Renowned composer Alan Menken told the University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduates Saturday that they have two brains — one in their head and one in their stomach.
Your head-brain will help manage your daily life, and will lead the craft of your art, he told the graduates.
"But the brain in your gut will move you to unexpected places," he said, adding that his career would not be what it is today without his gut-brain.
Millions of people can hum at least one of his songs, and plenty of those can sing them word for word. Menken, best known for composing the scores for Walt Disney animations "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid" and "Pocahontas," was awarded an honorary doctorate degree at the 45th annual commencement services for the arts school graduates.
At the end of the ceremony, as a special surprise, Menken performed — singing and playing the piano — a medley of his "greatest hits" from all the films and shows for which he is famous.
During his remarks, Menken, — who has won 10 Grammys, seven Golden Globes and eight Academy Awards — urged students to embrace their limitations and fears.
"There is no path around them; you have to walk right through them. There is no shortcut to your self-realization as an artist."
Artists' greatest achievements typically don't come days, weeks or even months after their graduations or training, he said.
"Your best work is a hidden treasure," he said. "You can't just grab it. You'll have to dig for it, inch by inch. But take pleasure in the digging."
Take advantage of the artists who came before you, he said.
"Don't be afraid to imitate," he said. "Your voice will emerge."
Listen to your inner voice, he said.
"You are a microcosm of the entire universe."
And beware of perhaps the biggest artist pitfall of all — falling in love with your own work.
"Leave that to others," Menken said. "Your best work will always rise to the surface."
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