This week, I had 6 lessons in which I had to explain the concept of space in music. Why is it so important to give rests their full value? Why, when improvising, is space essential?
I'll tell you why. There's a big difference between hearing someone talk, and listening to them.
So many words, yet so little said. That is my biggest annoyance with the world, and in my opinion, it's biggest problem. After words, come more words, followed by even more words. It is not possible to truly listen in an environment of noise, created either by oneself or their surroundings.
"Use more space", I say to just about every jazz student, or classical student in their practices. I don't say "add more space", I say "use more space". Again, there is a huge difference. The most powerful moments don't come in what is said, but the moment granted afterwards that provides the audible breath that the world takes in response- that small moment that unifies everyone for a brief second. The silence following an orchestra, the pause in a speech, the lift of air you can feel after a musical build preceeding nothingness. Even the time spent between the end of a performance and the beginning of applause.
For every student I've asked to share the most powerful musical experience they've had, every one has had an equally powerful moment of collective silent response from all who listened. Good music is heard, but that, in that silence, granted from everyone present, displays true listening, and the biggest gift we can give the world. Use your gift to show the world true silence for even a moment.
The music is captivating, the light, rewarding, but nobody ever talks about how beautiful the silence in darkness can be.
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