Music as art

Having already discussed the more scientific leanings of music lets talk about music as art. I want to focus narrowly on music as expression. The urge to express is in us all. Crying starts at birth and laughing soon follows. Talking and singing are after that. Everyone is equipped to make music infancy. No one should be deprived from self expression. People are metaphysical. That means we need to express more than just our physical. Music can be an expression of the whole person.

What music expresses for you? Do you play to express? What ways other than music do you self express?

Music as science

Music resembles math most of all. There are rules that if followed guarantee a sound. Bach most of all knew this. 2+2=4 and 5-1 is a resolution. This is where years of study help with music.  No one goes into math and states "I don't want anyone to help me learn otherwise I will be doomed to compute like everyone else." If you want to do something new in math you will need at least your masters if not PHD and Post Doc. Music is the same. The more you know the more you are free to do. Theory only chains the ignorant musician.

Do you want to be original? Learn from everyone else.

Next week I will talk about music as art

Want to write a song for your Valentine? Watch below.

I think this is one of Schoenberg's most beautiful set of pieces

Being exposed

Listening to new music is like a vaccination. The first listen readies you for future experience.  Music is a language and each artist and genre use their own dialect. To be able to truly judge music you must envelop yourself in it. Full albums, full collections.

I had the experience of being in Phish tribute band. I was never a Phish fan but learning 20 of their songs changed my perspective. I respect them now. The ability to cleverly manipulate major chords for hours at a time is impressive in a similar way to abstract expressionism. Also, just the volume of what Phish has covered is incredible.

All music has something we can learn from. Surround yourself with people who listen to different music than you. It will force you to continue to engage new music. It is ok not to like some music but give it a try before you pass it off.

Here is a full Frank Zappa album. Certainly worth listening to.

once you have that under your belt try out some Ives

Keep Listening,

RCM

Music and Well Being

As is true with most professional musicians it is difficult to find the time to listen to music. I will go days without listening to music except that I play or teach. During these dry spells I find myself becoming more agitated and less balanced. Music is key (pun intended) to a musicians well being. Wash dishes and listen to music. Clean the house, do all those nagging things you need to get done but listen to music while doing it. I find if I don't listen to an hour of music (minimum) a day I become unbalanced. Life starts to feel more heavy and even the playing I do feels like work.

I would say the same about playing music. Play for no reason. If we have no more of the private experiences there is nothing more to share in public.

Just listen and play.

RCM