The generous performer doesn't play for the applause, money in the tip jar, a picture in the newspaper, or for the next "big gig" they hope to have. Generous performers proactively seek new ways to add more value than what was expected.
Musical performances are moved from good to great when the artist takes that extra step to be vulnerable and gives the audience what it needs. For example, it isn't a downgrade for a jazz musician to play a pop or country tune when it's requested, but an invitation to raise the bar.
There are much more generous musicians than myself and I have a lot to work on myself in this department, but here is a little example from my own life of how generosity pays off...
Just last week someone who was listening to me play jazz at the Craft Lounge approached me and asked, "I know it's slow, but can you play 'Amazing Grace'?" I could have responded with "I've never played that song in here before, and I'm not sure if everyone here will like it. I think you're right - it's too slow for now. Thanks for the request, though!"
Instead I accepted her request and gave it a jazz/blues/gospel feel. I'm a jazz pianist after all, and this could be a great way to give more than she expected. But a few measures in I realized I was pushing myself, and I got nervous. I've never played Amazing Grace this way before, what if I mess up? What if my rendition is rejected and she ends up frustrated?
As I approached the end the tune, I noticed it was going well and without any (noticeable) mistakes - but I was still nervous that my version wasn't what the requester was looking for. Yet when the song finished and I took my hands away from the piano I not only received applause and big smile from the person who requested the tune, but I received applause from the whole venue. When I risked playing her request and even played it in a way that might have been rejected, it paid off!
Here is the realization I had at that moment:
The generous artist gives more than what was expected, yet always gets more than what they gave.
It's easy to see what generosity looks like when we project it onto occupations that aren't related to music. Consider the generous mechanic who identifies more problems than the client did (and fixes them). Consider the generous chiropractor who goes beyond the needed adjustment and offers you guidelines for a new diet and workout routine that proactively fixes the issue (shoutout to Dr. Swaim at Swaim Chiropractic). These generous performers will get more business, better clients, higher pay, and still seek new ways to be generous... up and up they go.
This leaves me with a challenge I have for you - yes, you.
I challenge you to proactively look for ways to go above and beyond in every occupation. Seek new ways to be generous to your family, friends, church, employees, clients, co-workers, and even the people you might meet only once. Remember that generosity doesn't always looks like giving an extra tip to your server (though it can), but it can be in the seemingly mundane moments. You can ask your spouse how their day was (and really listen to their answer), check in on your kids, call a friend, or help a coworker with a task that wasn't assigned to you.
No matter what you give generously, you're bound to get more in return sooner or later...
... and you might make the world a better place.
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