Make a Difference
How Artistic Expression Can Lead Change
Do you ever wonder how you can make a difference in a world with so much noise? Musicians and artists play an essential role in creating culture by interpreting the world around them in ways that provoke questions and guide participants by expressing something we all share, the human experience. Creatively presenting ideas through art and music can create a safe space for an audience to engage with thoughts and perspectives different than their own. Talent has no prejudice, and when people view art,observers rarely see the artist or know anything about the history of their life. The art speaks for the artist without discrimination.
The lyrics to the song, “Imagine,” by John Lennon, describe a world where we can get along without violence and live life in peace. John Lennon was murdered for speaking peace, but that did not silence his voice.Written in 1971, “Imagine” now has over 200 million views on Youtube and has been covered by musicians of numerous genres for generations since. The song represents a collection of ideas and reflections on thoughts that are represented with one word, imagine. This call to action promotes reflection on one's personal values and character. Movements are led with an idea put into action.
STOP AND LISTEN
Studying and creating music demands a discipline of stopping and listening. In order to understand and be understood, we need to stop and listen. Our world view is molded by our own experience, creating a lens unique to each individual.Unless we take intentional action to listen to ideas and experiences different than our own, we will remain in a perpetual cycle of our static filtered lens. We have to consider that our own opinions may be foggy or out of focus and listen fully to the voices of people who are different than us before responding.
If we don’t stop and listen, we can easily pass by an amazing artist and not even notice. In 2007, world famous violinist, Joshua Bell, performed at the Library of Congress. Later that week, he decided to conduct a social experiment and perform in casual attire at the entrance of the Union Station DC metro. Hundreds of people passed by without even glancing at the performer filling the dewy subway with the eternal resonance of Bach. One passerby did stay and listen until Bell completed performing a movement. She stated that she had seen him perform at the Library of Congress earlier that week.
REFLECT AND CREATE
How do artists stand the test of time? They speak the truth and it resonates with those who hear it. When novelist Ernest Hemingway would feel anxious about writing, he would think to himself, “Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. Write the truest sentence you know.”*
If we create art that speaks with honesty, then we can begin to open our minds and understand those who are different around us. We can replace deceit with truth, expose ourselves to isolated social groups, and seek more than media filters decide to show us. We need to reject messages of hate and create more music that is going to make a difference in this world and have a positive impact.
I challenge musicians and artists to stop, listen, reflect, and create ART AND MUSIC that is deeply rooted in your heart. Use a prompt listed below if you have difficulty with inspiration.
Prompts for creating music:
What is true?
What is most important to you?
What does an ideal world look like for you?
What is something you wish people knew about you?
Carol Ann teaches cello at the Sayla Music Academy. She is also on faculty at Delta Community College as the cello instructor and can be seen performing in many local orchestras and ensembles. By providing a music school to the local community they continue to promote and encourage people of all ages and walks of life to participate and experience music! You can view their school and programs here: www.saylamusicacademy.com
*Hemingway, Ernest. “A Moveable Feast” 1936, The Random House Group Limited, page 7