It has become my firm belief that being creative is not really an option if a human being is to fully thrive. For a musician to stop making music can be dangerous ground, unless the creativity is expressed differently, say, through painting, poetry, sculpture or other art form. And even then… there’s something about sound.
Sound waves move physical tissue, stir hormones, beckon memories and visions of the future. They can alter brainwaves, heartbeats and breath. Sound waves can heal… in fact music therapy has successfully done so since the biblical time of David and Saul. Silence is not always golden, after all. But silence can be broken.
I want to share a personal miracle with you. My sweet husband, John Rodman, who was a brilliant, highly respected professional drummer for over 30 years, has picked up his drums again after laying them down, he thought for good, some 20 years ago. I have watched while he lovingly and painstakenly found, cleaned and shined his vintage Pearl set, bought new heads and sundry other things only drummers know about, and with a quiet joy began to tune them. The music, in my house, is now completely back.
John will play again. It doesn’t matter where… but it will matter what, because he’s doing it to feel the music. Truly, once a musician… always a musician. If you’re a singer, I must tell you it’s the same. Music is a gift from God. Use your gift, take it back up, bless the world with it and encourage others to do the same.
Update: in 2015 John and I released an ep with songs mostly written by the two of us, many which started with a drum pattern he was exploring. We co-produced the album with some of our favorite session-playing buddies. One of these songs made it into ‘The Expanse’ tv series. Doing this album has been one of the most musically fulfilling part of our lives. We are both musicians, to the bone, and always will be.
Carl says
Thanks Judy for sharing with us! Yes I truely believe once a musician alwasy a musician and the same for the singers out there.. You must keep the dream alive and persue those dreams..Music is something God created and has a special place in all. I have learned not to let other critics ruin what I want to obtain.. I am a self taught paino player that God has given me to learn and do my best with it and learn more. The greatest award to me is when someone hasn't heard me and they are amazed at what I can do and even so tears have flowed from their enjoyment of what I did..I am no Motzart, but I feel what I play and love to learn more as it opens up to me… Again Thanks Judy! Carl Kidwell, Newark OH
Judy says
Carl… I'm so happy you feel this way. Playing music for the love of the art, and to the enjoyment of our listeners whoever they are… that's musical success, studying, practicing, reaching for and… MAKING! Thx much for writing in.
Michael R. Martin says
I'd live to see a post about the trials and tribulations of living with a total non-musician who can't grasp how much music is the heart and soul of the musician. Thanks for the great article and great blog.
Michael R. Martin
Adirondack Singer/Songwriter
CedarEdenMusic.com
Judy says
Glitch… amen, yes, if it's a non-musician match with a musician there has to be some serious communicating and understanding on both sides!! But, you know anyone can choose to support another's dream. I think they call that love.