Tuesday, September 18, 2012
A Great Musician


Question: I’m very weak in terms of music sense. My classmates always laughed at me. I heart people said that music sense is a talent, a gift, but if I’m weak at it, how can I improve myself?

Answer:

            Music sense indeed is a talent. But do you think having a perfect gift as such is good enough? A famous Neuroscientist, Sacks once came across to a girl who had ears that could detect all the music she’s heard but having no ability to admire and appreciate them.

            There’s also a pianist, Mr. HongKuan Chen who had a remarkable gift. He was so sensitive to music that he could not help it when his mind would automatically correct an incorrect tune from the restaurant’s music. He was greatly disturbed. Now it seems that even the gifted ones have their own problems to deal with. From the perception of a psychologist, it is rather important for someone to start their journey with passion in music!

            Certainly, having a strong music sense will aid in your journey of music. However, that does not mean that you can’t be a great musician because you’re weak in it. As the Buddhism teaches us “turning poison into medicine”, you might become a great musician in the end just because you’ve given great effort in improving your music sense.

            We have to be patient and never giving up while learning music. We have to train ourselves to be prepared for the stage and not just hiding in a corner. It is perfectly normal to perform badly. At times, it’s even a good thing. Without knowing our weaknesses, we may never get to improve a little by a little. Being a successful performer is about perseverance. If we never give up on challenges, we will find that stage of ours some day!

            Everyone has a tendency of becoming a great musician. Those who listen to music more frequently tend to have a better music sense. It is advisable that you listen more often to classical music so that you could train yourself for that sensitivity. Besides, you could even practice to sing to train yourself on the rhythm. It’d be perfect if you could learn to play a musical instrument, be it winds, strings or percussion. Practice with the guide from your teacher and get exposure to some books about music. You may even find some useful software from outside such as Auralia.

            Having a better music sense would give you better understanding on music. Our life is inseparable from music, and it is because of music that made our hearts borderless. A beautiful music brings flower of peace and hope. The Daishonin states, “Cherry, plum, peach and damson blossoms all have their own qualities, and they manifest the three properties of the life of the Buddha without changing their character.” Everyone has their own weaknesses and strengths, hence having the potential to play their very own part in life and achieving happiness in the end. This is the teaching of Buddhism. To bloom your own flower in life is just the same as producing music of peace and hope. Regardless of country or language, people will be touched by your sincerity through your music and passion. When you’re able of comprehending this, I trust that you’ve successfully overcame your situation. Strive harder! There are people who are expecting for your growth.


Translated by,
Happy.

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Written at 6:06 PM by Paper Pilot.