Scott Henderson Discussion

[ErfanAkli]

Hello Scott!

I'm a 18 year old Persian guitarist
And is about 8 months I started learning jazz
You're my hero
I'm influenced by you, john scofield ,pat metheny ,sylvain luc ,richard bona and persian culture
I practice all the day , I'm worried about how much can I be successful
I don't know what is wrong with me ...!? I think I'm Not normal
I like to play in the biggest jazz festivals and I don't know my practicing is enough for this or not !
My question: Is my thinking cap wrong ? Had you the same feelings when you were 18 ? Isn't my age too late for my goal?
Thank You for your time and your music , and sorry for my bad english Hope meet you in the future

[Scott Henderson]

Your age is definitely not too late for your goal. It's jazz, not pop. To be honest, when I was 18 I wasn't thinking so seriously about the future, and even though I wanted to someday be able to make a living playing music, I didn't know if it was possible.

I did practice a lot, but playing in bands as much as I could was equally as important. I was playing five nights a week in clubs, playing mostly Top 40 and classic rock. Transcribing the guitar solos and chords from those songs was really important in my development as a musician.

Persistance is the most important thing - it's nice to be born with natural talent, but I certainly wasn't. I couldn't even tap my foot and play in time as a beginner - I've seen 15 year old students who have perfect rhythm and never had to practice it like I did. My point is, play all the time and make yourself known around your music community - your hard work will pay off.

[ErfanAkli]

Wow! Thank you sir! That was so helpful