Daily Life Will Inform Your Music

Devoting hours a day to practicing is neither necessary nor desirable. "Music and Poetry" by Paul Hartal.

Music is basically a type of self reflection, a form of communication intended to convey the uniqueness of the individual player. The uniqueness of an individual is the sum total of his or her experiences. These experiences shape the personality of the individual to a great extent, and it is this personality that is reflected through his or her music.

The importance of life involvement and life experience in music is greatly overlooked. Many have confused the reality of music with the theories of music. Music is part of this world. It is not above, beyond, or outside of it. It is so integrated with day to day living that it should not become separate.

Those who have decided that a four-, six-, or eight-hour practice day takes precedence over or eliminates the need for other experience should reevaluate. Based on the thought that isolated practice is the key to success, all great players should be single, unattached, without responsibility or pressure and totally free to devote all their energy to music.

However, the smallest investigation reveals the opposite facts. Great players throughout history have been human beings fully involved in the business of living as well as in the pursuit of their art. They have married, divorced, had children, mortgages, debts, and emotional trauma. In short, they are exactly the same as non-players except for their specific ability and direction.

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