Excellence vs. Perfection in Music
From Pitch to Performance
In our last blog post, we explored autotune and pitch correction, and what it means to pursue a great performance in the studio. We looked at vocal tools and how they can improve a performance or hurt its authenticity, depending on how they’re used.
That brings up a bigger question: when we aim for perfect pitch or flawless execution, are we chasing perfection or seeking excellence? This distinction matters. Because the way we answer it doesn’t just shape how we use pitch correction- it shapes how we approach music-making as a whole.
Every hour of practice, writing, and refining balances fixing flaws and growing expression. Knowing the difference between perfection and excellence shows us what matters. The goal isn’t to fix every mistake. It’s to capture something real, compelling, and alive.
Key Takeaways:
🎶 Perfection is a tool, not the goal. It points us higher, but becomes dangerous when it takes over.
🎤 Excellence comes in many shapes. From the precision of EDM to the grit of blues and rock, each genre thrives on different balances of polish and imperfection.
🥁 Imperfections can add character. The art lies in knowing which flaws to fix and which to keep.
💡 Excellence connects. Perfect tracks may impress, but excellent performances move people.
Defining the Terms
Before we go further, it’s worth looking at how the world defines these words.
Excellence: the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
Perfection: the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects.
As musicians, much of what we do- practice, refine, rewrite, adjust- is technically a pursuit of perfection. We’re working to remove flaws, to smooth out the rough edges in our performances.
But here’s the key: perfection is not the goal. We point toward it, we aim at it, but not because perfection itself is attainable. We do it because that pursuit can bring us closer to excellence.
The danger comes when perfection stops being a tool and becomes the destination. Because you can achieve something “perfect” and still completely miss the mark on what’s excellent, moving, or meaningful.
For a fuller look at the difference between excellence and perfection, you can read more in this article on Psych Central.
Lessons From the Studio
Back in 2015, Dave had the opportunity to work with Grammy-winning engineer Matt Ross-Spang at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. More than the technical details, it was Matt’s approach- his demeanor, musicality, and view on performance- that left a mark on Widget Studios.
Matt gave a TED Talk explaining better than most what it means to pursue excellence instead of perfection in music. That perspective has shaped how we work in our own studio to this day.
At Widget Studios, our process reflects this philosophy. As we mentioned in our last blog post, we like to combine the best takes. This can be vocals, drums, guitar, bass, or piano. We do this instead of relying too much on editing tools. If adjustments are needed, we’ll use them thoughtfully, but always in service of the performance.
Compelling music isn’t built on flawless execution; it’s built on moments that feel real. And depending on the genre, that balance looks different.
Electronic music often demands precision and control, while soul, R&B, rock ’n’ roll, and blues thrive on looseness, grit, and imperfection. Excellence has many shapes- but it rarely looks like sterile perfection.
Different genres illustrate this balance in practice:
EDM – Sam Gellaitry, “Assumptions”: A meticulously produced track where every synth and beat is polished, showcasing EDM’s pursuit of precision and near-perfection.
Blues – B.B. King, “The Thrill Is Gone”: Expressive guitar bends and raw vocals prioritize feeling over flawless execution, capturing the soul of the blues.
Rock – The Rolling Stones, “Gimme Shelter”: Gritty production and impassioned vocals convey urgency and energy, embracing imperfections to enhance authenticity.
Wisdom That Still Holds True
Thinkers and leaders outside of music have long wrestled with this same tension. Voltaire famously wrote: “Perfection is the enemy of good.” Obsession with perfection can stop us from finishing- or even starting- something good.
Coach Vince Lombardi put it this way: “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” Both quotes highlight the paradox we face in the studio.
Utimately, chasing perfection can lift us up and sharpen our skills. But it turns dangerous when we cling to it too tightly. The line between pursuit and obsession is thin. Pursue it loosely, and it can elevate your work. Obsess over it, and it can paralyze you.
Dave’s Perspective
As someone with years of studio experience and finely tuned relative pitch, Dave hears details most people might miss. Early in his career, that sharpness often led him to “fix” everything- quantizing drums, aligning every note, polishing every take. The results were technically perfect, but artists would return to the mixes saying something felt stiff or unnatural. The music had lost its feel.
Over time, he learned that not every flaw carries the same weight. Some imperfections weaken a performance and should be addressed. Others, though, add character, humanity, and depth.
The art lies in knowing the difference. Today, when addressing imperfections, Dave often asks: Does this need to be fixed- or is it better left alone? The answer isn’t always obvious, but holding that question loosely allows for music that breathes.
Striving for Excellence
Here’s the thing: the more we train our ears, the more flaws we’ll hear- and the more tempted we’ll be to correct them. But excellence isn’t about eliminating every imperfection; it’s about knowing which ones matter. Some adjustments will transform a song. Others will waste time or drain its life. Part of the mystery of making music is discerning which is which.
Why We Aim Higher
At Widget Studios, this is the approach that guides us every day and the standard we set- not perfection, but excellence. We’re not striving to eliminate every flaw; we’re striving to capture something alive, compelling, and true.
Our goal is always to help artists deliver performances that feel honest, powerful, and full of character. Perfection might polish away the life of a track, but excellence preserves its soul, allowing the music to connect with listeners in a way that truly matters.
We pursue the best with open hands, giving space for creativity, expression, and the unexpected moments that make a performance unforgettable. Excellence isn’t about flawless execution- it’s about capturing the essence of the music in a way that perfection never could.
Your Turn
Excellence over perfection isn’t just a philosophy for the studio- it’s a mindset you can bring to your own music, your creative projects, and your daily practice. Take a moment to listen closely to your own work: which flaws matter, and which add character? Which moments are alive and compelling, even if they aren’t “perfect”?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experiences with striving for excellence versus chasing perfection in the comments below, or tag us on social media and show us how you’re applying this in your music.
And when you’re ready to put it into practice, give us a call to discuss your next project- whether it’s recording in our studio or rehearsing in Studio B, we’ll help you capture performances that embrace excellence over perfection.
