The first and most important step is to seek out and remain with the best teacher.

The second step is to know when to leave.

The third step is to take what you have been taught and redefine those skills in your own terms.

If you are not completely prepared for success, you will always be defeated. If you are completely prepared for success, you will occasionally succeed. If you are completely prepared to succeed, then the many defeats that you encounter--primarily through forces beyond your control--will still sting, but will never wound.

Above all, do not be bitter.

The level of your artistic and professional aspirations will make different demands on your time, philosophy and bank account. The attainment of the highest level of artistry is achieved by the complete analysis, synthesis and application of simple yet profound concepts that yield consistent, relevant and beautiful results. You, your sound and your performance are ultimately the same thing.

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