This post is included in a series of MythBusters about making music. A previous MythBuster post is MythBuster Countdown #9: Music Therapy is Therapy for Musicians, Right?
When I was a kid, one of the most poignant comments I remember hearing grown-ups say was “My biggest life regret was quitting music lessons.” The biggest regret in ALL of life pertains to music? Wow. That is powerful! I’ve found that many people feel this way. My thought response to this now is “Maybe you quit lessons, but no one ever quits making music.” We’re biologically programmed to make music, and we see evidence of this from birth to end of life.
A few years ago, I decided to stop short of getting my masters in piano at USC. I transitioned from classical piano performance to music therapy at FSU. Just a couple years later, some people asked, “Do you have regrets about giving up piano?” It was such a weird question because my state of mind was never one of “giving up” piano! How is it possible to “give up” something that is such a part of your core?
But I think I understand why people may see it that way. Perhaps if you don’t make it to the “big time,” if you’re not in a band, or if you don’t become a professor or a teacher of your instrument, maybe then it seems like you’ve given up. Actually there is a “Modern Rhythmaculture” (thanks to many including Arthur Hull) fostered by music therapists, drum circle facilitators, and music educators now. The philosophy is that people are musical beings, and music is in our DNA. We’re making music in our breathing, walking, and talking. Making music is equally as available to YOU or the average Joe as it is to a professional musician or a kid.
I recently had a barbecue at my house. I didn’t plan on making music, but someone picked up a guitar. Then people rushed inside to grab all my drums and drum along to the music. It all happened spontaneously. There were 3 formally trained musicians present and probably 25 people making music. 25 people making music who were not formally trained!
If you’re ever wishing you hadn’t stopped taking music lessons, then I recommend converting all the regretful energy into “sing, dance, and drum by yourself or with friends” energy. It’s really just that easy. All it takes is a hand to clap, a finger to snap, a toe to tap, or a voice to rap. Here are a few more ways to get started.
If music can be compared to happiness, here’s a great story. Once upon a time, an anxious, stressed woman went to a temple to see a wise man. She wanted peace in her life, and just couldn’t feel it, she couldn’t find it, she couldn’t make it happen. The wise man said “You want peace, then have it.” She replied, “But there is too much anxiety and sadness in the way.” The wise man said, “What is holding you back from having peace besides yourself?”
I heard another wise man say that if you look for happiness, then you will surely fail! Happiness is already here and now.
Have a comment? Throw it down! I’d love to hear from you.
Catch me if you can–