A World Without Music

A World Without Music

Can you even imagine …? 

by Dendy Jarrett

Dear Musician,

In John Lennon’s song “Imagine,” he asks that you imagine no Heaven or Hell, no countries or religion, and no possessions. He states that it’s easy if you try. But how easy would it be to imagine a world without music? And just how would that affect us? 

Stop for a moment and think about how many places music touches you on an hourly basis. Imagine waking up, getting ready for work, driving to work, being at your desk, checking Facebook, going to a favorite lunch spot, all without music. Think about how this would drastically change your world.

TV programs or movies wouldn’t have music to support the visuals with sonic emotions. Worship…no music to express the inexpressible. Sport events with no music to jack up the fans and rally the team. Parties without the sounds that get people moving and smiling.

What if you couldn’t pick up your guitar and play, or sit down at the keyboard, bass or drums?

In the 1998 movie “Pleasantville,” the world is like a 1958 sitcom of black and white. There is no color—none! Everything is black and white and as people start to “discover” color, they are shunned or banned as disgraceful.

I suspect this is what a world would be like without music.

And what about you? Why do you love music? What is your motivation for playing? Do you tie particular songs with life events? When certain songs play are you instantly transported to where you were when you first heard it, or the first person you loved, or a milestone event where the song played?

We all have our reasons for why we love music and why we play the instruments we do. At Harmony Central, we hope to keep that flame alive no matter your age. When you come into a community full of musicians it is hard not to feel a common bond. Sure…musicians are just like everyone else (in a lot of ways) but musicians share a kindred spirit that wouldn’t exist in a world without music.

And with that kindred spirit, we hope to pass the torch to the next generation of musicians, hopefully to ignite better talent and inspire people to…make better music.

Imagine a world without music, … it’s easy if you try?

I think not.

ps - If you have thoughts about a world without music, join the discussion here. 

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Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and 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.