You are the jewel. Your imperfections are what is beautiful about you. What are your imperfections? How do they enrich your life?
A different way of thinking about imperfection
Rather than calling attributes “imperfections,” why not call them personal style or “personality.” I had a teacher many years ago who referred to such qualities in violin playing as “ism’s.” At the time I was working on orchestral excerpts with her, preparing for auditions.
Finding my own way
The point this teacher tried to get across to me was that music directors were not looking for musicians who already had deep-seated ways of playing. Rather, they wanted talented, malleable players. There was a point when I decided, at least for a while, that I was done with auditioning for jobs. Suddenly, I felt like I could really play again.
Perfection is in the ear of the beholder
It is sad to say that violinists who have very individual ways of playing, no matter how talented, will most likely only go so far in national orchestra auditions. However, classical orchestral playing is only performance practice. It isn’t “perfection.” My suggestion is to let go of trying to be perfect and focus on being yourself.
The Inspiration for Violinists card deck
This “Beauty of imperfection” card is part of a 50 card deck. Every card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.