I am a percussionist: should I be a jack of all trades, or a specialist?

Specialist, or well rounded? What a simple, yet extremely complex and intriguing question.

This is a topic common amongst musicians, often because there are such few jobs available, and few jobs often require the same skill sets. Especially in the field of percussion. As percussionists we have an array of instruments to consider. This begs many questions. So should I be an orchestral player? Or a marimba soloist? Drum Set Artist? What about world percussion? Should I spend all my extra time in school teaching extracurriculars to gain experience for the teaching life which lies before me? Or focus on playing because I'm a performance major? If I’m trying to be a timpanist, maybe I should forget about all the other instruments? Jack of all trades and master of nothing, or specialist?

I have witnessed professional performers that are where they are because they are a specialist. Similarly, I have witnessed educators who hold their position due to their well roundedness. Easy! So this means that all performers should be specialists , and all educators should be well rounded? The short answer to this is no, not really.

The reason I have found this topic to be so engaging, is because each time the topic periodically comes up in discussion, I observe a wide variety of answers, but never a clear solution. Taking advice from those in high and successful positions is of absolutely tremendous value, however something I have discovered over the years is that these people commonly have a roundabout way of telling you to do what they did. Take the path I chose, it worked for me! (no offense to teachers I've discussed this with, I love you all!). Moreover, students must have an absolutely tremendous amount of respect from those whom which they receive advice, but it is just as important to understand that every musician will carve out their own unique path.

Now, back to the issue....

I believe individuals who become successful in their field, are those who are the most willing to accept opportunities that exist outside of their comfort zones. This is true for both specialists and those who take a well rounded approach to their instrument. Let’s say I’m a Baroque timpani specialist (hypothetically, because I really am not). It’s likely out of my comfort zone to accept a gig with a new music ensemble, however this is likely to lead to future opportunities to play timpani, network, make money (oh ya that), and further my career. I'm a 'specialist,' because I focus on timpani, yet I was able to broaden my horizons by stepping outside of my comfort zone while creating opportunities for myself.

This reminds me of a situation I was in a few years ago. I accepted an adjudicating gig with the Canadian Drumline Association. I was to adjudicate about 20 drumlines from around Southern Ontario, and following the performances, I was to speak to the directors of the groups in regards to ways they could improve their program. At the time, this seemed slightly horrifying. I was 22 years old, and some of the educators I was to provide advice had been teaching for 30+ years (scary!). Although it seemed daunting at the time, I feel fortunate to have experienced this type of situation, and to have gained valuable working relationships and friendships with many of these people within the organization.

In conclusion, I like many others, do not have a clear answer to this question, and I won't pretend to. I do however have a couple of thoughts. I believe percussionists should form a unique hybrid of jack of all trades and specialists:

Do a lot of things well, but have a focus. Aim to experience situations which lie outside of your comfort zone in an attempt to create new ideas and opportunities for yourself. And of course, communicate regularly with your teachers, peers, and friends - understand their feedback, and eventually form your own opinions, and ideologies.