El Zorro was responsible for the best part of my childhood. I would dress up like him and have the best fights of my life with my imaginary enemies.
He was my hero but also my teacher. Today I would like to tell you how much he meant to me and what we musicians could learn from the man behind the mask.
8 Lessons from the Fox
* Training
El Zorro trained for months in order to pull off some astonishing moves. He even had a secret room where he could practice without being interrupted.
As musicians, we also need that secret room, the same dedication and perseverance in order to level up our skills. Training time it’s sacred.
* Learn form the Guru
A.k.a. your teacher. El Zorro did it and you must as well. He practiced and failed exactly like you and me. He even disobeyed his master and went for a run without being completely trained to battle. And you should too. Take the risk. It’s all part of the learning process. Once in a while forget about the master, experiment, try different strategies. Disobey and go for a run, who knows, you could end up somewhere nice 
.
* Believe
In the beginning, El Zorro doubt of himself. He was not sure he could embrace the journey being offered by the master. That is completely normal and musicians often doubt of their own skills. Wanna make something incredible happen? Believe.
* Fight Until Death
El Zorro wins no matter what. We musicians also win no matter what. You just have to take failure as the process to get there. Keep trying until your muscles can’t hold themselves anymore. Only then you reconsider.
* Be humble and kind
El Zorro reached a big crowd. Everybody praised him, the masses loved him. Why? Because he saved them from the hands of tyranny. He did something for them.
Musicians have the power to convert a big mass of people and turn them into fans. Do something for the people. Give away your music, play a free recital, get your name out there somehow. They will love you. Always stay like Zorro, humble and kind.
* Wear black
El Zorro wore black for his performances and so do we. That just makes us awesome .
* Have a best companion
He taught us how Tornado, his horse, was a loyal friend. They supported each other even when times were tough. We should take a hint and put it to practice when playing in a chamber group.
Your quartet is your team. Be loyal to each other. You depend from one another to make good music. Maintain a good environment in rehearsals.
* Help Others
El Zorro trained, learned, believed, fought until death, wore black, was humble, had a best companion and kissed Catherine Zeta Jones with a unique purpose. To help others. And we musicians should have the same attitude. We learn how to control a musical instrument for the joy of performing, the joy of making music.
As we evolve and become masters of our craft, living in a world where music it’s the center can be very gratifying. But don’t forget we need to do something for the neighbor. Sometimes that’s even more gratifying than music itself.
It’s the main reason we were put in this world. Then we’ll be complete musicians.
Have your priorities straight and you will be the best musician
you are able to become.
