Is all of that while sticking to one genre? At Berklee they told me that I had to pick a genre and if anyone asked me what I played, or wrote it had to be one genre. Otherwise you will never be a standout success. I'm sure they are right, but I'm happy being me.
I do think it's good to be known as someone who does something particularly well - so that might fit in with what you were told - but the more skills you can add and techniques you can offer to a band the more likely you'll be hired over the next person, who doesn't have those skills. You definitely want to avoid being perceived as a "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" so I guess that's maybe what they were getting at. In my opinion, the most skilled musicians have a wide understanding of all techniques relevant to their instrument and styles of music, but - most importantly - know when it's appropriate to use each technique and when not to. Having a wider color palette to choose from doesn't mean you throw all the colors on the page at the same time, it just gives you the ability to create exactly the picture you mean to with the most depth and nuance.
Is all of that while sticking to one genre? At Berklee they told me that I had to pick a genre and if anyone asked me what I played, or wrote it had to be one genre. Otherwise you will never be a standout success. I'm sure they are right, but I'm happy being me.
I do think it's good to be known as someone who does something particularly well - so that might fit in with what you were told - but the more skills you can add and techniques you can offer to a band the more likely you'll be hired over the next person, who doesn't have those skills. You definitely want to avoid being perceived as a "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" so I guess that's maybe what they were getting at. In my opinion, the most skilled musicians have a wide understanding of all techniques relevant to their instrument and styles of music, but - most importantly - know when it's appropriate to use each technique and when not to. Having a wider color palette to choose from doesn't mean you throw all the colors on the page at the same time, it just gives you the ability to create exactly the picture you mean to with the most depth and nuance.
Great, and most welcome advice - thank you, Vanessa!
You're always most welcome, my friend!