The Unique Feeling of Playing Different Instruments: A Journey Through Emotion and Communication

Throughout my journey as a musician, I have discovered that each instrument evokes a unique feeling and emotional response. These feelings go beyond the joy of playing and delve into profound connections, both with the instrument and with the music itself. This article explores these emotions and the specific sensations associated with playing various instruments, such as the clarinet, guitar, piano, and others.

Emotional Resonance in Classical Music: The Grand Piano

One of the most evocative instruments in the classical repertoire is the grand piano. When I sitting at the piano for a nocturne, experiencing those heart-wrenching turns and changes in tone, I feel an overwhelming rush of romantic emotions. This feeling can be so intense that I sometimes find myself in tears, without any actual heartache or memory. It is as if the music is triggering every sad moment in my life simultaneously. This emotional response is particularly unique to the grand piano and highlights the power of this instrument to move us deeply.

Risk and Sensory Shift with the Flugelhorn

Another instrument that evokes a specific feeling is the flugelhorn. When I play it, I take more risks and hear things differently than when I play the trumpet. The flugelhorn, like the human voice, is close to the range of the voice and allows me to hear the phrase before playing. Sometimes, I can even hear the phrase as if I am singing it in my head, which then comes out through the horn. This sensation is reminiscent of Dizzy Gillespie's description of how he hears within his mind while soloing. His response highlights the deep connection between the body and the instrument when playing. For me, this connection is an ongoing practice, as I work to maintain and enhance this heightened sensory experience.

Syncing with the Guitar

When I play the guitar, there is a unique emotional and physical response. Holding and playing the guitar feels like embracing a familiar friend. Unlike the grand piano, which cannot be held with the arms and needs to rest on a lap, the guitar can be held. This physical interaction with the instrument creates a sense of unity with the guitar. As Andrés Segovia once said, "I've had three wives and three guitars. I still play the guitars." This quote underscores the intimate relationship a guitarist can have with their instrument, much like a deep and lasting personal relationship.

Memories and Communication in Musical Performance: The Drum Kit

At 63, even when I haven't been playing drums for long periods, I still find myself imagining the drum kit and how I would play it. This is a unique experience that connects me deeply with the instrument. Drummers often have a unique relationship with their equipment, as evidenced by the anecdote of keyboard players playing on tables or bass players tapping on waistbands. In my case, I tap my feet and pat my legs, all while imagining the drum patterns. This muscle memory is common among instrumentalists and is an integral part of the learning process.

However, there is also an inner sense of communication between players during a performance. While I may not recall such feelings of shared communicated, I am assured by those who understand these things that this is because I am so deeply immersed in the moment or "in the zone." Yet, I hope that every musician can experience the 'profound connection' where the song is shared, the groove is joined, and the players find themselves in a state of grace. This feeling is a rare but profound moment that brings us together as a community of musicians.

Keywords: instruments, emotional response, musical performance, guitar, flugelhorn