Apples and Oranges

Comparing two musicians is like comparing apples and oranges. Musicians are different individually and bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table. Don't get me wrong, I am a big believer in admiring others when it inspires you to become a better musician but the danger is when you compare yourself to another to determine your self-worth. It's a hamster-wheel of discouragement that ensures you will never be happy or content.

As a student, I wasted precious time comparing myself to other pianists. I thought everyone sounded better than me through the walls of a practice room. Come to find out, everyone sounds like Rubenstein through the walls (even me)! Comparing myself affected the way I practiced, felt and performed. I can say with certainty that it unequivocally did NOT make me a better musician. It discouraged me and ultimately kept me from growing. Although feeling discouraged is not the only symptom of comparing yourself to another musician it is certainly the most common. Viewing yourself as the best or the biggest fish in the pond can also discourage growth. Why strive when you've already arrived? (At the very least, it is a not an attractive quality if you wish to have any friends)

My path to overcoming the perils of comparison was to focus on being that absolute best I could be. I like to think of it like a horse with blinders, only seeing what is in front of you without looking to either side. This way you are focused on moving forward. Of course it is a natural instinct to compare ourselves to others but we must keep a close monitor on how it's affecting our growth.

So, how can you know whether you are comparing or admiring?  Discouragement is the biggest red flag. A simple trick might be to check your "ego temperature" when you are thinking about or listening to a particular musician/person. If you feel the need to stop excelling either because of feelings of inferiority or superiority, you are comparing yourself. If you feel encouraged and motivated to excel, you are admiring.  Nothing will slow you down more or cause you to feel more discouraged than comparing yourself to someone else. So above all, focus on your own individual growth.