MONDAY BYTES — November 24, 2014
A few weeks ago I saw the movie “Whiplash” about an ambitious jazz drummer at a NY conservatory and his abusive teacher. It’s a harrowing depiction of the pursuit of excellence.
Of course there are aspects of the film that are unrealistic in illustrating what goes on in rehearsals and at schools these days.
And yet.
Many of us have had teachers and mentors who pushed too hard, and had impossible standards. Some of us push ourselves just as hard if not harder.
And every musician has been in rehearsals and lessons in which the striving for perfection obliterated any sense of joy, exploration, or discovery in music.
Consider: What is the price we pay for chasing perfection?
Check out the “Whiplash” trailer HERE.
And listen to an NPR interview with the director and a discussion of the film’s themes, this is from Tom Ashbrook’s show On Point.
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