In this episode you'll discover how a musical prodigy and world-class musician and producer maximized his God-given talent and overcame his insecurities - and how you can do the same.
From the age of 2, music was Vaughn "V.Keys" Henry's God-given focus. His incredible gifting was evident to all as he exhibited all the attributes of a child prodigy, even leading his church band while still a pre-teen.
He since has become one of most respected gospel / jazz musicians on the planet working with such top-notch groups like Snarky Puppy, Ghost-Note and his new ensemble, The Smoogies.
He has appeared on national talk-shows like The Harry Connick, Jr. Show, toured the country, and astounded YouTube viewers with his imaginative arrangements.
But as he began to gain notoriety, insecurities about his place in the world of music began to cloud his success. How was he able to rise above them, and prevent his doubts from limiting his full potential?
To see more of V.Keys' work
Commissioned Tribute - https://youtu.be/VoUtLsWJneQ
MORE INFO ON THIS VIDEO:
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction
00:10:02 - The Roots of Vaughn's Musical Journey
00:11:00 - Success and Struggles as a Prodigy
00:26:01 - The Importance of Discipline
00:27:26 - When Hard Work Pays Off
00:32:09 - Balancing Creativity and Family
00:37:43 - Finding Peace in Obedience
00:45:24 - Prioritizing Rest and Family Time as a Creative
00:52:18 - The Importance of Identity
You'll learn how to:
Unveil the formula for merging spiritual beliefs, innovation, and discipline to excel as a musician.
Obtain knowledge about defeating self-doubt and maintaining sincerity in imaginative endeavors.
Recognize the crucial role of strong relationships and supportive networks in a musician's journey.
Encounter your unique character by venturing into diverse musical experiences, categories, and styles.
Achieve equilibrium between family life and artistic aspirations to lead a fulfilling existence.
Pursuing Your Calling
There's immense value in understanding and following one's calling in life, particularly for creatives. This entails finding the path that aligns with one's passion and abilities, and pursuing it with dedication and authenticity. Knowing where one's talents and interests lie can bring fulfillment and success, while also making a positive impact on others. It's vital to remain true to oneself and to concentrate on personal growth, as that will ultimately lead to opportunities worth seizing. Vaughn Henry's journey is a clear testament to this; he discovered his passion for music at an early age and recognized it as God's calling for him. By remaining authentic to his own creative identity and focusing on improving his craft, Vaughn could thrive both personally and professionally.
The Importance of Discipline
Discipline is crucial for anyone trying to succeed in their chosen field of pursuit. In creative industries, this entails consistent practice, a strong work ethic, and the determination to excel. Moreover, remaining disciplined can take an individual's natural talent to new heights, offering better chances of achieving goals and reaching their full potential. For Vaughn Henry, discipline has been a key driver behind his success in the music industry. From playing the organ in the church to joining the jazz program at Broward College, he consistently nurtured and refined his skills. This combination of talent and dedication allowed him to explore and express himself through music, ultimately leading him to gain the confidence and recognition he deserved.
Prioritizing Rest and Family Time as a Creative
Taking necessary breaks and prioritizing quality time with family are essential ingredients for a healthy mindset and personal well-being. Time spent recuperating and engaging in meaningful interactions with loved ones allows for a refreshed perspective when embarking on creative projects. Vaughn Henry stresses the importance of allocating time for relaxation and family in one's schedule to ensure that work doesn't consume every aspect of an individual's life. This conscious practice of work-life balance can ultimately lead to a more productive and satisfying approach to creativity and personal relationships.
