How and What Defines Oneself As A Musician-Part 1
In order to define ourselves as a musician, we must define what a musician is. Then we must ask the question, do we meet the criteria of what a musician is? Also from what perspective do we base the criteria on, academia or non-academia, being music literate or music illiterate?
Musician - A person who is talented or skilled in music, a professional, performer, composer or conduction of music.
Skill - The ability to do something well; expertise, great ability or proficiency that come from training, practice.
Train - To teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.
I believe there are 4 elements that will essentially define one as a musician.
1) The definition of the word musician
2) Cultural and ethnic background
3) Music influence and exposure
4) Music Preference
I base the definition of a musician on academia and music literacy. If one is taught to read and/or write music, they have the knowledge and understanding to play any music set before them. The next important step is interpreting the musical style and “feel” correctly. (For example eighth notes are played differently in Classical than in Jazz, and Latin music) I consider people who are music literate to be a “complete musician” therefore they are not defined by music style but rather on their ability to read, perform and interpret the music. People who are music illiterate generally are limited in what they can play, not “well rounded” and will define themselves by the commercial industry and musical styles promoted by the commercial industry.
I believe cultural and ethnic background also defines who we are as a musician. The musician will play music based upon their culture. If a musician is from the white culture the music is usually Classical, country or rock. If a musician is from the black culture the music is usually is soul, blues, and jazz, R&B. If a musician is from the brown or Latin culture the music is usually is salsa, calypso, tejano, flamenco, and mariachi depending on the region. There are a few abnormalities such as Jimi Hendrix, The Righteous Brothers and Charles Pride.
When a musician from a particular culture is exposed to and/or is influenced by other cultural musical styles, it only adds to and enhances the musical knowledge as well as the creativity and playing ability. This also make a “well rounded” and “complete musician”. Example, Classical and Jazz - Chick Correa, Al Dimeola, Rock and Jazz - Chicago, Latin and Rock - Carlos Santana, Latin and Jazz-Clark Terry.
In order to define ourselves as a musician, we must define what a musician is. Then we must ask the question, do we meet the criteria of what a musician is? Also from what perspective do we base the criteria on, academia or non-academia, being music literate or music illiterate?
Musician - A person who is talented or skilled in music, a professional, performer, composer or conduction of music.
Skill - The ability to do something well; expertise, great ability or proficiency that come from training, practice.
Train - To teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.
I believe there are 4 elements that will essentially define one as a musician.
1) The definition of the word musician
2) Cultural and ethnic background
3) Music influence and exposure
4) Music Preference
I base the definition of a musician on academia and music literacy. If one is taught to read and/or write music, they have the knowledge and understanding to play any music set before them. The next important step is interpreting the musical style and “feel” correctly. (For example eighth notes are played differently in Classical than in Jazz, and Latin music) I consider people who are music literate to be a “complete musician” therefore they are not defined by music style but rather on their ability to read, perform and interpret the music. People who are music illiterate generally are limited in what they can play, not “well rounded” and will define themselves by the commercial industry and musical styles promoted by the commercial industry.
I believe cultural and ethnic background also defines who we are as a musician. The musician will play music based upon their culture. If a musician is from the white culture the music is usually Classical, country or rock. If a musician is from the black culture the music is usually is soul, blues, and jazz, R&B. If a musician is from the brown or Latin culture the music is usually is salsa, calypso, tejano, flamenco, and mariachi depending on the region. There are a few abnormalities such as Jimi Hendrix, The Righteous Brothers and Charles Pride.
When a musician from a particular culture is exposed to and/or is influenced by other cultural musical styles, it only adds to and enhances the musical knowledge as well as the creativity and playing ability. This also make a “well rounded” and “complete musician”. Example, Classical and Jazz - Chick Correa, Al Dimeola, Rock and Jazz - Chicago, Latin and Rock - Carlos Santana, Latin and Jazz-Clark Terry.