Music is for sharing

Several events and discussions over the past couple of days have reminded me of an essential truth: music is truly whole only when it is shared.

Music is a performing art

Unlike most visual arts, the aural arts are enjoyed while the artwork is being created. Of course there are are exceptions to both categories: the visual art of dance and the aural art component of composition spring to mind. We will discuss the impact of live vs. recorded events in a future article, but for the moment, let’s focus upon how the performance relates to the music itself.

For any newcomers to the Part-Time Musician “playing addiction”, there is nothing quite like a live performance – no matter how small or large the audience – to make you more fully appreciate your music and the impact it can have upon people’s lives. This is about you, of course; after all, you get to enjoy the benefits of your learning, growing, and playing on a daily basis! But when you share your music with others by playing for them, everyone is enriched. Those listening are transported to a world of your creating, and the gift you receive is wrapped in the giving itself. It’s hard to explain, but very real to experience.

Music is an inheritance

Last night, I visited the youth symphony for which I was, for four years, Director of String Ensembles. Watching and listening to the new Director and group, I was impressed with the talent and commitment evident in all involved. When you’re in the middle of the scramble, it can be easy to overlook that. It reminded me of how important it is to pass along your music and knowledge – whether very specific or wide-ranging, structured or just “felt” – to others.

There is an age-old struggle within most musicians, whether full- or part-time, regarding personal advancement vs. contributing to others’ advancement. This often translates to “play vs. teach” in the full-timer’s world, but it’s much more complex than that. Most musicians (or artists of any stripe, really) must strive and improve over time to be satisfied. Taking time to share what you know with others would seem to diminish that, but those who have done so know differently: sharing what you know deepens what you know. And if that isn’t enough, it challenges you to learn (and master) even more!

The Takeaway

As with most things in life, the key is balance. If you want to be the best musician you can be, be sure to incorporate opportunities to share your music and what you know about it. Music truly is a gift from which you gain most while giving.

All the best,
Mark

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Handing over the baton

After some months of agonizing over it, I’ve decided…but it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

Four years ago, I took on the role of the Director of String Ensembles for a local youth symphony. My youngest was involved in that youth symphony, and I was glad to be a part of it as well.

My youngest is no longer so young, and while my intention was to “retire” when she graduated, it wasn’t that easy. The kids who were returning sensed that I might not be, and they began campaigning in earnest last season. I am grateful for their commitment to me and to the group; I’ve tried to make it educational, inspiring, and a lot of fun. 

Each year, I do my best to “work myself out of a job” by the end of the season. While I begin the year by holding auditions, selecting the music, and conducting, by the end of the school year my role is largely that of a coach, booking agent, and roadie. The kids learn to work and play together, and I’ve always considered it a great privilege to be a part of the personal growth they experience.

As my own kids get older, though, I feel myself stretching in more directions…and stretching further. Our oldest will be pursuing a violin performance degree at a major music school within a leading university this fall, and our other two are still very involved in major youth symphonies in the local area. My commitments are increasing, and they are changing. Realizing a person can’t do everything and do it well, I have had to make some tough decisions. That’s life, I suppose.

I always try to “work myself out of a job” by the end of each season. This year, I guess I just did a better job of it.

Please feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Keep playing,

Mark

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