Mark #3 – Do you feel it?
Not only do great musicians learn from listening and observing great music, but they also feel the music they play. There is a night and day difference between playing notes on a page and translating music from deep within who you are. Many people find my body language and facial expression quite humorous when I’m playing music. And rightly so. It is funny. This is not something I think about. It is a natural occurrence for me when I’m feeling the music. I’m not just playing notes. I’m speaking something about what I believe and who I am. I know that sounds incredibly deep.
Allow me to put it like this: when a speaker speaks he/she is trying to communicate a central idea. Breakthrough wisdom right there. When an artist paints he/she is trying to communicate a certain feeling. When a good musician plays, he knows he is communicating something as well.
When I play the piano, for example, I’m trying to communicate my passion for Jesus through what I play. My heart and mind and body are engaged together in worship.
Great musicians know where there music comes from, whether it’s good or bad. Making sound is not enough, my friends. There is plenty of that around. Communicate something. Contemplate a picture and create it with your music. Engage all you are in your music.
No matter how stupid it may look.