How to Become a World Class Expert in Just 20 Minutes a Day

Is it really possible to become an expert in some field in 20 minutes a day?

When I first was exposed to the idea, I'll admit I was rather skeptical. But I heard the idea from a very wise man named Earl Nightengale whom I respected, so the idea intrigued me. I was listening to his audio tapes titled "Lead The Field", loaned to me by a friend. Gradually the idea took root in my mind, and the more it did, the more excited I became.

So is it possible?

I'm here to tell you it not only is possible, it is almost a sure thing if you pick a very small subject in which you are extremely interested.

The key is to pick a subject you LOVE, and then narrow that subject down to a small bite-size area. Then spend 20 minutes a day ? every day ? learning every detail about that subject.

The reason that most people fail is that they pick too big a subject. You've got to narrow it down to a tiny sub-set, then go after it like a starving dog goes after a juicy steak.

Let me give you a personal example: I am a musician. Can I become a world-class expert in music?

Pretty doubtful, because the subject is HUGE. I would have to know music history, composers, composition, music theory, and musical instruments of all kinds, all about singing, opera, jazz and a hundred other sub-areas of music.

But in the area of music there is a sub-area of piano playing. I play the piano. So can I become the world's expert in piano playing?

Still pretty doubtful. Piano playing is a smaller area than music, but it's still huge. I would need to know all the piano literature from concertos to fugues, piano construction, pianists, piano styles, and dozens of other sub-areas.

Well then, how about piano chords?

That's a good deal more reasonable, and that's exactly the area I chose to master when I was still in my teens. I LOVED chords, so spending 20 minutes a day studying all about piano chords was like a chocolate addict spending 20 minutes in the Hershey factory. And while my goal was to spend 20 minutes a day, I was so interested in the subject that I usually spent more like 2 hours a day.

Am I the world's expert in piano chords?

Probably not, but it really doesn't matter.

There are probably many musicians around the world that know as much as I do about chords. But that's OK ? what I know about piano chords has enabled me to enjoy music like I never could have dreamed before, earn a lifetime of income, participate in thousands musical events, write a series of books on chords, and build a teaching studio that now reaches thousands and thousands of people all around the world via CD and DVD.

Can you do the same in your area of interest?

Of course.

Just make sure of two factors:

1. You are in LOVE with the subject;

2. Make sure the subject is small enough to master.

If you can do those two things, you are on your way to becoming a world-class expert in your field in 20 minutes a day.

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and music educational materials such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. His book-CD-DVD course titled "How To Play Chord Piano In Ten Days!" has sold over 100,000 copies around the world. He holds advanced degrees from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He is the author of the popular free 101-week online e-mail newsletter titled "Amazing Secrets Of Exciting Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions" with over 57,400 current subscribers.

---

Painting with Sound

Whenever I go to a Borders bookstore here in San... Read More

How To Play The Violin

This article gives the essential basics for how to play... Read More

Oh My Aching Head! Can Music Really Make You Feel Better?

We all know, if only instinctively, that music has a... Read More

Facts about Betty Kresin, Eminems grandmother

Betty Kresin, Eminem's grandmother from the maternal side... Read More

Learn to Read Music Online

If you or anyone you know wants to learn to... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Suck At Playing Guitar

You don't 'need' to play guitar enough.If you desire to... Read More

Sheet Music ? Violin and Other String Instruments

The violin is a bowed stringed instrument and is the... Read More

Tips for Buying Digital Pianos and Keyboards

Buying a digital piano could be a very delicate attempt,... Read More

Music for Corporate Entertainment

For many years I have supplied music for and played... Read More

What Works Best in New Age Piano Improvisation

Many students want to know how to improvise. What they... Read More

ADIRONDACK versus SITKA SPRUCE

Both of these timbers make great soundboards on flat top... Read More

Piano Playing is Easier than You Think When You Understand Musical Form

Form is the key that unlocks the musical map of... Read More

Polychords and the Jazz Improviser: How to Practice & Apply Polychords to Improv

In the world of music, many Jazz improvisers and Classical... Read More

The King of the Delta Blues Singers - Robert Johnson Still Stands at the Crossroads

Probably the most enigmatic Singer and Guitarist of the twentieth... Read More

Defining The True Artist - Do You Have What It Takes?

"The real communicating artists seek unique expression. They are not... Read More

Bono: From Music To Fashion To Helping The Poor

U2s lead singer Bono isn't content with being part of... Read More

Surf Waves With Jack Johnson

Lately I've been listening to some pretty cool music by... Read More

Music Bytes - Tips For Saving On Professional Software For Musicians, Part I

If you are outraged by the prices software giants demand... Read More

The Post-rock Revolution (Explosions in the sky)

A lot has been said about the 'post-rock' revolution as... Read More

Avoiding Injuries When Playing Guitar

To avoid any sort of injuries when playing guitar a... Read More

How Piano Lessons Benefit Young Children

Piano lessons provide a wide range of benefits to young... Read More

Spectral Muses Revisited: The Channeled Melodies of Rosemary Brown

Rosemary Brown (1916-2001) was a middle-aged South London widow, making... Read More

Formation of a Song (Recording)

As industry insiders, we sometimes forget that when discussing the... Read More

Getting the Best Performance From Your Artist

So now you've decided to record your songs. Good for... Read More

CD Clubs: How to Get the Best Deals Online

(1) The BMG Music Service offers the best deal you'll... Read More

Getting Rhythm - Three Tips for Guitar Beginners

If you are just starting out learning guitar one of... Read More

A Guitar Lesson To Help You Test Your Note Knowledge

In this guitar lesson we look at a great way... Read More

Guitar Buying - The Pros and Cons of Vintage vs. Reissue

To most people, owning the "genuine article" is the only... Read More

Les Paul Vintage Gibson Guitars

Les Paul vintage Gibson guitars were first produced in 1952.... Read More

Effective Band Rehearsal

If your band is in rehearsals, either preparing for gigging,... Read More

Irish Fiddle Ornaments

When I started playing jigs, my default bowing pattern made... Read More

Jazz Yatra

Jazz is arguably the most argumentative form of music (even... Read More

How To Play Piano Using Chord Symbols

Chord symbols (for example, Fm7, Cmaj7 or G6) are a... Read More