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An Atypical 'Performance' Talk by Chris Arcand A mixture of a talk on programming and a live classical music recital. Listen to a former-orchestral-clarinetist-turned-developer talk about parallelisms between music performance and programming - such as complexity, imposter syndrome, and true concentration - with live performances throughout!
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In the talk titled "An Atypical 'Performance' Talk" at RailsConf 2018, Chris Arcand explores the parallels between programming and music performance through his unique experiences as both a former orchestral clarinetist and a software developer. The presentation is infused with live music performances that emphasize the integration of these two disciplines. Arcand begins by sharing his background in music, highlighting his dedication to the clarinet from a young age, his aspirations to become an orchestral clarinetist, and his educational journey at the University of Minnesota. He emphasizes the complexity and imposter syndrome he faced while transitioning from music to software development. He draws comparisons between the two fields by discussing several key themes: - **Complexity in Learning:** Just as musicians face daunting scores and deadlines, software developers encounter unfamiliar codebases. Both require breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. - **Concentration and Performing:** He likens the focused mindset required for musical performance to the concentration needed for programming, referencing the book "Deep Work" by Cal Newport, which discusses the importance of focused, distraction-free work. - **Balance in Life:** Arcand discusses how musicians recognize the importance of balance between practice and life outside of music. This lesson translated into his programming career, emphasizing that overworking is counterproductive and can lead to burnout. - **Hero Worship and Imposter Syndrome:** He shares personal anecdotes that demonstrate how even accomplished musicians experience feelings of inadequacy and how these feelings are common among developers too. Arcand encourages the audience to understand that their heroes are everyday people who have worked hard, dealt with setbacks, and maintained balance. Through these discussions, Arcand illustrates that the lessons learned in music—such as handling complexity, maintaining concentration, and achieving balance—are critical components that contribute to personal and professional growth in programming. He concludes by playing a piece by Astor Piazzolla and urges attendees to recognize the importance of these qualities in both their personal lives and professional endeavors. Overall, the talk is a reminder that skills from one discipline can significantly inform and enhance expertise in another, making it relevant not only to musicians and developers alike, but to anyone striving for success in their field.
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