š„ DREAMS š„
Becoming a top musician has always been my greatest dream and goal in life. Iāve always imagined myself singing or playing a Grand Piano at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal (āMontreal International Jazz Festivalā), which is obviously one of the Biggest Musical Events in the world with over 2 million attendees. Likewise, Iāve dreamt so many times of being a celebrity. Well, if I could dream about taking a piss and it comes to pass instantly, why not this? (this is a serious matter, please donāt laugh).
Sorry, this post is not about me but about those who share this kind of dream. As for me, I fall under the category of āquack musicians" or "manage-manage musicians."
That reminds me... Why do we term those in my category as musicians? Are we truly musicians?
š¤ WHO ARE MUSICIANS?
Off the top of my head, I believe we can classify musicians in the loose and strict senses: The former allows the gate to be widely open for those who have direct or indirect relationship with the world of music. Put differently, in so far as you can open your mouth waaaaaah and sing something, you can be termed as a musician, you know?
This category admits of all singers, DJs, Composers, Musical directors, Instrumentalists and everyone connected to music in this universe and other existing multiverse.
On the other hand, the strict sense of the word āmusiciansā raises the standard high and only admits of people who are qualified to demonstrate the āscience and artā of music.
āScience and art of music?ā
Is that strange to you? Donāt you know that musicians work in the lab with lab coats, mixing different chemicals to form compound?
Oh well, donāt think too far.
In my own opinion, the scientific aspect of music deals with the formulation of methods, theories, patterns, structures, formulas and key definitions for musical notes, scales and chords, among others. Following the unique rules meticulously will aid you in learning Jazz, Classical and other genres of music.
But this isnāt complete without the āartisticā component of music. The artistic aspect deals with the individualization of the music; how the musician expresses the music and communicates with their audience in the most outstanding way.
So, yes, this category is only open to a few who understand the science of music and are able to express the music in the most artistic way. Similarly, one may be a musician here without having a celebrity status, or a celebrity musician without being a musician in the strict sense.
ā BECOMING A TOP MUSICIAN
To become a top musician (obviously in the strict sense) one has to be equipped with the theoretical knowledge, techniques and practical skills. In the same way, one should also master the art of expressing and communicating one's thoughts and emotions via music.
Before I forget, this post was prompted by the series of questions asked by @mipianoās niece who needed some answers in her questionnaire for her research paper. I would respond to few questions out of the many provided. You can check the post here if you want to contribute to this discussion.
Communication in Music
To a very large extent, I believe that Communication in Music is paramount, albeit undermined. This is beacause Music itself communicates directly to the listener, and conveys various messages to respond to different emotions. This shows how important it is for the one who creates/composes music to harness the superpower of communicating in order for the music to be effective.
In the same way, communication in music can also be viewed in the aspect of relating with one's musical script, playing music to a listening audience or playing music with a musical crew. In these instances, communication is highly important if not the music will be chaotic.
However, communication in music doesn't imply that all musicians must be great communicators or live great social lives.
Expressiveness in Music
Another great superpower needed by top musicians is the ability to be expressive.
Like we said earlier, music is an art and that artistic aspect defines our individuality and uniqueness which is more pronounced in our expression of music.
Everyone's expression is unique even if they perform same song. Thus, that expression defines who you are, musically.
Adapting the Music to the Kind of Audience
Communication is effective when the sender passes across a message to the receiver and the recipient understands this message, and gives feedback. If the receiver doesn't understand the message, then communication will be hindered and impeded.
Likewise, if a musician fails to adapt the music to the audience, then he or she stands at a risk of communicating ineffectively.
To what extent do external factors influence formation of knowledge and skill of musicians?
The environment we grow up in influences the kinds or genres of songs we listen to. It configures us to those genres and helps us appreciate music better via those genres. Thus, it becomes easier to learn more about such genres and easily assimilate the knowledge and skills therein. However, this can be changed with time if we grow up with an open mindset, appreciating music in other genres.
To what extent do internal factors influence the formation of knowledge and skill of musicians?
The state of our minds affect the kind of songs we listen to as well as the kind of songs we create. One who just experienced heartbreak tend to listen to more of heartbreak songs; and one who just experienced a big favour from God will sing more of thanksgiving songs to God.
In the same way, the emotional and psychological state of musicians also affect the kind of songs they perform. Thus, it affects the knowledge and skills they'll seek after to enable them give their best in their performance.
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I AM KSAM
I may not be your favourite author, but you can journey with me to help me develop my writing skills. I am always open to criticism, correction and learning š„°.
