The profound musician Jon Batiste recently wrote in a New York Times article,
“I am not who you think I am”
It got me thinking about how musicians are so misunderstood and way under-valued.
Those who love music, like myself, know good and well the value musicians provide. The value we have to shape cultures and convey universal emotions.
Those who do not believe in musical value are not bad people. It makes sense why they would not believe in things like donated instruments, quality lessons, and collaborative musical exchange programs.
But I hope non-music lovers do understand this,
The value of music is not what you think it is. It is what you can build around it.
We can work together to create,
Concerts that provide resources for under-privileged communities.
Galas that raise money for medical research.
Performances that help small businesses.
The problems music can help fix are endless.
I will always believe that being a musician is both a personal journey for life and a way to be a shining light for others. I know this to be true.
But let us remember that there is also opportunity to create noble pursuits, fighting for causes everyone believes in, around musical atmospheres.
-J.S