How many times has some musician said to me, “You really should learn another instrument.”? I've played the autoharp for 15 years now, and I still love it.

Sure, I occasionally dream of playing the fiddle. I've picked up the bodhran. I've stumbled over the penny whistle numerous times. But none are as satisfying. None offer the chance to grow as an individual quite the way the autoharp does. After seeing all the different autoharps and musical styles at the California Autoharp Gathering, I don't think I will ever change. The autoharp must be the most individualistic instrument ever created.

I remember in college a guy in my dorm practiced Van Halen songs incessantly. He was dedicated. I bet today he is a master at sounding just like Eddie Van Halen when he wants to. That will never happen with the autoharp. There are too many unique styles and not enough autoharpers. My style evolved from never remembering hearing another autoharp and my own imagination.

I thought to myself many years ago, “I have 21 chords and 5 octaves, what can I do with this instrument?” And I'm still learning. Why on earth would ever want to change? Become another mediocre guitarist? Not me. I enjoy hearing the guitar like everyone else, I don't care enough for it that I will ever become anything more than mediocre. Or should I do the same with the penny whistle, bodhran, or fiddle? Sure, I might explore a touch of those instruments, but ultimately, I will never be anything more than average, at best. Why do that when instead I can become a great autoharper!

Mediocrity will never equal success. If you can't bring unending joy or piss someone off, you probably will never achieve much. What's that phrase again–the greatest threat to any business is to be recognized as average. Because no one talks about average. They talk about things that upset them or make them happy.

For me, the autoharp fills that quota. I'm not the best autoharper out there. After seeing the amazing skill of folks like Bryan Bowers, Drew Smith and Ray Choi this weekend, I see just how much I need to practice and learn. But I'm also not the worst. I'm above average and a good performer.

I appreciate feedback from musicians concerned with my “limiting” choice of instrument. But they don't understand it. They've never tried to master the autoharp. I challenge any musician who thinks it is limiting to practice 3 hours a day like that college dorm friend to see if they can imitate those autoharpers above. I bet they will give up and realize the autoharp offers we individuals much more than imitation will ever offer.