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February 10, 2009
The Game of Tens
Musicians can be prone to jealousy. Remember the old joke:
Q: How many musicians does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: 12. One to screw in the bulb, and 11 to say, “I could do that.”
While the propensity towards jealousy is there, I have seen many musicians largely overcome it, and learn to truly rejoice in the success of another.
Our NSAI group (Nashville Songwriters Association International http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/) is a good example.
We have had some of our members get songs published and recorded, and the group celebrated their success together. If there was any jealousy it remained well hidden, and in fact I believe that our members have mostly learned to avoid this destructive emotion.
The music industry’s annual ritual that we call the Grammies was held a couple of days ago, and it can be hard to completely quell any lingering feelings of envy when we see the praise and recognition heaped upon those who appear to be less than deserving.
With the advantage of age and a certain degree of maturity, I have found it easy to overcome any jealousy that might arise by playing the “Game of Tens.” I picked up this concept from a chapter of a book I read about the problems that men face in our culture, and their search for meaning and significance.
If you think anyone can find significance through the pursuit of fame, take this pop quiz to determine your “significance IQ.” I’ve adapted these questions for musicians:
· Can you name the ten musicians who have sold the most records in the world?
· Can you name the ten most admired musicians in the world?
· Can you name the ten top selling albums of the past ten years?
· Can you name the past ten winners of the best new artist Grammy?
· Can you name the past ten winners of the Grammy for song of the year?
· Can you name the past ten winners of the Grammy for album of the year?
This seems to be a rather heartless but objective illustrator of the folly of pursuing only fame and fortune, doesn’t it? The highest achievements in our society are like the vapors that appear for a while and then vanish. (That’s a biblical reference: you can look it up, see James 4:14).
There is certainly no reason to be jealous of another’s achievements, but there is every reason to celebrate with them.
Now try playing the “Game of Tens” this way:
· Name ten musicians you personally know whom you greatly admire, not only for their music, but also for the kind of person they are.
· Name ten people who like your music, and who care about you as a person.
· Name ten family members who love you.
· Name ten songs that have touched you deeply.
· Name the ten most memorable concerts you have attended.
Can you think of any other Tens?
Who knows? Maybe you have shown up in someone’s “Game of Tens.”
Posted by leonolguin at February 10, 2009 11:32 AM
Comments
Glad to have you back. I missed your blog while you were taking a hiatus. Thought you should know, if you didn't already, that you are on my top 10 list, now you've got to figure out which one...ha ha!
Posted by: Sandy at February 10, 2009 12:19 PM