Do you know an instrument?

Written By Phil Pallen
 

I wish I could play an instrument by ear.

I was 15 years old and so proud of the fact that I had taken 8 years of piano lessons and could sit down and play most any sheet music put in front of me. I couldn't necessarily play everything well, but I could read music, practice and get better. But then one day my buddy Rusty came over, sat down and played the piano like a pro. I gaped and asked “How long have you been taking lessons?” He answered so nonchalantly, “Never, I play by ear. “ And my jaw dropped even further to the ground.

Just not fair. I immediately signed up for 4 more years of lessons.

I was reminded of that story upon visiting Greg Wells at his studio. Each room contained a different variety of instruments that he can play! In one room, he had close to a dozen different kinds of pianos, another room for guitars, and another for percussion.

Greg possesses both the flexibility and strength to know so many different ways to make sound. It isn't that different from knowing many different languages. And what a great gift to have when creating.

I advise my clients that if it’s not too late (and it usually never is) to learn an instrument. You add value to your songwriting, artist and producing career.

 
Phil Pallen

I'm Phil Pallen, a brand and AI strategist who has spent 15 years helping small businesses figure out who they are, say it clearly, and show up consistently. About six years ago, I started creating content on the side as a way to teach strategy and tools to people who wanted to build their brands themselves. That side project now makes up 80% of what I do, and it has given me hands-on experience with hundreds of tools, partnerships with over 150 brands including Adobe, and a clear sense of what actually works for small businesses.

I have delivered keynote speeches on five continents, written AI for Small Business, and created Brandmasters, a private membership community for small business owners serious about their brand.

I am not just someone who talks about this stuff. I live it, test it, and teach it every day.


Find me at philpallen.co or @philpallen on social media.

https://www.philpallen.co
Previous

Versatility
Next

When the development process works