Social Lessons in Music Making

In one of many parallels music making has with day to day life,  I often keep myself in check in social settings as well as on the bandstand.

Do I talk too much? Do I listen with focus when It’s not my turn to talk or am I too busy thinking about what I get to say when it’s my turn?  Do I feel the need to interrupt with remarks that only serve to make my presence known rather than contribute relevance to the dialogue?Often our best role in communicating is to just be there and listen.  Do I facilitate this role for the appropriate length of time? Do I provide a nonjudgemental stance that allows those around me the freedom to speak free and easy?

In one of many parallels music making has with day to day life,  I often keep myself in check in social settings as well as on the bandstand.

Now I ask these same questions to myself while making music in a group setting. Am I ok with just listening to the other musicians in a supportive role for long periods of time?  (Just groove!)  Am I truly listening or is my mind drifting?  (Play the right volume to support) Do I make musical statements that are relevant and of value? (Real phrases!)  When its time to solo do I talk too much??  Do I ramble on incoherently or do I make real statements that communicate to the other musicians and the audience?

If you don’t know exactly what is appropriate, observe the people in your life who don’t seem to understand social dynamic.  Start there and look for some of those flaws in yourself.  Understand how to be like-able in life and apply it to music making.   Understand how to be like-able in a music setting and apply it to life!