Music often gets coined as a 'journey'. I would like to think there is an end point to this journey, an ‘A-to-B’ road. When I land at ‘B’ I'll gather my things, be content in my endeavours, and that'll be that.
I doubt this is the case. Nonetheless, I will continue.
I love music - wholeheartedly. I’m never quite comfortable with it though, or at least, myself and ‘it’. There is so much to understand that I’m often crushed underneath its enormous weight. It is so physically and emotionally demanding that I wonder how anyone perseveres. Especially with the knowledge that no matter how good you are, there are people a fraction of your age, much, much better than you.
Leaving that aside however, I try my best to find my own happiness in music. Whether or not I live up to my expectations.
To offer you something I would say to avoid point B as the goal. I say this as it’s something I deal with, not because I have the answer. I like to avoid unnecessary stress where possible. When I push myself to play better, to perform better, to liberally use artistic licence to learn from my guitar heroes, I am always beginning another sub-journey. Although I may be further than I was yesterday, last week or beyond; The concept of point B is always equally far away from me.
When I approached the Book of 5 rings by Miyamoto Musashi, an ancient text on martial arts and battle concepts there was one particular strike that I felt applicable to music. The ‘Strike of Non-Thought’. These theories can be applied very broadly, but make from it what you will - as the same concept applied to painting a fence subliminally teaches basic Karate.
When you think that both you and your opponent are ready to strike, your body becomes a striking body, your mind becomes a striking mind and your hand instantaneously strikes with strength emerging from nothingness and leaving no wake.
With music I think there is a much simple fact - or necessity. You must be completely trusting of your actions for them to flow freely. So trusting, that they transcend your thought and consciousness entirely to allow yourself to become independent. Your intent must be clear, and your actions along with it. Asking myself questions like:
- What am I performing?
- Why am I performing?
- Does the end result need my approval, or theirs?
- At what point do I walk away satisfied with my actions?
I think if one is to master anything, this would be a good goal in mind.
Since investing in this process, I have become more comfortable. Not ENTIRELY, but it’s easier now. When I come away from any work that have done, as long as I have invested in trusting my playing, I am much happier.
