Here’s A Little Musical Motivation For Today
To become a better jazz musician we need to keep the fire inside strong and healthy. That’s why we talk about piano practice and motivation on this site as well as teach you how to learn jazz piano.
So, to help you get motivated, I want to share with you a quick story.
In 1954 Roger Bannister set a goal of breaking the 4 minute mile record.
Everybody in his life said it couldn’t be done.
There were naysayers and critics anywhere.
In fact, a lot of the so called “experts” of the day said it couldn’t be done either.
They said, “4 minutes and 1 second was the fastest anybody could ever do!
No human can ever run faster than 4 minutes!”
Most people would just accept the limitations that other people put out there. But not Roger Bannister.
This amateur runner from Britain refused to listen.
He wouldn’t let the false constraints other people had constructed, limit his potential.
He trained smart and set his mind to it. He couldn’t be stopped. Wouldn’t be stopped!
And so on May 6th, 1954 Roger Bannister stepped up to the starting line and ran mankind’s first mile faster than 4 minutes.
He clocked in at 3 minutes 59 seconds.
The supposed “limitation” was shattered.
And since that time 1000’s of runners have broken that same mark.
The lesson we must take away from Roger, is NEVER let anybody tell you what you can and can’t do.
Don’t let other people in your life limit your potential.
Let other people think small. You continue to think big, especially when it comes to your music.
Now, I know there will be some people who read this and say, “Yeah sure Steve. Roger could do it but I can’t do it because ______!”
And in that blank spot you’ll fill in your favorite excuse.
But, here’s what I have to say to that. Hogwash!
Roger wasn’t a pro runner. He was a student and an academic.
He trained during the post world war 2 rations era in Britain where they had to limit healthy foods and diets.
His diet wasn’t great. He was a student at the time.
But again, those are just excuses. Roger wouldn’t stop and couldn’t stop.
You also have potential well beyond what we you’re currently doing.
To help you achieve your potential I’ve compiled a list of 4 cool free lessons for you to explore.
4 Free Lessons For You To Get Inspired Today
1. If you want a jumpstart on improvisation check out this free jazz improvisation article. Inside the article we explore 12 steps you can take to build better jazz soloing and improving.
2. If you want a few great sounding but easy left hand chords, then check out this free Oscar Peterson chords lesson.
3. If you want more of a challenge today then learn how to create emotional stories with chords in this free emotional chords video tutorial.
4. If you’re new to blues check out this free video: 4 Blues Chords Progressions Every Pianist Must Know.
In closing, I’d like to give a quick shout out to Roger Bannister. He embodies the highest level of the human spirt. Be like Uncle Roger. Continue to go for your greatness.
Steve “Thank You Roger Bannister” Nixon
P.S. Sir Roger Bannister passed peacefully on March 3. We will miss him deeply but his legacy of inspiration will always live on.
P.P.S. If you want some more motivation you can also check out this video I made too.
