Owen Nason - How Music Benefits the Musician

1. Owen Nason - How Music Benefits the Musician Whereas a listener can become totally immersed in the effect of the music, the musician, being the source of music, essentially becomes the music. For, you see, he is the creator, and without him, the music wouldn't even be possible. Being thus recognized as the source of the music, the musician almost always becomes loved or admired, generally speaking. This produces a distinct feeling on the musician himself. Although playing an instrument and performing expends much energy, it is not so taxing on the musician because this energy is not physical energy. It is a different type of energy altogether, one more of the being and not just the physical realm. This energy tends to sort of "recharge one's batteries". Though it can be said that this same effect is produced on the listener, which music does, it is apparently not at the same order of magnitude. This is an interesting phenomenon, even somewhat mystical. One instance was a violist who was undergoing a period of depression. According to her own origination, whenever she experienced a bout, all she needed to do was pick up her viola and start playing and the feeling would disappear not only entirely but almost immediately. It is as if the musician is sublimated into a transcendental state with higher wavelengths of energy vibrations whilst creating or performing. This, incidentally, is not unique to music, but to all other arts, and can and has been experienced by artists of all manners. The fact is that performing music is a much higher state of being, more akin to spiritualism, since spiritualism is most often

2. identified with creation, and aesthetics are a higher form of creation. Philosopher and Taoism founder, Lao Tzu, even stated "Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." It is noticed that people without a sense of aesthetics tend to be much more materialistic. They are much more introverted into bodily concerns and objects. Though there is nothing wrong with attending to such needs, the point is that such people become introverted and thus fixated on gaining approval. Their energies are always directed toward them like a vacuum, introverting them. It is as if they have a gross lack of admiration and are seeking to gain it from whatever source, almost a sort of desperation. The musician does not fixate on material concerns. Even if he is not the most physically attractive person on the planet, nor has many material possessions, he nevertheless generates admiration just from his music. Think about a musician that you admire who you also might consider is homely or average looking, perhaps not very glamorous in looks. Now, think about how much admiration you have for this person. Chances are, you never even think about this person's physical looks. You only see beauty, period. The admiration generated from music can be so powerful and so great that it can even result in romantic love. One instance was the story of a female singer. A man, never having even met her, instantly fell in love with her upon hearing a recorded version of her singing an aria. He then sought and courted her and they soon got married. This was from a song alone. Prime examples are seen everyday with stars who have some fans swooning over them. Music has the power to evoke intense feelings and passion. When a musician is creating music, he is indulged in this and operating in a different realm altogether.