Knowing is not the same as being able to...

​Have you ever wondered why some teachers still tell you things that you already know? I have found myself in that situation pretty often lately. And while this is a sign that my knowledge is increasing, it’s also a sign that I am not doing something that I think I am doing. In other words, why does that teacher feel the necessity to tell me that one thing? Perhaps there is a deeper reason...
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I recently had the opportunity to attend two amazing concerts by 2 previous GFA winners (Guitar Foundation of America, one of the premier guitar competitions in the world), and I was astonished by how accomplished they were not only technically and musically, but also as artists. For context, I am currently pursuing my doctorate degree in guitar and I am currently at the height of my career in terms of knowledge acquisition and technical exploration on the instrument. I was fascinated by how these two guitarists were able to accomplish so much with an instrument that in my head is so full of obstacles. However, the conceited part of me did not see them as unearthly as I had in the past. I was able to follow their musical intentions, I was able to recognize their technical facility as they tackled technical hurdles, and most of all, I was able to see how they got to be where they are at the moment (some of the best guitarists in the world).
            I felt inspired by their performances because they made me realize how much it’s possible on the instrument, and how good it can get! I also felt enthused to realize that at this point in my life; I have gathered a lot of the necessary tools to accomplish a similar result… I drove home in a good mood, and super ready to start practicing and simulate that result. As soon as I arrived home from the concert, I picked up my guitar, and started playing some of my repertoire. Soon, I realized that the gap between me and them had suddenly widened so much more than I had anticipated. I sucked! And I tried and I tried, but I could not simulate a similar result. My lines were disconnected, I had strange accents all over the place, and most of all, I did not sound at all like I thought I did. I felt discouraged because even though I had that ideal in my head, and I knew the basic steps on how to get there, I was not able to do it… This was a great learning experience because I realized that most of the time when I play, I hear myself in first person, and this little moment when I started to listen in third person, I realized that knowing how something works, or how something can be done, does not automatically equal to being able to do or accomplish that final result. However, it’s a great first step, and I am glad that I have been brought back to earth and to reality so I can continue running and climbing this amazing road towards becoming a better musician and a better version of myself.  
Carlos Bedoya, 11/12/23
As always, enjoy some music while you read :) 

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