How to become a better musician ?
Hello guys,
I don’t think that there is a master-plan for that, but maybe just a certain philosophy of being...
Having participated in the annual Saxophone meeting here in Greece for 3 years, I had the luck to experience masterclasses of many different and reliable teachers such as Georges Porte and one of the classical fathers of the saxophone, Jean Marie Londeix .
This festival takes place in the city of Larissa for four days during April and saxophonists mainly from the Balkans - even though we wish for more international participations- join our community and take also part also in the competition.
To make matters short one of the many masterclasses, workshops and lectures that I followed there concerned today’s post concept.
The matter ended up to be a little bit more philosophical than I anticipated and that seemed strange to me at first, because the teacher did not waste time on technical matters or practice tips.
There are numerous ways of practicing in order to overcome plateaus, but how many end up developing their individual full musical potential?
It is said that a musician uses both his body and soul while performing.
That is partially correct!
Being a musician and just playing some music does not automatically make you an artist, because then anyone would be an artist ; even the little children that just started to learn an instrument while enjoying their time and having real fun.
The artist should not only practice endlessly all day and all night long, because then nothing special would come out of his performance.
On the contrary an artist should take care of his health, talk with friends, live new experiences, meet new people, travel and do whatever makes him happy.
You must feed your soul and feel full so that others may experience the beauty that is hidden within you.
It only makes sense that if the artist does not feel loose, relaxed and most importantly happy overall, he cannot perform at the maximum level and he may also be devastated due to extreme pressure and anxiety.
The lecturer persisted that a talented and successful artist is not made entirely on his own. This means that not only his efforts but the community helped him to become what he is today. The idea is that the applause and the success of a virtuoso belongs also to each and every person that admired his performance. Being kinder more compassionate and able to funnel your inner thoughts and feelings promotes this give and take relationship as well. The same happens with acting, dancing and every form of art.
Like John Coltrane quoted “The emotional reaction is all that matters”, the musician’s drive and passion may only show him the way to become an artist.
On the other hand mere playing and not touching people’s heart is not music, it’s just sound.
Music is a performance after all and it requires an audience.
The next topic will be about “The war of bands” by Adolph Sax a very nice concept that will be introduced in our festival also this year.
I like writing and I follow you. Follow back please :)
Thank you friend! :) Let's grow together!
Very interesting observations! I like the idea that art should really reflect a healthy mind and spirit. I would add that the artist is one who is UNAFRAID to change!
Thank you very much mate!
Haha Like Darwin said " It's not the strongest or the most intelligent species that survive,
but those that are most responsive to change ".
Matthew 6:33
Lets admit it , mankind always was thirsty for the stars and sky
great points! followed!
I am glad that you liked it! I am gonna return the favor!
The older I get, the more I see that the message is the most important "attribute" in music