Why Every Musician Needs to Keep Learning

A couple years ago I was going through a bit of a musical rut.  I was four years out of music school and three years out of recording my debut album.  I found myself in a comfortable routine of playing music for a living but not doing much to improve my craft.  I was still doing music so at least I had that going for me, right?  But the reality was clear. . . I was not improving or challenging myself at all.   

I vividly remember seeing a certain musician perform one night during that time.  This individual had been doing the same act for years without any fresh material and for the first time I felt that it was out of date.  At that moment I had a frightening thought.  What if I'm getting outdated?  What if the recording ideas I'm bringing to the table are regurgitated?  It hit me that day that I needed to change my mindset.  It wasn't good enough that I was making a career out of teaching and playing music.  I had to keep learning.  

Whenever I see bands or artists that have been able to maintain relevance over a couple decades it blows my mind.  Artists such as U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Sting have been lifelong learners.  They have been able to keep up with the times for a few reasons.  First of all, they actively use their gifts.  Secondly, they aren't afraid of change.  Thirdly, they keep going back to the drawing board with every project.

The other thing I'd put in the mix is that it is so important for artists to listen to other artists.  I have a few friends in town constantly sharing must-hear new music with me.  Inspiration breeds inspiration.  So yea, I'm going to put my headphones on now.  :)