
10. December 2014
Constructive Criticism
What if we would try not to criticize something, unless we have a genuine suggestion how to fixBy J.P. Kallio It’s amazing how we can point out the mistakes in others work so easily, but still remain blind to our own mistakes. And if someone dares to criticised us, we get offended so easily, we either crumble and fall, or we go on a defensive war path and strike back. The irony is that in my experience when I get criticized about something, it falls into two categories. Either it is someones personal opinion based on what they like or does not like. For example if some tells me they don’t like my guitar playing and that I should try to play more like Joe Satriani, I would not read too much into it. My guitar style is individual and took me a long time to get to the point I am with it at the moment and I am fully aware not everyone will like it. But for me to try to please Joe Satriani fan who thinks Joe’s playing is the only way to do it, I’d be wasting my time. The other is the type I like If someone comes to me and say your strumming is solid but your fingerpicking could do with bit more definition, I would welcome it whole heartedly. This is something I can take with me, go back home and work on it. This kind of constructive criticism, if we take it correctly help us grow. But there is another point I’d like to make here. I have noticed something in the past few months by “observing my surroundings” (now man can’t get more political than thator improve whatever it is we are criticizing?

J.P. Kallio is a singer/songwriter