One year ago, I saw one of my favorite musicians perform on stage. He was simply fantastic. I don't know anyone who could play acoustic guitar as smoothly as he does.

After the show, I had the rare opportunity to meet the star guitarist. I was awestruck. I didn't know what to say besides commending him for an outstanding performance as I shook his hand. "I admire the way you play! You're amazing! I love your music!" I said. Gushing like a teenage girl, I told him how I struggled playing the guitar.

His one-word response was, "Relax."

I know I was excited to meet him and also a bit nervous. But he didn't say I should relax right then and there. He meant I should relax when I played the guitar. That was his advice - the word of a master, the wisdom of my idol, the secret of success.

The next day, I picked up my guitar and tried to play a new tune I was learning. I kept hitting the wrong strings, sliding into notes either too short, making them flat, or too far, making them sharp - out of tune either way. It was miserable. I was miserable. I was struggling. I was trying too hard.

Then I remembered what he had said - relax. Yes, of course. I need to relax - I thought. I started strumming and picking notes precisely the way they sounded in my head. For the first time, I played the piece smoothly. I relaxed and played the music again. It sounded better. I played a few more times - each time better than before. The more I was relaxed, the better I played. I felt as though someone had cast a magic spell upon me.

As the days and weeks went by, I played more and more. I got better and better. All I had to do was think of a song or a piece of music, and I could play it perfectly the first time. I even started to compose my own music. It was simply magical!

Eventually, I had perfected playing so many tunes that I recorded an album. It sold thousands of copies. I recorded another album. But this time, it contained only my original music. It sold millions of copies. And millions more digital copies were downloaded every day.

Until now, I had been discreet and rarely seen in public. When my identity was no longer a secret, people began to demand a live performance. I had never performed on a stage in my life.

Finally, I caved. I arranged to perform at a local auditorium before 5,000 people. I decided on every piece I would play in advance. I would open with my most well-known tune and then close with original music from my most recent album.

When I took to the stage, the lights glared so brightly that I froze like a frightened deer in the headlights. I was so nervous that I couldn't play a single note.

Story and Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023 by Michael DeFrancesco