Practice Makes Perfect - Or Does It?

Things are moving along so far on the steel pan festival front. We are busily connecting with people who have either put on concerts or festivals before. So far, we have three meetings set up. 

The information gathering has been fascinating. It speaks so much of how people's preparation. It got me thinking about the importance of practice. When I was doing writing for a living, I would be writing everyday. Sometimes for pay or a client. Sometimes for me. The act of constantly writing was a kin to practicing. 

Now that I've taken up an instrument - steel pans. I see it as a need to practice everyday in order to grow in my playing of that instrument. I did the same thing when I learned the flute and piano. Sometimes it was not fun, but I found a way to make it so. I am a strong believer that preparation / practice may not always make perfect, but it gets you pretty darn close. Growth as a musician, working professional, and person comes during those times between music classes. It is in the applying of what you learned in class that you grow the most. I recently read a book called the Musician's Way. Without the best book I've read on approaching music and getting the most out of practice. 

So, I'll keep practicing and prepping for the steel pan festival. I think both will result in success. 

I found the following image on the web, that sums up my thoughts.