[meisenhower]

Evil, you are certainly living up to your name.

I don't wish to mince words with a wanker with an inferiority complex about their lack of skills, and I'm certainly not trying to "rosey up" to anyone (least of all you).

Be disagreeable, as that is one area that you seem to have "talent". Talent making music? Haven't heard any thing that would suggest that, sad to say.

Since when does practicing 8 hours a day limited to someone playing in a particular "style?" Do you think that long practice is the bastion of only classical and jazz musicians?

Because I have practiced 8 hours a day (certainly when preparing to play a classical concert), but also to develop the requisite technical ability on my instrument to not limit what I can play. Practicing 8 hours a day will eventually give you mastery over your instrument of choice. It also instills discipline into a person and teaches and rewards patience.

There is something to be said for mastering something in one's life (and Evil has mastered making "multiple quote" responses in his replies. I guess all that technical machine experience is paying off.

It's no different than years of advanced study at a university, or formal training in the other arts (painting, sculpture). Sure, anyone with a canvas, brush and paint can create something (and in some rare instances, a truly gifted individual comes along and breaks all the conventions), but having studied the formal techniques, knowing about color and composition and years of practice and study is the path to a career.

I don't understand why anyone would think that dedication, fortitude and the desire to be as proficent as possible, through whatever measures necessary can be a waste of time, and not see the value proposition.

I'm certainly not trying to put anyone down, with the exception of maybe . . . oh never mind.

Lastly, I wasn't the first post on this thread, as my first comment happened around page 3 or 4. There are people in front of me that don't share your opinion, Evil! What a shock.