What is Greatness?

I had a student recently tell me, they were quitting music because, in their words, they would never be "great".  (the student did not end up quitting music, but it got me to thinking about this concept of "greatness").  The following are some quick thoughts I had while considering the topic.

Greatness is not achieved in a single moment.  It occurs during small moments along a journey that is intentional by someone who is willing to: participate; be vulnerable; fall in love with process; share the results of  process; be forgiving of self and others when goals are missed; be humble in successes; acknowledge soul responsibility for the outcome of the journey; acknowledge that the journey will only bare fruit with the help of others.

Greatness happens when quality opportunities meet ambitious intentions.  Without one of these things, nothing happens.

Greatness is not fame - sometimes it is never seen.  Greatness is gone the moment it happens.  Greatness does not bring with it a pot of gold.  Greatness is connection to the source.  It is a soft hand caressing the cheek of the ones you love, it is the strain of muscles lifting a heavy head in the midst of disappointment.  Greatness evokes admiration, it does not ask for it.

My goal as a leader is to practice staying on my own journey and to support people on their journey so that they may experience moments that inspire themselves and those around them.  I measure success  by the quality of the character of the people around me and the resiliency of their spirit, not the quality of their product.

I watched this video a while ago and thought it was pretty great (especially the second half) - I think it might apply to the topic at hand.

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability

I am a Skidmore Prize Winner!

In October of 2011 I was honored to be awarded a Skidmore Prize by the Willamette Week.  (yes, I realize I am posting this a bit late, however, as they say, "better late than never")   This award is given to young outstanding non-profiteers in Portland, OR.  As part of the award I was one of four featured individuals on the cover of the Willamette Week, and participated in 30 minute interview on OPB's Think Out Loud (click the link to listen to the interview).  In all, I was able to share My Voice Music's mission and vision with thousands of people. What an honor!  You can learn more about this award by visiting My Voice Music's blog post - A City's Riches, Ian Mouser Awarded Skidmore Prize

New Album, There is a Light, Available

The Sanctuary

This is my basement studion located in my humble home in NE Portland.  I have had the pleasure of recording my own music, as well as some of my favorite musician friends in here.

Special thanks to Nate for helping me name the studio : )  I was talking to him and his band, Yetti Sweater, about how my studio is kind of like my sanctuary.  It is calm and quiet and offers a place for reflection.  It can also be a place that makes music that shakes the walls and raises the roof and transcends.  He advised me that, Sanctuary, is what it should be called...sounds nice to me!