True Confessions
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To be honest, this question drives me nuts – wait, let me rephrase that – it used to drive me nuts. I’m over it now (at least I hope I am).
You see – and please keep this between you, me, and the millions of other surfers out here on the World Wide Web – I’m not really all that talented of a performer. I used to play a very mean bass guitar in college, and I sing and play the piano decently well, but I’ve given all of that up to focus solely on composing – my first love!
So you can see why, on the surface, this question could cause me a bit of discomfort. On a deeper level, there's a part of me that also thought the questioner might be subtly implying that performers are superior musicians to composers.
Am I paranoid or what?
But I think I’m beyond all of that now. I think people ask composers what they play as a way to relate to them and steer the conversation toward familiar ground. Everyone knows of someone that performs on an instrument (whether it be an acquaintance or Pete Townsend). Performing is a tangible commodity. How the heck do folks relate to a composer when there’s very little media focus on what a composer does? Shoot, up until the point when I tell people I’m a composer, they may have very well assumed that we all died off over 100 years ago!
But we’re still alive, and kickin’, and writing some pretty good music. Apparently, I’m not the only living composer that’s an average performer either. In a recent survey of 240 composers, 47% considered themselves to be professional level performers on at least one instrument, while 53% indicated they did not perform at a professional level.
That’s a comforting stat for me, but there are certainly tons of benefits to performing well, the most obvious of which, is the ability to perform your own compositions. Without a doubt, this would lead to more performances of your works and an opportunity to meet and work with many musicians (which leads to more performance opportunities).
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A final benefit is the constant exposure to other composers' works through performance, providing a continuous stream of creative nourishment (ideas from which to steal or further expand upon at a later date).
But in the end, I don’t think the ability to perform at a professional level necessarily makes one a better composer. I know of too many examples to the contrary, where incredibly accomplished performers aren’t all that great at composing and vice versa.
One final thought - we all need to do the best with the hand we are dealt. I don’t see my life getting any more uncluttered in the next several years. Though I’d like to devote some more time to refining my piano chops, I’ll need to continue prioritizing, focusing on the things that are most important to me. Composing will always come out ahead in that equation.
In the meantime, if you ask me what I play, I'll simply smile and respond that I sing. I'll then appreciate the fact that you took an interest in my passion and tried to relate to it.
And now..... what to do about that nasty funk tune that's been swimming around in my head for some time now. Hmmmm.... maybe it’s time to dust off the ol’ bass and fire up the amp.
Look out Flea, here I come!
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I jokingly tell people when they ask me this that I "play them all." Then I tell them that I used to be a trumpet player (decent enough, but I fall into the "No way, now how" category of performance now) but that I focus my attention oncomposing.
The question itself has never really bothered me, though. I would imagine that this is because I've thought of myself as a composer first since I was about 18 years old.
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That's a good one Brad. Care if I borrow it?
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It does explain a lot, doesn't it?
You may *absolutely* borrow that!
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See now I didn't really know until recently that you had to have an instrument at Music School. I always thought you went as a composer.
But honestly, I'll share that one time I was whining to God about the fact that I couldn't play piano any better than I can. I mean, since I first saw Warren teaching you I was enthralled. And what was his answer to me? "I made you a singer." And as you know, that means a performer as well.
That pretty much ended my whine. And though I may get a praise tune in my head or the fire to write a song for an occasion, it is truly a struggle for me as you know. I'm learning as I go and try but, well, that is your gift, my precious brother. (One I call on when needed!)
Excellent share! I haven't gotten out to the last couple. Thank you as always for being who you are and letting all that great stuff inside of you out!
LOVE YA!!!!
Angela
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Thanks Ang for reading the post and for your insightful thoughts. God made you a singer and he made me a composer - I guess you look at it that way, there's nothing left to whine about
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I read your articles everyday, you have talent in writing, cant wait for more info
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Want to thank you for interesting posts dude. Keep posting
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Super www please add some new updates, can't wait !
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Many interesting topics here, i see
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