Challenging the Vision: A Tribute to A Musician Who Played To A Different Tune
March 26, 2009
By having a clear vision and direction, this musician was able to be the best he could be.
Having a clear vision and direction is an essential step to ensuring the long-term growth and viability of an organization.
Consider the case of the late acoustic guitarist Michael Hedges. On his many Windham Hill recordings, he literally redefined the musical boundaries of the acoustic guitar. And he would have continued to break new ground had he not been killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1997.
Windham Hill Records founder, Will Ackerman, told the story of how he “discovered” Michael Hedges. “A friend bribed me with movie tickets to a small upstairs room where Hedges was playing in front of 13 people. After hearing one song, I was so impressed that I began drawing up a recording contract on a paper napkin.”
There was no limit to the number of people who praised Hedges’ innovative work as a new age/jazz guitarist. David Crosby of the famed group Crosby, Stills, and Nash called Hedges the greatest acoustic guitarist he had ever heard.
Although Hedges’ style evolved throughout his performing career, he was always fresh, innovative, and a touch over the edge. How did he manage to do this on a consistent basis for over 15 years? The answer can be found on the liner notes of his first album, Breakfast in the Field. Here, in the dedication section, he thanked three of his teachers as follows:
“This album is dedicated to my teachers of composition: E. J. Ulrich who sent me on my way, Jean Ivey who let me go my own way, and Morris Cotel who asked me where I was going and why.”
It is this last question, of course, that is the most intriguing. If you have ever heard Michael Hedges play, you know that he routinely broke new ground in composition and performance. It is doubtful that he would have continued to innovate if he hadn’t constantly challenged himself by asking the question of where he was going and why.
If you don’t have a clear sense of direction in your organization, take some time and develop one. Follow Morris Cotel’s advice and ask yourself where are you going…and more importantly why are you going there. Continually challenge yourself and your group to break new ground. By constantly doing so, you will ensure that your organization is moving in a productive and meaningful direction.
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