"A river flows from Eden to water the garden" (Gen. 2:10).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Parashat Beshallach / Shabbat Shirah 5770
Have you ever had an experience with music that was also a profoundly spiritual experience?
As we approach Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song, during which we read from Parashat Beshallach and the Song at the Sea, I welcome your thoughts about the role of music in your life.
Music is up there with love and pursuit of truth/beauty as being a defining force in my life.
From my earliest days my parents noticed I was "musical" and by the age of 6 I had begun lessons. I started as a drummer and along the way learned to play many other instruments, learn theory, reinforce sound, record, and maintain equipment. I even took a dance class.
Today I focus mainly on electric bass, though I often play guitar, piano, and percussion. In fact, I usually join in with Dario on Saturday AM, and this Saturday evening our band (Sidetrack Jazz Quartet) will be playing at Cafe Mozart in Mamaroneck as we do monthly.
I define my life much along the lines of music that was playing on the radio and emanating from me at that time. To this day I both take lessons and teach. I own thousands of recordings and practice about an hour a day, more some days.
Many times I have considered my talent God-given, though I know genetics are certainly a factor. Either way, I am thankful. Playing has helped me strengthen my neural connections; express myself; connect with others; serve as a vessel for two-way spiritual communication; calm me; help me solve problems in other parts of my life; meet great musical people; and plain make people want to sing and dance. I cannot imagine my life without it
I always tell my music students that I want their music to tell their personal story more than I want to hear them play every note perfectly. This is what I try to do when I play.
For those who are interested in music and the brain, I highly recommend "Musicophilia" and "This Is Your Brain On Music," two wonderful books. For anyone interested in jazz, soul, or the American Songbook, I can recommend lots of amazing recordings!
Music is up there with love and pursuit of truth/beauty as being a defining force in my life.
ReplyDeleteFrom my earliest days my parents noticed I was "musical" and by the age of 6 I had begun lessons. I started as a drummer and along the way learned to play many other instruments, learn theory, reinforce sound, record, and maintain equipment. I even took a dance class.
Today I focus mainly on electric bass, though I often play guitar, piano, and percussion. In fact, I usually join in with Dario on Saturday AM, and this Saturday evening our band (Sidetrack Jazz Quartet) will be playing at Cafe Mozart in Mamaroneck as we do monthly.
I define my life much along the lines of music that was playing on the radio and emanating from me at that time. To this day I both take lessons and teach. I own thousands of recordings and practice about an hour a day, more some days.
Many times I have considered my talent God-given, though I know genetics are certainly a factor. Either way, I am thankful. Playing has helped me strengthen my neural connections; express myself; connect with others; serve as a vessel for two-way spiritual communication; calm me; help me solve problems in other parts of my life; meet great musical people; and plain make people want to sing and dance. I cannot imagine my life without it
I always tell my music students that I want their music to tell their personal story more than I want to hear them play every note perfectly. This is what I try to do when I play.
For those who are interested in music and the brain, I highly recommend "Musicophilia" and "This Is Your Brain On Music," two wonderful books. For anyone interested in jazz, soul, or the American Songbook, I can recommend lots of amazing recordings!
Bob Miller