1.) Find what you love, then do it 'til you drop. 2.) Keep finding stuff you love; it'll keep you from dropping. 3.) It's not about you, it's about the music. (This is why, before I perform, I always pray "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace," or some similar prayer/incantation to remind myself that my voice and ability are in service to something outside myself and that it comes through me, not from me. When music is a form of participation in and contribution to community, it's magical. Otherwise, it feels -- and sounds -- spiritually hollow, which pretty much negates it -- for me, at least.) 4.) Very, very often, less is more.

Love this thread ... ww