While cleaning my daughter's new (well actually old Brownstone) apartment in Boston last week so she could move her in for grad school, I reflected on how success is never easy or obvious. Most would say she has "a gift" for the French horn and some might even say it comes naturally for her. But we don't stop to consider the years of practice that's been invested since middle school, high school, and college. Private lessons, marching band in ungodly conditions, auditions that would scare anyone silly, are not seen by those who listen to her now. Success always seems easy and to "come out of nowhere" when we hear about it. I think we really wish it did and that's why we blot out the hardship required to get there. Boston is a bit intimidating for someone who's grown up in a town in Central Illinois let alone a new university with a renowned horn prof and performer. But it's all part of the growth process. An audition is now looming for "position" in the the orchestra. Practicing everyday for hours is underway. I can see it now, though. Someday when she's playing in a major orchestra, people will think it's just natural talent. Some of it is, for sure, but most of it is just darn hard work.

This is a super YouTube on "Famous Failures" ...enjoy!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT4Fu-XDygw