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  • Dear Musician - Do You Hear What I Hear?

    Don’t let a critical ear spoil the festivities …

    By Dendy Jarrett |

     

                                                                                         

    The holidays are drawing near, and you’ll no doubt be spending more time with friends and family. Everyone will be in festive spirits and enjoying their favorite tunes. And you’ll be subjected to them.

     

    You probably had parents whom you remember saying, “Hey, turn that noise down!” or even, “They don’t make music like they once did.” Seems like we’ve all had someone say this type of thing to us at one time or another.  It takes effort not to be that person.  Do you hear what I hear? I hear kids who are making their first tentative attempts at playing their brand new instruments. While some people may hear it as "noise", what you're actually hearing is the sound of musical doors opening up for the next generation of musicians. We all start somewhere, and it should be exciting for seasoned musicians to see young people embracing music.

     

    During the holidays especially, we encourage you not to be overly critical. It may be kids playing “their” music (which may not be your cup of tea), or it may be someone caroling beside you who shouldn't be singing except in the shower. It may even be a kid who’s received a guitar (or drums –yikes!) for Christmas and you must endure hours of “shredding” by untrained hands. (We speak from experience!) Whatever you hear, may it be from the perspective of music appreciation and patience. An encouraging word goes much farther than a discouraging one. Being open-minded to tunes that don’t fit your normal listening preferences can keep musical interests alive. Allowing yourself to endure hours of Hot Cross Bun on a new flute-like recorder may mean the difference between your child sticking with making music... or not.

     

    Our mission at Harmony Central is to inspire people to make better music. We’re not preaching to you, but we wish to remind you that how you approach others when they're making music could make a difference that lasts a lifetime. So we ask you to be aware.  Do you hear what I hear? Don’t let a critical ear spoil the spirit or the festivities.

     
      Image: © WestEnd61/REX/Shutterstock

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    Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and Executive Director of Harmony Central. He has been heavily involved at the executive level in many aspects of the drum and percussion industry for over 25 years and has been a professional player since he was 16. His articles and product reviews have been featured in InTune Monthly, Gig Magazine, DRUM! and Modern Drummer Magazines.

     

     
     
     
     
     
    Sub Title: Don’t let a critical ear spoil the festivities …



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    Well, I'll try.

     But if I hear that Alvin and the Chipmunks have gone the full auto-tune robotic for "Here Comes Santa Claus"...there will be no stopping me from Scroogin hard.

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