The 1%

Would you switch your personal life, your friends, food, culture, the things you know—for hotel rooms, airplanes, restaurants, travel, affairs and a brand new exotic life?

Who wouldn’t? Any normal soul would scream YES!

Living the life of a soloist, executive or someone important sounds like a dream come true. You do what you love, get paid well and travel the world for free.

What’s not to love about that?

But, when you are a member of the 1% community, you have to deal with things the rest of us (99%) are not acquainted with.

When Everybody Knows Who You Are

As a 1 % member you’ll be exposed—like the astronaut fixing the outer layer of the International Space Station. You’ll live in a vulnerable zone.

You are also expected to over-deliver–make fans REALLY happy. Like a president, you lead masses and a single mistake will send you down.

Michael Jordan’s mistakes reached the tiniest corner—the same with Justin Bieber, Lang Lang, Dudamel and Jennifer Lopez.

They are the 1%.For a reason (in my opinion!).

These guys are strong. If Ricky Martin were to Google his name, he’s not only going to find praise but also gossip and comments he won’t like.

To live under this pressure is something we 99% people don’t understand. We can only imagine…

Stars in the classical music world have it tougher I think. They must impress at all times. That mean, they must practice every waking moment.

One wrong note and the YouTube community will fill the comment section with WHAAAAAATTTT!!!!!

No pity. Unbelievable.

The Sacrifice

If you were given the opportunity, would you have switched lives with Lang Lang, for example? Read his book and answer that question.

Not all 1% people have the same story, but often the story behind their success is not something you would want part of.

What if you are “normal” and want to be in the 1%?

If you were busy growing up with Nintendo and go-carts, like me, you need to catch up with the “lost years” (I don’t think they were lost). Anybody can join the 1% regardless of their childhood. Everything is possible.

If that’s your goal, then hit the practice room, Sibelius software or your baton, and love every minute of development. Don’t expect it in a month—it will take longer than a doctorate.

You too can reach high standards if you are dedicated.

You too can join the 1% if you choose to. It will take time and dedication—but you know that.

The question is whether or not you want to meet head-on with the consequences of being in the 1%.

Do I want to be in the 1%?

Sometimes, but today I just want to love the things I’ve achieved and keep setting goals. I’m not sure I’m strong enough to put up with that responsibility—but if I’m ever part of that group, I will promote music and art to the best of my abilities.

They are the reason I got there in the first place. I might as well pay tribute.

For the EMPIRE!

CESAR AVILES