A Different Language

When a friend of mine tells me that they are taking music lessons, I say to them, "How exciting! Do you realize that you are learning a language that not many people speak anymore?" Than they just laugh and tell me that it's not a language. How little they know...

The more I study music in instrumentation, theory, coloring, interpretation, etc., I have come to realize that it is a language that many don't truly understand. With that being said, I know that this is one of the hardest languages to learn because it is the only language and that incorporates all forms of learning--there is no way to completely learn music without all seven:

1. Logical/Mathematical

2. Linguistic

3. Spatial

4. Musical

5. Kinesthetic

6. Interpersonal (recognizing others)

7. Intrapersonal (recognizing self)

It is a beautiful language and there is nothing like it. It's unending and is added upon by creative musicians everyday. I love these students of mine who take the brave step to learn and create more of this language. It's universal from every living organism all over the world. Even studies have shown how music effects nature and animals (humans included, obviously).

For those of you who have always wanted to speak this language, please take that step to learn! We need more musicians in this world and it can quite simple to learn. As Johann Sebastian Bach said, “It's easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.”

Thank You For Reading

Today's Event at Dixon

I went to perform and speak with the kids of Dixon Middle School in Provo, UT. I got to speak with the students in the orchestra, the band, the choir and the guitar class. I admit that I was nervous and made silly mistakes that I never make but, HEY! lesson learned, eh. However, I had so much fun. Even the kids who weren't paying attention were cracking me up.I played some pieces from Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Fresh Aire, Disney and Carl Maria Von Weber. I honestly was honored to be able to play clarinet, piano and sing for these kids. Just like Louise Armstrong sang in What a Wonderful World, "They'll learn much more than I'll never know." One of the questions I asked was, "How often to play music per day?" Outside of class, these kids play so much--I was so happy to hear it. Then one boy said, "I play any chance I get." Oh, I loved that answer. He knew what he loved--playing music--so he played it any chance he got. I do the same and I know many of the kids in that class do as well. I wish them the best and would like to thank the faculty and students for letting me play music for them. Thanks, Dixon Panthers!