I appreciate your detailed response, Hank!

Let me say a few words about this claim of yours:

“Being technically adept at reading and playing music does not provide the insight to know when to hold the note one split second longer, or how soft to craft the series of notes. That level comes from becoming one with process based on an experience with life…”

I have two thoughts on this.

First, I would argue that a technical understanding of how to read and play music can likely inform, but not fully develop or account for, one’s practical understanding of how to play a piece of music. I certainly agree with your suggestion that good music (and good art more broadly) involves far more than mere technical mastery — passion, indeed, being one of those dynamics.

Second, and more importantly, my point is not so much that novice writers will become exceptionally gifted authors whose words resonate with the world merely because the former study the mechanics of writing but rather that developing an understanding of writing fundamentals (and of critical thinking) is a necessary prerequisite for developing into a brilliant writer at some point in the future.

There’s no doubt that writers must have passion, “real world” experience, and unique insights into the human condition in order to capture the imaginations of others. However, it seems to me that it’s precisely when these dynamics are added to a solid foundation of writing fundamentals and to continuous exposure to, and interaction with, writers more talented than oneself that up-and-coming writers can become truly exceptional.