What Working with Great Musicians Taught Me About Growth
- Rafael Piccolotto de Lima
- Apr 9, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 21
Want to know the critical insight I had early on in my career? Something that changed my life and was one of the determining factors for my success?
I had an insight related to partnerships, artistic and professional. And this is the key to the success of many great artists we know and admire.
One of the fastest ways to grow as a musician is to surround yourself with people who challenge you. Working with talented collaborators, mentors, and artists whose work you admire can raise your standards, expand your skills, and accelerate your artistic development.
A Decision That Changed My Development as a Musician
In my second year of college, I put my ego aside and sought partnerships with people who were 'better' than me.
It may sound simple, but it can be very challenging, especially when you are young and need more self-confidence. It is normal to be afraid to work with people who are much more experienced, professional, or talented than us. Sometimes we don't feel able; we can feel ashamed or even taken by the impostor syndrome. I forced myself to abandon this mindset in my early 20s.
I looked after fellow musicians who were extraordinarily talented and produced music that inspired me. These were the people I should carry out projects with in partnership.
I remember the scene - on New Year's Eve of my first year in college - and the promise I made to myself: "Next year, I want to do a project with this person and this person." These young musicians had already won national awards or played at prominent venues in my hometown. In that regional universe, they were my "heroes."
The truth is that working with people who are as good as, or better than, we are tends to elevate the quality of our work. Their standards, ideas, and experiences challenge us to improve. I noticed that difference immediately, and many other opportunities emerged as a consequence.
Let me loosely quote director and screenwriter Woody Allen: he said that the better his cast and team are, the easier his work as a director is, as well as the artistic results. Similarly, you must carefully select artists to work with you on your projects.
In opposition, it is much harder to evolve in an environment where we are much more experienced, proficient, or talented than everyone else. In these circumstances, we have no one to pull the level up.
Complementary skills and capabilities
But distinguish my attitude in seeking specific musical collaborations from a disdain for less experienced colleagues. Many times we can find skills and abilities in these people that are complementary to ours and that pull us up in other aspects of our artistic journey.
Miles Davis is an example of a musician who did that a lot and did very well! He invited talented musicians younger than him to participate in his groups. These young talents brought freshness, creativity, and vitality to his work.
In the end, everyone wins!
Not every valuable collaboration depends on finding someone more experienced than you. Sometimes the most productive partnerships happen when people bring different strengths to the table. One musician may have exceptional creative ideas, while another may excel at organization, production, communication, or leadership. These complementary skills often create opportunities for growth that neither person could achieve alone.
The Role of Environment in Artistic Development
I emphasize the value of the study experience in universities or conservatives, especially where the application process is demanding and selective. The entrance barrier - such as a multi-day aptitude test - makes only those interested and dedicated to musical study enter. In this way, we can be side by side with other people who, like us, worked hard to get there. These musicians are probably good at what they do. Being next to talented and dedicated colleagues creates a conducive environment for development, raising expectations and boosting everyone's growth.
This principle extends beyond universities. The same can happen in professional communities, artistic organizations, creative collectives, and cities with vibrant cultural scenes. The people around us influence our expectations, habits, ambitions, and artistic standards more than we often realize.
The same goes for being in a city with a high-level music scene, a subject for another article on the page.
Surround Yourself with People Who Challenge You
Seek opportunities to be around people whose work inspires you and who are creating meaningful things. Whenever possible, collaborate with artists who challenge you, whether through their experience, creativity, discipline, or unique perspective. And remember that growth does not only come from working with people who are “better” than you. It also comes from working with people whose strengths complement your own.
About the Author
Rafael Piccolotto de Lima is a composer, arranger, music director, and educator. A Latin Grammy-nominated composer and recipient of 13 DownBeat Awards, he teaches, mentors, and supports musicians in the areas of composition, arranging, musical creativity, and artistic development.
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