In this week’s episode of the ArtistWorks Music Series podcast, ArtistWorks CEO Patricia Butler sits down with master bluegrass acoustic guitar player and ArtistWorks instructor Bryan Sutton to discuss the concept of becoming a confident musician. Together, they explore the role that confidence plays in performance, what can bolster or erode your confidence, and the steps you can take to become a truly fearless player. The show is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can listen here at ArtistWorks.

Master musicians radiate confidence when they’re performing. As an audience member, it quickly becomes apparent that you’re watching an undisputed master perform when every note, rest, passage, or shift in dynamics feels intentional, precise, and purposeful. Like experts in most crafts, however, master musicians don’t possess this self-assuredness innately. It takes years of hard work and commitment to develop. But, “how is it developed,” you may be wondering? As aspiring musicians, what can we focus our efforts and attention on in order to strengthen our confidence?

“When I feel confident, it’s because I’m trusting something,” Bryan explains. “Confidence is the manifestation of a more internalized recognition that, ultimately, is competency—knowing that I’ve done the work, and what provides me with confidence is trusting that work.”

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, Bryan provides specific techniques to help musicians of all levels grow their confidence, learn to trust in their work, and become rock-solid players.

“We’re always students,” Bryan explains. “And, part of what ends up manifesting as confidence for me is knowing that I’m also a continued student and there’s always something to learn. So, in that sense, the confidence doesn’t turn into over-confidence or an ego trip. It’s all about finding the right balance.”

To learn more about becoming a confident player, ways you can improve your success, and trust the work you’re putting in on your acoustic guitar, or any other instrument, listen to the full podcast with Bryan Sutton here:

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

ABOUT THE ARTISTWORKS MUSIC SERIES:

On the ArtistWorks Music Series, CEO Patricia Butler speaks with master musicians across all genres who teach at ArtistWorks. Join them as they dive deep into topics like becoming a musician, playing at all skill levels, and the journey of learning music.

Looking to dive into more music podcasts? You’ve come to the right place. Investigate previous episodes where plenty of topics are explored with fantastic, hand-selected, and knowledgeable guests.

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