<p>Pay particular attention to the post made by raddad in the thread link I gave you a post or two above.</p>
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<p>Think of a musician as a sponge. Many absorb from a variety of sources, listening to professional artists, interaction with instructors, peers. There are technical skills to be mastered, and developed. Some seem to be born with an innate ability, others develop over time. </p>
<p>In most cases, it’s the sum of the breadth and quality of the experiences, not just one factor. Formal technical training is helpful in achieving mastery, but when does mastery become artistry is any one’s guess. There are self taught artists, and there are conservatory trained technicians.</p>
<p>Most will tell you a formal background in music theory, history, and the peripherals help to make them better musicians; some will argue vehemently in opposition. Private instruction, particularly at the intermediate and advanced levels can introduce a student to eureka moments they might never have been able to overcome or discover on their own. The interaction and exposure to equal or more talented peers often increases one’s ability and insights exponentially. Being surrounded by “like-minds” is a factor many cite in what defines them as a musician. Most will also stress the influences of a mentor, or a series of mentors.</p>
<p>For most, these experiences tend to be within the aspects of a formal training program, or a series of formal programs, which can typically provide a commonality of experience, not readily available elsewhere.</p>