WHAT OLD BOOKS AND LIBERAL ARTS CAN TEACH US ABOUT HOW TO LEARN MUSIC

Music is about dance? See #6 and weigh in.

When it's recommended that you read old books, like Aristotle, Plato, and the ilk, in addition to books that are more current the reasoning is simple: these books don't just teach you things, they teach you how to think. Teaching students how to think is also one of the tenets of liberal arts education, and ironically, that got me thinking. In the subjects of Philosophy, Literature and Science, there are "great books" which stand as either classics or do the ultimate job of teaching the reader how to think. Meanwhile, in the subject of music, there is no such thing.

Music is tied more closely to culture and expression, and is constantly moving. While major composers like Bach, Beethoven and Mozart are of course widely known and respected, ultimately the older music is the more "dusty" it is, the less hip, the less current, etc. There are exceptions as listeners enjoy music that stands the test of time and there are many classic songs and styles that outlive their makers. However, it remains that there are no 'go to' texts about music that teach one how to think about music. 

So, I will take a stab at it and continue to update this article as it develops:

1) Your ear, your ears, yes there's two of them!

Sheet music is a language and understanding music theory, composition and such is a skill, but never lose sight, or um, never lose hearing...music is in your ears.

2) Know the instrument. 

The instrument is an instrument in the truest sense of the word. Measure it. Weigh it. Smell it. Look at every angle. Understand every nuance and mechanic of it.

3) Know the melody

There's lots of chord charts out there, but do you know the melody? How well? Intimately?

4) It's about the audience, not you

It's liberating to be freed from the self, so check the ego at the door.

5) It's about you, and the audience of the universe

An addendum to #4, you need some ego to get the fire started, but the expression is higher.

6) Dance

Not always, but very often, music is ultimately about dance. This can be dancing with the body, or even dancing of the mind and heart.

This is just a start. What ways of thinking about music are important to you?

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