It’s that unbelievable fantasy that all of us in the music business are pursuing. While we think that few of us will ever win the “ jackpot”(最高奖赏)of music fame and fortune, emotionally we still hope that one day we will be included in that small group.

As long as the music business has existed, people have been trying to discover the basic ingredients for success. Opinions range from having post-graduate degrees in composition on the one hand, to having an uncle who drives the bus for Reba McIntype, a famous country music singer, on the other hand. (Probably both would be helpful!) In my opinion, however, there are two doors that are absolutely essential in order to enter credibility. They are available to anyone, but they do require a key, and the key to both of them is perseverance.

There is nothing that can replace excellence! It is the first door we must open in order to have any hope of achieving our musical goals. And, unfortunately, there is no shortcut to excellence. The only way to achieve it is through dedication, discipline and lots of blood, sweat and tears… in other words, perseverance.

Every day I received emails from promising songwriters and musicians all around the world who mistakenly think that natural talent is the magic ingredient for success. While talent is certainly a plus, it is by no means the miraculous elixir(神奇的灵丹妙药)that will turn you into a famous person. Think about it for a moment: How many very talented people do you know personally who are much better songwriters and musicians than those you hear on TV and on the radio? I’ll bet you can say that you know quite a few. And yet, most of these gifted artists will never be known outside their own family or community. Why? Because natural talent—by itself—is not enough.

Next time we will explore the other door to the world of music achievement—the door of credibility—and how the perseverance key works to unlock it as well.

68. In the author’s opinion, the key to success in music achievement is __________.

A. talent        B. dedication C. perseverance      D. discipline

69. Which paragraph will end with “Whether you’re very talented, or just average,   perseverance in practicing makes a difference in your music career.”?

A. One    B. Two    C. Three  D. Four

70. What is the author most probably?

A. A psychologist             B. A teacher  C.A well-known musician   D. A talented writer

71. From the passage, the author wants to tell us_________.

A. difficulties in the music business

B. the key to success in the music field

C. the jackpot of music fame and fortune

D. the basic ingredients for success