Why Play An Acoustic Instrument in the Digital Age - Some Thoughts

Why Play An Acoustic Instrument in the Digital Age? Some Thoughts

The digital age in which we live is bringing about changes at such a pace that fundamental questions are being raised about the relative values of different human activities. After all why would someone wish to expend the effort required to learn to play the piano when one can push a button and pre-recorded piano tracks are produced? What compels a person to learn the violin when performances can be downloaded to electronic devices? Why would someone wish to devote years of learning and sometimes great expense to learn the oboe, the harp, the drums or trumpet? By way of an answer most musicians would be inclined to reply: Because it is fun! But much more lies behind this reply and a bit of consideration of the additional benefits that come from instrumental study is, I believe, well worth taking the time to ponder.

Personal Responsibility

The study of instrumental music, whether from an early age or as a late starter, is an exciting and, for some, a daunting challenge. Improvement requires much practice, learning foreign terminology, a acceptance of large doses of humility in facing up to ones limitations and a great deal of patience in overcoming them. As a metaphor for life it is hard to beat. The personal satisfaction to be gained through such a step by step progression leading to a feeling of achievement and reward for the efforts made is arguably unequalled by other activities and rivalled by very few. Someone who can confidently 'hold their own' in a group, can inspire others through their performance and even attract and receive recognition for their excellence, is one who has taken personal responsibility for their study. This is a person who will then realise that their efforts have been not only worthwhile but valued by their peers and colleagues.

Socialisation

The opportunity to perform with others, whether in a small ensemble or a larger band, is so rewarding that few other activities in life can compare. Think of the bonding that takes place between athletes competing as a team or how close actors become over the course of rehearsing and presenting a play. A great deal of empathy and understanding is required to make the most of every situation. Trained musicians will experience these same feelings over and over throughout a lifetime of performances, at all levels, with a diverse number of groups and people whom they might never encounter in any other situation. This confidence gained from such opportunities leads to the development of life-long relationships based upon mutual respect and appreciation.

Time Management

The adage 'If you want to get something done ask a busy person' certainly applies to most musicians. The management of time is a learned skill and in order to accomplish effective practice and progress each practice session must be organised, targets established and once achieved, new targets must be set. One also learns valuable lessons about time management from ensemble rehearsals and organisational demands. Managing to arrive on time at rehearsal and performance venues, getting to lesson locations and supplying the required materials, sheet music, instruments, concert dress, etc are all valuable lessons from which everyone benefits.

Developing Patience

It takes time and discipline to learn a musical instrument - no matter which one is chosen. In a world that seems to move ever faster and with less time to cultivate 'non essential' skills taking on the process of learning to read music and play an instrument is quite an investment. The patience required and the discipline of critical observation that one employs in order to progress in music will benefit a huge range of other life activities and result in a well rounded and better balanced individual more capable of dealing constructive with the unpredictability of life in general.

Physical Activity

Most all instruments require a degree of muscular refinement and training, whether it be the bow arm of a string player, the finger dexterity of a pianist, the breathing capacity of a tuba player or the embouchure strength of a oboist they all require development over many years and bring enormous and well documented health benefits to the musician. The improvements to overall cardiovascular function, blood pressure, muscle development, awareness of good posture and general flexibility more than offset the sedentary nature of many rehearsals and the unavoidable occasional physical 'niggles' one must endure along the way.

Mental Stimulation

It takes imagination and concentration to create or re-create music. The musician is continually anticipating, evaluating and imagining how to produce their best sound, shape the finest phrase and convey the intention of a third party, the composer, in a performance. The mind is fully engaged and rewarded by the instantaneous nature of result - even when the lingering feeling maybe that one 'could have done that better' there is always the next opportunity!

Cultural Appreciation

Music brings all of humanity together in an appreciation of what it means to be human. Peoples and races can all appreciate the traditions that each other have developed and the amazing music that has originated in every culture. Musical performers are continually challenged to take on elements of new traditions, perhaps initially foreign to their personal experience, and through understanding them and the cultures that produced them, incorporate such styles and inflections into their own performances.

Understanding World History

The music we hear around us from birth is a product of many centuries of practice by diverse peoples from all around the world. The study of music does not happen in a vacuum. Folk music, dance tunes, spiritual sounds, Church music, drum beats, vocal tones and lyrics all emanate from countries that must be acknowledged and investigated as part of the greater understanding of any music. Centuries of development underlay almost any works of art and the threads that connect them and the influences that come together to bring about what we experience as a final 'product' must be placed in context.

Additional Identity and Association

Musical instruments and their mastery open up associations that reach far wider than one's own geographical region. One might tend to say 'I am a sax player' or 'I play piano' even before thinking of one's nationality. I.e. if one plays flute there are flautists around the world with whom one is an immediate associate. Trumpet players, trombonists, clarinettists, violinists, cellists, oboists, guitarists, drummers etc. are all part of the larger societies of their chosen instruments as well as of the type of music to which they are drawn and that they perform. The instant affinity from such association breaks down barriers and opens up interesting lines of communication that those outside cannot easily access or sometimes even begin to understand. The shared experiences of learning and mastering an instrument sufficiently to give pleasure to oneself and to others binds musicians together as well as the pursuit of excellence and the appreciation of performance at the highest levels.

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The tips and comments above are the result of many years of providing help and advice, my personal interest and study, and the teaching that I have done during my career. I have many colleagues and teachers to thank for sharing their thoughts and suggestions on this and other topics. In addition I am indebted to Woodwind & Reed, Cambridge ( www.wwr.co.uk ) where, in the course of helping customers, many of these concepts have been refined and have proven helpful. 

Thomas Dryer-Beers