Why Criticism Is the Best Thing That Can Happen to You

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Criticism is the shadow that follows every musician.

From the moment you pick up an instrument, it’s there. At first, it comes in small doses—feedback from teachers, a comment from a peer. But as you step into the professional world, it grows louder, sharper, and harder to escape.

The truth? You can’t outrun criticism. But you can decide what you’ll do with it.

For years, I let criticism define me. It nearly broke me. Until I learned that the power of criticism lies in how you choose to handle it.

The Lesson I Didn’t Expect from My Hero

In 2016, I met Tommy Emmanuel, my guitar idol, at a camp in Sydney. I arrived ready to soak up every ounce of wisdom, hoping to transform my technique and become a virtuoso. But the most valuable lesson he shared wasn’t about music—it was about life.

One evening at dinner, Tommy told a story that shifted how I view criticism forever.

At a guitar festival in Canada, a fan criticized him for playing too fast. The next year, Tommy kept that comment in mind and started his set with a string of slow ballads. Afterward, the same fan complained he was “too old and too slow.”

His conclusion? You can’t please everyone.

“You’ve got to be yourself,” he told us, “because trying to win over every critic will only make you lose yourself.”

That lesson stayed with me, but I didn’t fully understand it—yet.

How Trying to Please Everyone Nearly Broke Me

When I started my professional music career, I was consumed by the desire to prove myself.

For every nine people who praised my work, there was always one critic whose voice drowned out the rest. That single comment would stick with me for weeks, shaping what I played, how I played, and even how I saw myself.

I obsessed over learning songs I didn’t care for, just to win approval. I bought gear to fit into certain “scenes.” I spent countless hours perfecting techniques—not because I loved them, but because I thought they’d earn me validation.

It worked, in a way. My playing improved, and I gained respect. But I was miserable. The joy I’d once felt in music was gone, replaced by exhaustion and self-doubt.

By 2019, I was at my breaking point. I was burned out, disillusioned, and ready to quit music altogether.

Reframing Criticism: A Turning Point

That’s when I remembered Tommy’s story.

I realized that every time I chased someone else’s approval, I moved further away from my authentic self. The criticism wasn’t the problem—it was how I let it control me.

So, I stopped trying to please everyone. Instead, I asked myself: What do I want from this career? What would make me proud?

The answers led me down an unconventional path:

• I skipped university to travel and learn directly from musicians I admired.

• I built a music school from scratch, focusing on students’ love for music rather than rigid methods.

• I embraced digital tools and online platforms to share my passion with a wider audience.

The result? I rediscovered my love for music. I stopped feeling like a performer in someone else’s script and started living my own story.

What This Means for You

Criticism is inevitable—not just in music, but in life. Whether it’s from an audience, a boss, or even yourself, there will always be voices telling you you’re not enough.

But here’s what I’ve learned: You don’t have to let those voices define you.

Instead of seeing criticism as an attack, try to reframe it as an opportunity:

• Is there truth in it? Use it to grow.

• Is it noise? Let it go.

Above all, stay true to who you are. The more you lean into your authenticity, the more resilient you become—and the more your work will resonate with the people who truly matter.

A Final Thought

Tommy Emmanuel’s words ring truer than ever: You can’t please everyone, but you can be yourself.

Criticism will always be part of your journey, but it doesn’t have to be your enemy. It can be your teacher, your guide, even your greatest ally—if you let it.

Remember, the most important voice isn’t out there. It’s the one inside you.

Listen to it. Trust it. And let it lead you to the truest version of yourself.

Thank you so much for reading today’s newsletter.

I hope you find some comfort and relief after reading this today. As I mentioned, criticism comes with being a musician. But the one thing I didn’t mention earlier is that, criticism is something you can’t control.

What you can control is how you respond to it.

If you enjoyed this, share this with a friend who’s faced criticism (and ask them: How has criticism shaped your journey?).

Every referral helps me continue writing these newsletters to support musicians like you, who have struggled with criticism and other mental health challenges.

Thank you for your support! It means a lot.

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