Musical Boxing – Success vs. Excellence

by Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff

Recently, I was reflecting on a memory from my childhood—my dream to become a professional boxer. My father had a heavyweight prizefighter as a friend, and after watching him perform live, I was completely hooked. I begged my parents to help me get into boxing, but they always gave the same answer:
“You’re too smart of a kid to step into the ring and risk your brain cells being knocked around.”

At ten years old, I didn’t appreciate that as a compliment. It felt like a flat-out refusal to support my dream. Looking back now, after completing my first degree in music, I realize that perhaps I’ve been fighting all along—but my opponent has been music, not another boxer.

Today, I want to share a few thoughts for all our students and parents—something we often don’t have enough time to fully explore during private lessons. Beyond learning techniques and repertoire, there’s a deeper journey that every musician faces: the choice between pursuing success or pursuing excellence.

This idea was crystallized for me through the writings of the great classical guitarist, Christopher Parkening. Parkening discusses how the pursuit of excellence differs from the pursuit of success, and this distinction continues to shape how I approach my own musical career.

When people casually ask, “What do you do?”, I typically answer, “I perform, teach, and compose. Music is my day job.” It’s a simple response for casual conversation. Yet when planning the broader scope of my career, I realize my own internal journey is more complex.
If my musical life were advertised on a marquee, it might read:
“Musical Boxing: Success vs. Excellence.”

Here’s how I see it:

• Success is often defined by external markers—recognition in your field, financial stability, and a fulfilling lifestyle.
• Excellence, however, is an internal pursuit: the deep, continuous exploration of your craft, driven by the desire for artistry above all else.

For musicians, especially those considering professional paths, it’s important to ask:
“What do I truly want to achieve as an artist?”
“How can my practice and study help me realize those goals?”

When students approach their musical journey with artistry at the center, both success and excellence can coexist. Ideally, the “fight” between them becomes a draw—balancing external achievements with a commitment to lifelong artistic growth.

At Grosse Pointe Music Academy, our goal is to support each student’s unique musical path, helping them not just learn their instrument, but also cultivate a deeper connection to the art of music itself.

Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep making music a part of your life’s journey.

— Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff