Music Connects Us Without Limitation

Daniel Levitin’s quote (below) from This Is Your Brain On Music resonates much with my thought processes currently. At this moment in the book, he makes a reference to a Neil Young song. However, I would like to apply a little bit of Bach to this statement on how music connects us without limitation.

The power of art is that it can connect us to one another, and to larger truths about what it means to be alive and what it means to be human.

Daniel J. Levitin, This Is Your Brain On Music

I find it fascinating that I can play music written by a person that is no longer living. Not only are they no longer living, but they are many generations removed. Yet the notes on the page as they become audible to my ear move me, I imagine, in much the same way as they did those who came before me right down to the composer himself. This is the power of connecting not only me to other listeners and players, but also something that transcends time itself.

Music Connects Without Words

I have had a discussion about this connection many times over my life with many students. One thing that stands out is that there are no words to describe it. This is ironic because music needs no words to express itself. I can go into the middle of a country that speaks a foreign language and talk all I want. But if no one understands my words, there is no understanding at all. However, if I sit down and begin to play a Bach prelude, the music moves and affects those listening. This is probably why I have such an affinity for music that contains no words and only instruments. There are no preconceived notions on its meaning other than the feeling received by those listening at any given moment.

I have been under the weather this week and have not been able to post a video or even keep up with my practicing. But I can still think and ponder on the noise that fills my head. Fortunately, that noise usually ends up being in the form of a melody rather than words at the moment. For surely, sometimes, words are not necessary to express something that connects all of us together at the core of our being.

If you are interested in the above quote, then you should really check out the book by Daniel J. Levitin. This Is Your Brain On Music will give you a new perspective and deepen your appreciation of music and the science behind what we hear and are moved by.

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.