People whose art is music tend to live lives immersed in that field. It is human nature to be drawn to those people, places and things which are most like oneself and one’s familiar ground. Paradoxically, in my experience this actually limits the fullness of the music-maker’s life.
- Take vacations, not just music-related road trips (I just did, and my husband makes sure I stick to my non-music plan).
- Make friends who have no musical ability or aspirations. Better yet… befriend some people who have different political, religious, social demographic backgrounds and viewpoints. Learn to listen to different voices, taste different foods, appreciate whole new worlds of other human beings.
- Take time for silence. Periodically turn off all media and all gear. Music is best with spaces.
PJ Steelman says
Wow Judy, all of this is so true, never more so for me than in 2010. There have been times that I have needed those gaps more than ever. It really helps us avoid burnout (I have never liked that word).
As far as being around other non music people and places, well, there are great writing ideas to be found there, too. While I may not be writing, I am still taking notes…always. I guess that never stops.
Thanks for your good thoughts.
Anonymous says
thank you for this, just when I needed it.