The Musical Community: Understanding and Respect among Instrumentalists

There is often a perception that musicians with a proper music education and ability to read sheet music might look down upon those who lack such training. This article explores the nature of such attitudes within the musical community and offers a nuanced perspective on the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

Overview of Musical Backgrounds

Within the musical community, a diverse range of backgrounds and skills coexist. Pianists, violinists, cellists, and guitarists, among others, come from a variety of educational and training backgrounds. Some have undergone formal education and training to read music and understand theoretical aspects, while others may be self-taught or hail from a more folk or popular music tradition.

Communication Challenges

While there is no general consensus on looking down upon less formally trained musicians, there is a recognition of the usefulness of certain skills and knowledge in practical musical collaboration. For instance, a pianist might find it challenging to work with guitarists who lack knowledge of fundamental music theory concepts, such as chords and string lettering, especially when describing technical details of a piece.

When a guitarist is unfamiliar with the terms used by a professional, it presents a communication barrier. For example, saying "we're not hitting the timing in that DM7 to E to Fm7 progression" rather than "let's run through the bridge again" can be more specific and effective in achieving a desired musical outcome. This is particularly important when time is of the essence, such as in live performance settings or recording sessions.

Mutual Respect and Collaboration

It is crucial to recognize that looking down on another musician's training history is not productive. Instead, the focus should be on how each musician's background can contribute to a collaborative environment. Musicians with more formal training can benefit from the insights and experiences of those with different backgrounds, and vice versa.

Examples of Collaboration in the Musical Community

Consider the example of a community orchestra. This environment often brings together players with various musical backgrounds, including classically trained musicians alongside those with more folk or jazz experience. While there may be differences in approach and skill set, the overall goal is to produce harmonious and compelling music.

In my own experience, I initially started classical musical training on the piano at a young age. However, my interest broadened to include a variety of musical genres, from Ozark Mountain fiddle music and country-western to big band music and classical orchestral pieces. This diverse background has enriched my musical understanding and collaboration abilities.

Moreover, I have played various instruments and genres within the community orchestra, including the viola, harp, and even bagpipes. Learning to play these different instruments has exposed me to different musical cultures and techniques, fostering a deeper respect for the skills required in each specialization.

Addressing Prejudices in the Musical Community

Some musicians might still harbor prejudices based on training and background. However, it is important to recognize that such attitudes can be counterproductive. Prejudices can also work in reverse, where classically-trained musicians might look down on those playing folk or traditional instruments, and vice versa.

For instance, the Irish trad music scene has its own set of traditions and practices that younger musicians often bring to the table, such as ending tunes on the supertonic or using the Celtic harp and uilleann pipes. These evolving traditions challenge traditional boundaries and highlight the importance of open-minded collaboration.

Conclusion

The musical community is diverse and rich with talent. Respect and understanding between musicians of different backgrounds are crucial for effective collaboration and the creation of beautiful music. Whether you are a formally trained musician or a self-taught artist, contributing your unique perspective and skills can enrich the musical experience for all involved.