Rich Cohen
Senior Member
Here's my experience with musicianship. Often, as I am playing my Guild(s), I am trying to move through various songs, riffs, trying to change up the way I play the songs, and search for "new" riffs. Nothing new here, we all do it. I've been playing instruments from third grade, maybe I was 9 or 10. At that time I didn't appreciate my teacher, my parents' encouragement, it was mostly a slog for me. I did enjoy learning and playing the clarinet in an orchestra and band, and when I moved to the bass clarinet, it was an ego rush because the instrument was rare, and no one else could play it. Anyway, when I was 12 I inherited a Martin nylon guitar from my sister, and taught myself to play it. I've never had lessons on the guitar. I'm still playing today, and am sooooo thankful that I have stuck with i
Musicianship is a personal experience. You play for yourself, and for others, when the occasion presents itself. Mostly, IMO, it's a personal experience. If there's folks around, then okay, one needs to play well and project the passion of the words, if words are involved. Otherwise, the notes themselves are capable of much passion. My experiences is that one's playing improves when one is in touch with the instrument, musical "score" (if available), oneself and the audience if present. The combination can be very powerful and transporting, even existential.
I remember a memorable moment during one of the "Farm Aid"concerts when Neil Young came on stage, and started pacing around the stage. Clearly he had something on his mind. He began talking about Phil Ochs the great folk singer (if that's the right way to describe him) of the 60s and 70s until he committed suicide. Probably most of the audience never heard of Ochs or heard his inspiring music. So, some folks in the audience began to jeer Neil, asking him to shut up and start singing. Well, Neil's reaction was classic. He basically told those who were complaining to f***k themselves. His quote is great: "I play for myself."
'Nuf said.
Rich
Musicianship is a personal experience. You play for yourself, and for others, when the occasion presents itself. Mostly, IMO, it's a personal experience. If there's folks around, then okay, one needs to play well and project the passion of the words, if words are involved. Otherwise, the notes themselves are capable of much passion. My experiences is that one's playing improves when one is in touch with the instrument, musical "score" (if available), oneself and the audience if present. The combination can be very powerful and transporting, even existential.
I remember a memorable moment during one of the "Farm Aid"concerts when Neil Young came on stage, and started pacing around the stage. Clearly he had something on his mind. He began talking about Phil Ochs the great folk singer (if that's the right way to describe him) of the 60s and 70s until he committed suicide. Probably most of the audience never heard of Ochs or heard his inspiring music. So, some folks in the audience began to jeer Neil, asking him to shut up and start singing. Well, Neil's reaction was classic. He basically told those who were complaining to f***k themselves. His quote is great: "I play for myself."
'Nuf said.
Rich