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“You can read all the textbooks and listen to all the records, but you have to play with musicians that are better than you.” —Stan Getz
This quote reminds me of another quote: “You are the company that you keep.” If you aspire to greater things, have goals you want to accomplish, or are even trying to change your state of mind, surround yourself with like-minded, similarly goal-oriented individuals because you will naturally strive to do and be more. This is a great quote that applies to all aspects of your life and can be applied to music as well. Both quotes have the same underlying theme: challenge yourself. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Studying music theory, listening to tons of music, and practicing for hours on end can help you become a better musician (in part). However, performing with musicians who are better than you forces you to be on top of your game, experiment, and push yourself further than you normally would. Also, seasoned musicians tend to teach you things in musical situations that you wouldn’t necessarily learn or experience on your own or with anyone else. Which, in turn, creates a more comfortable environment allowing you to push yourself even more.
Pushing yourself only produces real results (musical and individual growth) in real-life experiences or real musical situations. Playing with heavy musicians or musicians that are better than you is—in my opinion—the only way you really learn. You will make mistakes and you will be embarrassed beyond belief. I know that sounds unappealing (who in their right mind would willingly put themselves into a situation where they will most likely look like an idiot?), but it’s the best type of learning environment. “You learn on the job.” The next time you have an opportunity to play, you wont make the same mistake because you’ll remember how you felt when you were uncomfortable. When you were outside of your comfort zone. It’s in these moments of being challenged and being pushed beyond our comfort zone that we grow, discovering who we are as musicians and discovering ourselves.