How To Make Music That Moves People

None of us would argue that the most effective musicians know their instrument.

It’s almost as if the instrument is a part of their body, like an additional arm. Because of that, the music seems to flow out of them.

They are able to communicate with their music. They feel it deeply, and in return, make others feel what they feel.

I experienced it when I saw Sigur Ros in concert this past year. Or when I saw U2 play to a sold-out stadium.

But I also experienced it when I saw a blind man play the piano in a lobby of an old building in downtown Pittsburgh.

It’s music that bleeds emotion, heart, depth, and story. It’s music that doesn’t try too hard to conform but instead, is relentless in its honesty and passion.

Whether you are a full time musician, worship team musician, beginner, or seasoned, this is what we’re after, right? We want the sound of our music to inspire, to move people, to make others feel.

But how does one get there? What is the step-by-step process, you may ask? I’m not sure there are any easy answers. You’ve heard your Dad say it: anything worth having in life is going to take work.

But I’ve talked to a lot of great musicians. I’ve worked with a lot of great musicians. I’ve observed a lot of great musicians. And here’s what I’ve noticed about their creative process, work ethic, and vision. I hope it inspires you (whether you’re young or old) to really get to know your instrument.

Because you are telling a story with your music. And the world needs to hear it.

5 Tips for Making Music that Moves People

The best musicians:

1. Embrace Challenge – The best musicians know that getting good “don’t come easy”. They embrace the difficulty, get over it, and get to work. They’re not hung up every day on whether the work is going to be hard. They expect it to be painful, challenging, and difficult. So they work, study, and practice. They overcome what was difficult and move on to the next challenge. If what they’re doing is too easy, they seek out new ways to be stretched. Get over it and get to work.

2. Become a Nerd – The best musicians have a vision for what they do. They love music and can articulate the impact that it has had on their lives. They can name specific artists, songs, and sounds that have changed the course of their life and shaped the way they communicate through music. Seriously. This is the stuff of nerds. And if you want to really know your instrument and make the most powerful music, you need to embrace being a nerd.

3. Seize Opportunities – The best musicians don’t sit around and wait to be asked. They don’t just play in the confines of their bedroom or weekly lesson. They get themselves out there. Seriously. Steve Goold said it in our most recent podcast – “Want to get good on your instrument? Play a lot of gigs with a lot of different people.” I’ve observed this over and over. Reach out to people you want to play with. Offer your services. Get rejected. Fail. Try again. Push through the struggle. Do it again. Keep going.

4. Develop Relationship – This may sound weird, but great musicians develop a relationship with their instrument. They know it well – like it’s already a part of their body. When they perform, it doesn’t feel forced. It’s natural, as if they’re not even thinking about what they’re doing. How does one develop this relationship? It comes from long hours of practice – not drudge practice, but practice that you look forward to and love. You know this – a great relationship is built through quality time.

5. Communicate – Great music isn’t just about technical ability. There are thousands of musicians who know and can play their scales with the best. But speed, agility, and accuracy doesn’t always translate into powerful music. The best musicians know when to shred and when to be silent. They’ve learned how to communicate on their instrument. If you want to play this way, start now, no matter what level you are at. Play with your heart. Communicate deep emotion, feeling, and passion. Don’t waste a single note. Back it up with intentionality.

Are you ready to move your musicality to another level? Start by looking at each of these 5 points, one at a time.

Embrace something that is challenging. Become a nerd regarding music and your instrument. Look for and seize opportunities to play constantly.

Hone the relationship with your instrument through regular, joyful practice. And don’t just mindlessly make sounds and shred for no reason. Communicate with your music.

We are waiting to hear it.

Let’s talk about this. Where are you in your musical journey? Are you making music that moves people? What is your next step? Let’s talk about it in the comments. You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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