For Juilliard-trained double bassist Taylor Abbitt, now a member of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in Sweden, the answer has very little to do with the instrument itself.
What struck me most about Taylor wasn't simply his extraordinary talent—it was his quiet humility. Beneath his reserved demeanor is a young artist thoughtfully growing into his own voice, discovering not only what it means to perform at the highest level, but what it means to become fully himself.
In this episode of At the Podium, Taylor reflects on the lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence, the discipline of preparation, learning to trust your own voice, and why every artist must eventually become their own teacher. We discuss the transition from student to professional artist, what it means to perform with conviction, and why true mastery begins long before stepping onto the stage.
Taylor also shares the influence of acclaimed bassist Joseph Conyers, his experience competing in the Sphinx Competition, finding his place as a biracial musician in the world of classical music, and the quiet confidence that comes from letting his excellence speak for itself.
Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, artist, leader, or simply someone striving to become better at what you do, this conversation is a reminder that the hardest instrument you'll ever master is yourself.
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