A wonderful music teacher I once worked with in Goshen, New York, years ago, once told me about an encounter he had with Duke Ellington. He was excited to get a chance to have a conversation with him and he chose to ask Mr. Elliington what he thought of the popular music of the day. His reply was, "That's not music. That's money!"
I think that same music teacher told me of a statement that Leonard Bernstein made to the effect that ninety percent of ANY style of music is crap. It's the remaining ten per cent we must seek out.
Here are some music quotes I found valuable.
I have become inspired to reconnect with my music. I have dusted off some old projects that I had lost passion for and am looking at them in a new light. I think at least one will bear fruit.
Music has been my passion for most of my life. It has been a challenge to find ways to be involved in it that make sense, that don't kill the joy it gives me. I have found places where I fit musically, but it seems they are temporary. Some of the most wonderful moments I have had, have been in exploring and creating arrangements of songs, more so than the performing of them, though, I have found soaring moments there as well. I know that presenting my music on stage is powerful for me. It has often been the place I feel most empowered to be myself. I have not been in that environment much in the last several years. I think that I have been trying to be true to my voice. I have had the chance to fulfill some of my rock and roll fantasies by playing in an oldies band. I am happy to have had that opportunity. I didn't have to be the center of everything, just sing my harmonies, my songs, strengthen the rythym and try to remember the chords. It helped me to grow as a musician and made my voice stronger. Now, it's time to get serious! I want to be able to throw myself into my music and feel that I am truly expressing my beliefs and values.
There is so much to be said and so little time to be able to say it. I have learned that, if I want to be understood, I need to be focused about what it is I have to say, knowing that, in the end, misunderstanding seems to be the way of the world.
I am more hopeful than I have been in a long time. I feel energetic and purposeful. Things seem less arbitrary and more possible. I feel as though I am looking at the world through a different window.