[rbshadel]

Just regarding the imposter syndrome aspect of your comment:

But isn't the thing about imposter syndrome that it's not about whether YOU think the musician is good, but whether THEY think they are. As an amateur musician I can totally understand feeling like I'm really not that good, even if other people tell me I am - I just assume they didn't hear that sour note in the 3rd lick I played, or that they didn't notice I should've played a certain phrase more staccato. Especially when I hear recordings of myself, all I hear is the bum notes or the missed opportunities to do something better than I actually did. Even if I put on a performance that people say they enjoy, I often feel like it was just dreadful and I shouldn't have been on stage in the first place. To me, that's exactly what imposter syndrome describes.

(Not trying to throw a pity party...I love music and will happily keep playing anywhere that will let me for the rest of my life.)

[R_Edward]

I'm exactly the same way. I have a weekly gig that occasionally gets recorded and thrown up on the web. I hate watching the video, because whenever I do, all I hear are my own mistakes. People tell me it sounded great, and I think, "Sure, to someone with no musical training, maybe."

It never occurs to me to realize that "someone with no musical training" describes easily 80% of the audience. Maybe more.

[ChuckMcM]

I'd like to leave you with something my music teacher told me. There are no mistakes.

"Music comes from inside of you, and through thought and motion you set it free into the air around you. When you are true to the music, whether you are tone deaf or have perfect pitch, the musician hears your song that is uniquely yours and yours alone. If you want a perfect note for note reproduction of a song, buy a tape recorder."

It really helped me let go of some my perfectionist tendencies and just let the music out.

[colomon]

Even those with no musical training will probably disregard your mistakes if the overall performance is good.

Example: My favorite Irish traditional duo is Peter Horan and Fred Finn (both RIP, alas). They were legendary for the tightness of their unison playing. There is a great video [1] of them from 1982, when they had been playing together for 25 years. At the 1:05 mark, Peter (the flute player) switches to the next reel, and Fred doesn't. The result is complete musical chaos ... and then, at 1:07, Fred finds the tune, and they suddenly are both in perfect sync again.

Now, this sort of screw-up is almost the worst mistake a competent Irish duo could make. But hell, for me if anything it makes this video stand out in a positive way. Seeing the fumble and recovery is endearing.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0CTHmQ2Jus

[mikestew]

You're absolutely right, as are the other commenters. I didn't think that one through as well as I should have before writing. In the spirit of the topic, I'll leave my "sour note" unedited.

[rquantz]

I missed this mea culpa when I wrote my response. Sorry about that.