Minding Your Own Business

Hello my fellow readers!

Today has definitely been an interesting day... so I feel the need to get this off my chest.

In the business, everyone has their own opinions and interpretations. While there's a basic level where everyone should match (such as notes and rhythms), a musicians license for creativity should be free leaving those who are listening open to the musician's personal interpretation. 

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case behind the scenes. Music and becoming a Musician requires countless hours and sacrifice that can leave others frustrated. If anything, you would like to think that this would bring musicians together, and while in many instances that is the case, it can also be the wedge between two people. 

This is where the game gets tricky. Personally, I am not one to step on toes as the music community is small and everyone is your colleague. Why leave a bad taste in their mouth when you also have the opportunity to leave a good impression? Competition is tough, but at the same time it's always kind and respected when you support other singers and musicians, whether it's backstage, in spirit or in the audience. You should always give someone the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise, for goodness sake they do that in court with convicts! If you can't even do that for a colleague, then why should they give you the benefit of the doubt? 

No matter what, everyone deserves the chance to perform and a pat on the back after a performance. No one knows how challenging that piece was for someone or maybe they're working on a new technique so their voice or playing isn't 100% at the moment. Many people, including fellow musicians, under estimate how many hours one can put in on a piece. 

Yes, we fellow musician's judge, but at the same time if we aren't hired to judge someones performance, you should be focusing on the positives and sending encouraging and attentive energy to them. 

This is just my little spiel for the day. Hopefully next time you're in this situation you'll remember this post because I think it's time we cleaned up the snotty stuck up image of classical music and bring in the element of community that we all know classical music can have. Also, just be a decent human being and treat others the way you'd like to be treated.

Until next time,

Tessa