The bass player in one of my jazz workshops was having some problems not too long ago. As I was coaching him on some ideas to help deal with some of these issues, he came up with a brilliant phrase:
There is no growth in the comfort zone
and no comfort in the growth zone
I love this idea. He is willing to let himself be completely out of his comfort zone in order to allow for the possibility of growing as a musician. That’s the reason he was in this workshop to begin with — I get that, but wow! I took this to heart.
I started realizing that I stay in my comfort zone too often, so I’ve started taking more chances. I am now playing some percussion with a Baroque ensemble. First of all, I’m not a hand percussionist. Secondly, I’m way out of my comfort zone playing with musicians who have dedicated their lives to this music. I am honored to be given a chance to see what I can add. Right now, I’m sure that I’m taking away much more than I am contributing. I hope to continue learning and see where it goes.
Riverview Early Music will be a fun group for me to practice this growth idea.
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