He played the heaven out of his violin!

I recently saw the incredible violinist Ken Ford play in Atlanta at Villa Christina for a summer concert series. It was an absolute knock out as I watched Ken play the heaven out of his violin! I witnessed musical and self-mastery at its finest and I was literally blown away.

I was in awe at the high level of passion and energy and the way Ken moved the audience with his interactive presence and style. What does all of this have to do with learning? Everything. Ken Ford embodied a commitment and love for learning in everything he did. He spoke to the audience at the end and answered some of his most frequently answered questions; He has been playing for 30 years and was encouraged by his parents. He was embarrassed by the violin early on and it took time to get used to it. He now has his own foundation that is committed to taking up the slack with the budget cuts in schools for arts and he tutors and supports children who play string instruments. That’ living a life of contribution!

The theory of multiple intelligences by Howard Gardnerlists 8 primary intelligences including musical intelligence, which is actually, one of the most outstanding and significant intelligences because while playing an instrument, you are automatically incorporate the other intelligences such as liguistics, logical/mathematical, bodily/kinesthetic, visual/spatial, inter and intra-personal intelligences. I saw genius in action.

I was completely present to this phenomena tonight and I was in love. I was in love with his love for his music and I was also in love with what I do. I realize how many people don’t love what they do or don’t love learning at all for that matter. While watching him play I couldn’t help think that if we aren’t expressing passion and love at the level that he was, we’re only half alive.

Ken Ford was on a natural high and so was I. And! I appreciated the beauty of who he was as well as his sexiness too. Remember, intelligence and creativity are very alluring qualities. One who is committed stands out from the crowd and the one who can turn on the light of hundreds of people all at once, must have some special gifts. Are they special talents or did he develop them with persistence, commitment and determination to be the best? I know what I believe. I’ll let you decide.

I play the flute and I realize that either we’re committed to mastery or we’re just dabbling. And that’s with any subject!

How committed are you to standing out from the blase crowd of mediocre, just doing enough to get by dolts? Think about it. Check out Ken Fordfor a shining example of mastery and holla at me! Let me know what kind of music floats your boat and if you are committed to playing a musical instrument.

Smiles!
Millicent!

About Millicent St. Claire (27 Posts)

Millicent St. Claire is a speaker, trainer, author, attitude adjustment expert, accelerated learning specialist and is one of the top PhotoReading Instructors in the world. As the creator of the LIGMO Self-Mastery Process she encourages a culture where everyone can just "Let It Go and Move On!" and be their best selves. At CampusTalkBlog she encourages students to adjust their attitudes to adopt new and liberating study habits and to LET GO of any ridiculous attitudes that may be holding them back.