50: Be Curious
While many factors contribute to building a fulfilling and enduring career, perhaps none are as crucial, yet often overlooked as curiosity and a continuous thirst for growth. They are like a secret spice that infuses a complex sauce with richness and unity. Although not immediately apparent, they bind all the elements together and imbue the dish with depth and nuance. Without them the performance or the art would lack inspiration, depth, and coherence. Curiosity is the driving force behind creative exploration, encouraging performers to take risks and make bold choices, while simultaneously enriching their personal and artistic growth.
Over the past five years I have had the privilege of listening to hundreds of young performers audition live, and I am continually impressed by their level of technical mastery, interpretation, passion, commitment, and deep understanding of the repertoire. Indeed, today's classical music education has reached an unprecedented high, as evidenced by the sheer number of outstanding young musicians emerging from conservatories worldwide.
However, even with this abundance of exceptional young talent, truly distinctive artists are a rarity. While many performers demonstrate commendable levels of proficiency, only a select few are capable of delivering a captivating and unique performance. The overwhelming majority may lack a sense of urgency or fail to manifest the profound depth of artistic expression that sets the greats apart. In this competitive field, it takes more than just technical prowess to stand out and make a lasting impression on audiences.
During a recent guest jury panel, we had the opportunity to interview several young musicians following their performances. Unfortunately, we were struck by the lack of depth and curiosity in their answers. Many seemed disinterested in exploring the music beyond its technical demands, failed to articulate their personal connection to it, and showed little curiosity about the broader world of music and its audiences. Instead, it appeared they had embraced the practice room, pursued artistic emulation of the highest order, and considered the work done.
What distinguishes a truly exceptional artist? It is difficult to put into words, but after listening to numerous talented musicians over a concentrated period of time, it becomes clear which performances stand out as truly special. They captivate the listener, leaving them wanting more, and embody a depth of artistic vision that merges seamlessly with technical mastery to create something truly beautiful. Such performances have the power to move the soul.
While there's no magic formula to achieving artistic excellence, cultivating curiosity is an excellent and necessary starting point. Asking questions, reading, watching, listening, traveling, experiencing, discussing, and even arguing are all ways to cultivate personal growth. Attending concerts, exploring other art forms, indulging in hobbies, taking dance classes, watching foreign movies, visiting art museums, and delving into the love letters of the composers one performs are all ways to develop a broader perspective.
Ultimately, the living that one does outside of the practice room enhances what happens within it. This requires stretching beyond the confines of classical music and embracing a mindset of lifelong learning. Great artists are constantly growing and expanding their horizons, and by embracing curiosity, young musicians can set themselves on a path that will serve them for a lifetime.