Although I like to think that I made strong progress on the double bass from middle school through college, NPR's "From The Top" usually makes me feel otherwise. I admire the dazzling performances on that program by musicians who are accomplished beyond their years, but a typical biography on "From The Top" sounds like this to me:
"Young John (or Jane) began
playing violin in the womb and furthered his or her studies at
Juilliard three days after birth. The soloist composed his or
her first concerto at the age of six weeks and first symphony at the
relatively advanced age of 10 months."
When I hear that, I feel as though I've gotten no further than mastering "Chopsticks" on the piano. I'm sure I have company.
