It’s that time of year when we think about gifts–the ones we give to others, the ones we may receive, and the best ones–the gifts we weren’t expecting. I have been thinking about the many gifts we receive from making music. While my previous forays into music were fun and fulfilling, my bluegrass hobby has provided some gifts/rewards that I never expected.
- Friendship. I have made some good friends through playing bluegrass. The shared experience of playing music together is a good building block of friendship, but I think the improvisational aspect of bluegrass requires us to put ourselves out there in a way that can create strong connections. Staying up too late at camp because you’re having fun jamming (or just talking) can also create some strong bonds. I appreciate my bluegrass friends and I enjoy spending time with them.
- Unlimited Learning. When you play bluegrass, there is always something new to learn. There seems to be an unlimited supply of new tunes, there is bluegrass history and lore, and there are a gazillion versions of songs to listen to and learn from.
- Appreciation. I have been surprised at how playing music at this stage of my life has increased my appreciation of a broad range of music and media. Learning to play stringed instruments has broadened my musical horizons–it has changed how I listen to these instruments and has enhanced my enjoyment of listening to them. It has also encouraged me to listen to (and learn about) music that I previously have had little interest in.
- Occupation. When you play a musical instrument, there is pretty much always something to do. You can practice. You can find others to play with. You can spend time finding new songs to learn. It’s a gift that just keeps on giving.
- Community. I have been pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the bluegrass community is. Bluegrass is a form of music that is all about participation, and the concept of welcoming new players into the circle is a core aspect of the genre. The shared repertoire, and a shared understanding of the roles of the various bluegrass instruments make it easy for people to come together and make music that is rewarding and fun.
What gifts have you received from your musical adventures?