“Sustaining passion and purpose through the highs and lows of the music industry”

Musicians rely on a tuner, which can be a device, tool, or person, to help keep the notes in tune with the proper pitch. Tuning an instrument is similar to getting in tune with our purpose for creating music and how we use our talent.

Why play music?

Music and the ability to play it are likened to a heavenly, divine, or supernatural gift. There is much amazement and wonder about how someone can be so deeply connected with an instrument and appear to transcend boundaries. Although learning music requires education and skill, the gift of music, without a doubt, is a unique talent. Musicians have a heart for music and feel a special calling. It is even more evident there is a greater force behind music because of how it affects and blesses people.

All musicians have a story related to the highs and lows experienced in the music industry. Sometimes the challenges faced can cause us to question or lose sight of our purpose. The stress can weigh heavily on our passion. Life brings tension, but musicians usually find a way to play anyway. The shocking stories we hear about musicians after they’ve passed away are usually hard to believe because the gift was still present as they played through hardships with very little warning signs. Once we have the gift, it is not something that can be easily taken from us. We can learn to sustain our gift and passion for music, especially during tough times, when we lean into our purpose.

The Keys to Finding Purpose as a Musician

Whether we play an instrument, use our voice, or write songs, we are in fact the true instrument. Without our soul, heart, mind, and body, the instrument would be a lifeless object. That means you are the most important part of the equation. Since the beginning of civilization, musicians have been hired and called for services, performances, and causes. The primary purposes for which music is used are entertainment, worship, celebration, remembrance, education, or wellness therapy.

Each musician has their own purpose and uniqueness. Everyone has something different to bring to the stage. Being a musician should not be about competition. No one can be you. Focus on your craft, hone your skill, concentrate on your distinct sound, and perform from the heart. Mental wellness is a great factor on our performance too. How can we make a joyful noise, when we are not joyful? Practice healthy lifestyle habits, establish positive connections, and seek support as needed.

As musicians, we’ve been given a platform to use our gift to affect others. We should not take this opportunity or privilege lightly. Praise or affirmation is easy to chase, but there is so much satisfaction in seeing people’s hearts moved and lives enriched by the music we create and play. When we approach the creation and performance of music with purpose and intention, we can positively uplift the environment and influence those around us. Music is just that powerful!

The commitment to being in tune with our purpose and reason behind why we play music can be life changing for us and anyone who hears it. Be encouraged to find and walk in your purpose. Play on!

If musical instruments—flutes, say, or harps—aren’t played so that each note is distinct and in tune, how will anyone be able to catch the melody and enjoy the music?
I Corinthians 14:7 MSG

Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.
Aretha Franklin

Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people.
Prince

A musician should only sound like what they do, and no two musicians sound the same. It’s an individual-feel thing, you know?
Dave Grohl

To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts – such is the duty of the artist.
Robert Schumann

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.
Ludwig van Beethoven

LifeNotes online publication written and edited by Hope N. Jones. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication and distribution prohibited.