The Benefits Of Playing With Others
Why is it important to start/ join a band and play with others?
“It can be argued that music is only relevant when it is a ‘conversation’ between two or more musicians.”
Is it possible to learn French or German or Spanish in your bedroom? Yes, of course it is, to a certain extent, but the only way to really understand what you are learning and saying is to communicate with others who speak the same language.
Music is the universal language, there isn’t a culture on this earth that can live without some form of music. Plato, the Greek philosopher, once said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything,” and I’m pretty sure he knew what he was talking about!
We learn patterns in our lessons and play along to songs. These are necessary actions to enhance our skills and develop our ‘vocabulary’. However, these activities can be described as only an indirect involvement with the music. We are not a part of the moment that has been captured on the recording we are playing along to; nobody is listening intently to the pattern we are playing and trying to accompany us.
To put into practice our interpretations of the music we have studied and the patterns we have learned, we have to throw away the safety net and start engaging directly with other musicians, in the moment. It could just be you and a guitarist, or you and a bassist, recreating the music you enjoy. Or jamming, reorganising the puzzle pieces you have learnt over the years into something coherent and pleasing to your ears. To start with, it will be a step down from playing along with the brilliant musicians on your favourite recordings, but it won’t be long before you are enjoying your instrument more than ever before. There is no greater feeling than being fully present in the moment, doing something that you love.
Where does it go from there? Will you start a band? Will you join a band and start playing gigs? Will you just get together with friends each week and play your favourite songs? The choice is yours.
If you are unsure how to start, the first step is a strong intention to play with others. If you can project your desire, the universe will oblige and opportunities will present themselves to you. Your job is to seize these opportunities, remember there is nothing to fear: you cannot fail with music if you play from the heart.
Go share your passion with the world!
[Contributed by Sam Green]