“Imitate - Assimilate - Innovate" is the technique that trumpet player Clark Terry pioneered to bring students to the point of creativity. It is equally useful in any field of human study or endeavour.

As a child, one begins speaking with imitation - listening and copying. Gradually, your vocabulary grows and you become aware of grammar – assimilation. Those who choose to use language creatively – writers, orators, lyricists – proceed to innovation.

“During the process of assimilation the artist’s output will be an imitation of the beloved form.  In the end, for the uniquely gifted, there will be innovation” (Suzanne Rotolo)

I believe every child has the ability to reach innovation. Too few move past the “imitate” and “assimilate” stages”, but many don’t last because they don’t realize you can’t or shouldn’t skip the first two stages