about the dangers of comparing ourselves to others . You may have been told , “ Don ’ t measure yourself against another person .”
I certainly agree that there is a negative side to comparing yourself to others . Along with jealousy and envy , comparisons can cause one to fall victim to despair , depression , frustration , resentment , and anger . If you compare yourself with those who are weaker than you in certain areas , feelings of superiority and prideful arrogance can sneak into your head . Beware the unhealthy side of comparison .
But wait ! Could there be a positive side ? Is it possible to flip comparison away from the darkness ?
As musicians , it seems natural to compare our abilities with those of others . Upon entering college , I quickly realized that some of my percussionist colleagues possessed skills that I had not developed . As time passed and my awareness of the musical world increased , so did my awareness of the gaps in my knowledge and abilities as a musician . I will confess some frustration entered my thinking as I made comparisons , yet those thoughts did not drag me down to the depths of despondency . Comparisons gave me much-needed reality checks and pushed me to seek improvement , rather than being stifled by jealousy . I contend that it is possible to get your head in the right place and compare yourself to others in a healthy , productive manner .
When comparing yourself to another musician , the positive aspects include :
• Allowing the experience to motivate and encourage you in your musical journey .
• Acquiring an awareness of previously unknown developments in technique .
• Discerning similarities and differences in tone between yourself and another player and deciding which aspects are preferable .
• Comparing the orchestration choices of another percussionist with your ideas .
• Analyzing another percussionist ’ s use of gestures in comparison to your expressive movements .
As I mentioned earlier , reality checks are an important part of musical health and growth . Comparing your skill sets with those of great players alerts you to gaps and calibrates your frame of reference . Such comparisons deliver doses of truth that foster both humility and incentive .
When pride comes , then comes shame , but with humility comes wisdom . ~ Proverbs 11:2 WEB
Healthy comparisons with other musicians may be made with the following :
• Audio recordings allow you to listen without being distracted by the visual elements of performance . Listen to other musicians ’ tone quality and phrasing . Consider how it compares with yours .
• Video and live performances include the visual component which provides the opportunity to observe and evaluate certain technical aspects of someone ’ s playing along with their use of gestures to communicate their music .
• Biographies of musicians give you the chance to compare your musical journey with others . What steps did they take to achieve success , and how does it differ from your path ? ( By the way , it doesn ’ t need to be an entire book . A musician ’ s biographical info on the web might be sufficient .)
There ’ s more than one way to crack an egg and there are various methods that can be employed to achieve musical goals . When making comparisons , it need not be a matter of good / bad or better / worse . Remember , it can simply be different .
Making comparisons can cause you to either make changes or increase your confidence and comfort level . For example : The percussion world includes a variety of grips . You can observe drum set players using matched grip and some holding the sticks with traditional grip . Timpanists are divided among French , German , and American grips while marimbists can choose among a variety of four-mallet grips that include Stevens , Musser , and traditional cross methods . Comparing your grip of choice with percussionists using other methods can assist you in switching or remaining with your current grip .
Comparing yourself to others can have a negative effect if resentment and covetousness are allowed to enter the process , but if you guard your heart and head , healthy comparison can be both an educational tool and a catalyst for musical growth .
Most of all , protect your mind , for everything in life flows from it . ~ Proverbs 4:23 FBV
© 2023 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark is a freelance musician , educational consultant , and content creator based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com