My approach was inspired by the story of Duke Ellington, one of the greatest jazz musicians in American history. But as a child, he wanted to be a baseball player.
Ellington's parents wanted him to learn the piano. They found him a teacher. He was taught simple one- and two-note melodies emphasizing rhythm and timing. But this approach did not interest him. He quit and went outside to play baseball with his friends.
One day Ellington heard someone play ragtime. He was captivated. The spark was ignited. He wanted to learn to make music. Ellington began his career as a musician, playing, practicing, and writing--for the pure pleasure of it.