by Quo Elbert

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: May 09, 2008

Is one skilled merely because they inherently possess the basic tools? If I were nit-picky-which I am-I would argue that "talent" and "skill" are substantially different. One gift is innate, a "special natural ability." While the latter term offers hope for the rest of us; Webster Dictionary considers a skill to be a "great ability." That's a far more reachable goal attainable with discipline and regular, honest assessment. This concept blankets all disciplines and even the realm of art.

Ken Foster (www.kenfoster.com) has seen over 1000 students during his 35+ years as a piano teacher. He recalls a student he'd had for several years who had learned all the technique that was at Mr. Foster's disposal. Though efficiently grasping the skill of piano playing, the student never excelled beyond the basics and onto improvisation. On the other hand, there are those who possess the talent, but lack the discipline. Mr. Foster relates a personal example; "A teacher once told me that he probably would've given up on me long ago if it weren't for my talent."

Mr. Foster goes on to refer to cases where more regimented students have managed to achieve a higher skill level than their more talented, less motivated counterparts. "Talent will certainly take a student much further than without; but as far as performing it well for themselves or for enjoyment it is not a necessary ingredient."

My own personal illustration occurred during elementary school. I played the flute in our school band and took to the instrument pretty quickly. As a result, I won the honor of first chair in my flute section 3 out of 4 times. At one such competition I went head to head with my musical arch nemesis: a skinny, white kid with straggly brown hair and fire in his eyes. He had never been able to imbue the compositions with the emotion that seemed to float so easily from my breath. Though he'd try. Oh, how he'd try.

I hadn't bothered practicing much this time around. He had, as usual. Yet, this round his posture was more deliberate, his breath more measured; and the intensity of the look he gave me as I sat down from my obviously lacking offering made me uneasy. Guess who won that contest?

To this day, I retain the memory of him happily making his way to the band class that didn't quite make it onto my own middle school class schedule. And, I watched as he continued to excel in the very instrument with which I once dominated.

Skill, unlike talent, is a result of deliberate training. And, it's accessible only to those who dare to overcome the hurdles of that discipline. For some, these hurdles stand no taller than a trampled anthill, while others face mountains. Maybe that's not fair, but the good news is that even mountain climbers can reach impressive heights.

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