Definitive is just a matter of opinion. Why choose? I sang in a jazz ensemble for a couple years. When learning an old tune, I would listen to several interpretations of it. Jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day all inspired me, but in slightly different ways. Maybe I liked the introduction that Anita used, how Billie emphasized the refrain, and the way Ella came back in after the interlude. I would usually borrow ideas from any or all of them, and then add my own spin to the song.
That’s how I enjoyed learning, so I made the mistake that everyone else learns that way, too. Since I mainly focused on the vocals, I decided to share three recordings of a tune I wanted to learn at our rehearsal. I thought the musicians might pick up some ideas for their instruments.
One of the guys asked me, “Which version is the definitive one?” At first I didn’t understand the question! To even consider a definitive one felt restrictive to me. I had to pick just one? It was another life lesson about how we are all different in how we see the world, process it, and learn from it. So notice not just how you assimilate information, but how others around you do too:
- Like to see the big picture first before you delve into details?
- Would you prefer to build your understanding from the basics up?
- Do you learn using the shot-gun approach?
- Are you convinced that there is one right way?
- Does the concept of definitive bother you?
Everyone learns differently, and being aware of the differences will enable you to interact more successfully. So when I think of definitive, I think Why Choose?
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