How far is the moon?

I haven't met any organist who would not be fascinated by the idea of improvisation and composition. They might not say it openly, but of course everyone of us has heard fantastic tales about Bach's seemingly supernatural skills. Every organist admires some of the best known French organ masters who all were equally talented improvisers and composers.

Some people seem to like more older contrapuntal styles, while others are deeply into Romantic and Modern musical language.

And yet, when it comes the time for us to articulate our dream in organ playing, when it comes the time to set goals, not too many people say that organ improvisation and composition are on their radars.

Why is it so?

I think that fundamental reason is that we've been brainwashed.

We've been brainwashed that only geniuses can create. Normal, ordinary people should follow instructions of those who are creative. We believe that creativity is not for us. That we're too old for this. That we should hide our mistakes. That we should be content to play what's already written by the geniuses. That in order for the organist to start learning improvisation and composition first he has to study many years of music theory.

All of it is true only if you believe it.

I've met hundreds of people who are fabulous in music theory but they still haven't done anything about their creativity. With their skills in harmony and musical analysis they could create entire operas and improvise full-length symphonies but all of them are content at looking into music of others.

What a waste...

We've been told to set realistic and achievable goals. But how do we know what's realistic and what's achievable?

How about reaching for the stars and landing on the moon?

You are worth more than you think.