How can you become excellent?

The essential difference in virtuosity between two musicians at the entrance exam before the conservatory, is determined by the time they spend practicing. Pedagogical research shows that anyone who wants to master any skill needs on average 10,000 hours of practical experience. That is 8 hours a day, 4 years on end, of practice. Before they first scored a success with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1964, The Beatles performed no less than 1,200 times for years. Concerts that do 3 could last up to 8 hours. The shortest way to virtuosity and excellence is guided practice. That is: exercise under the guidance of a trainer or coach. That works with violins, football, Italian cooking and all other teachable skills.