how many years do you think it takes to master your instrument...and perhaps what does it mean:that you read a score the fastest,that you are ready to perform your piece the fastest with minimal training or that you have played the Rach3 sucessfully???

I think that true mastery of an instrument is achieved when you can play any combination of notes, in any rhythm, at any tempo, at any volume, with any advanced technique (eg for clarinet- gliss, multiphonic, flutter tonguing) and do it well.
I have been playing the clarinet for 10 years and I am still working on that.

good, thanks for your reply rachel

Generally and honestly speaking...it`s a life long journey. Let me put it this way...5/8 yrs to learn the instrument, another 5 yrs to know it really well, and another 5 yrs to feel really comfortable about it, and another 8 yrs to perfect it. And not every one can ardain the perfection level...it really depends on yr inborn qualities and commitment.

I think some people are gifted, like a tenor player I know, but that all people really wanting to master an instrument can master it. You don`t have to be born with anything but a genuin interest and stubborness when it feels like it os going backwards.