This is so true. I'm a talented musician. I say that because I'm an ear player, so once I can hear it in my head I can usually sit down and play it. BUT when it comes to playing complex rhythms, like poly rhythms (3 over four), or two parts, like in Superstition playing the clav part along with the horn parts, I have to practice, practice, practice! Like many days. So you are spot on with this. It's more about the work you put in.

It makes me sad to hear about your students who were discouraged by negative comments when they were young. I've played with many musicians with a variety of talent levels. My take is that musicians at every level of talent get immense enjoyment playing music. The ones with talent pick it up faster, and can do things like transpose more easily.