How important is heart and soul when playing music?

rhatheway · Last edited by rhatheway on Mon May 13, 2024 3:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

I was talking to one of the guys here on TH and the topic of putting your heart and soul into your music came up.

To me making music is not just about being able to read and play notes. It's a lot more than that. There are a lot of good technical players out there who don't (IMHO) make music. They can play, but they can't make music. And there are lots of average players who may not be the best technically, but can make their instruments sing because they're really passionate about what they're playing, so they're making real music. And then there are those few who are amazing technical players and who also really do put everything they have into it and are really making music.

To me, that seems to be the dividing line between musicians and non-musicians. Do you play with feeling? Do you put your heart and soul into it? Or are you just reading notes and regurgitating sounds?

I'm an average musician at best and will never be a professional, but I like to think that when I play, regardless of which instrument is in my hands, I'm making music because I do feel it and I do put my heart and soul into it, in addition to my technical skills. Music is transformative and audiences can tell if you're really playing or if you're just phoning it in.

So..., curious minds want to know. What's your take on this?
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kehaulani · Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 10:43 am Post subject:

Why are you asking? Bad technique can get in the way of effective musicianship but Musicianship trumps all.
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rhatheway · Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 11:05 am Post subject:

ldwoods · Posted: Wed May 01, 2024 12:28 pm Post subject:

I agree with the general theme of your statements. I have heard much better players express the same sentiment, that there is a difference from playing the right notes and making music while playing those same notes.

As for me, I am a rank amateur, but try my best to make music and express emotions in my playing, which is mostly Christian contemporary and classical hymns.
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Rob Thomson · Posted: Fri May 10, 2024 12:27 pm Post subject:

A music professor once told his class, "if you don't play with good time, good tone, and good intonation, no one wants to listen to it. Not your family. Not your friends. They may tell you they like it, but they're lying."

I think that's the baseline. There ain't no music without those three. I don't care how much heart and soul you put into it.

BUT, without feeling, is it even music?

It's like asking which part of your car you could do without: the engine or the wheels? You really need both.
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JayKosta · Posted: Fri May 10, 2024 1:01 pm Post subject:

Good tone, good intonation, right note at right time, right loudness.

AFTER those are accomplished, 'heart & soul' can be the frosting.

Think about some of the 'heart & soul' renderings of the National Anthem you've heard ...
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Uberopa · Posted: Fri May 10, 2024 6:48 pm Post subject:

Being able to use the musical language which includes sound, rhythm and technique are the building blocks by which you may express yourself. Through musical expression you will be able to convey heart and soul in your message. There two wheels on the axle. If you are missing one or the other you won't be going anywhere in a hurry.

Man Of Constant Sorrow · Veteran Member Joined: 25 Jun 2023 Posts: 487

I agree 100% with the OP.

I try ... REALLY TRY ... to put passion into my playing (where/when appropriate).

Not long ago, I was asked by a gal I was dating, to play something for her. She was a singer on Broadway productions. Also, played violin.
She was/is a widow ... her late husband was a Broadway pit trumpet-player, so I respected her comments and opinions, coming from someone with her background. She possessed a vast knowledge of music.

She informed she had never heard anyone play with passion, as I did, for our little, impromptu sound-bite.
Several months later, she gifted me her late husband's Boston 3-Star Le Plus Ultra vintage Cornet.
I was genuinely honored ... but, more importantly, her comments regarding my playing.
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Trumpjerele · Posted: Sun May 12, 2024 11:28 am Post subject:

Those who play with a lot of technique, play mechanically, without feelings: fallacy.
Those who play with feeling lack technique: another fallacy.

Other times people confuse playing with feeling with excessive vibrato, or bendings if you are a guitarist.

I play tenor saxophone in a big band, of saxophones, I play the humble role of trombone 2. Much more important is rhythmic precision, dynamics and articulations, and in general respecting the context of the song.

The feelings are for the soloists, but many times we have to be in the back chopping stones.
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stuartissimo · Posted: Sun May 12, 2024 10:51 pm Post subject:

You need enough technique to accurately express your 'heart and soul'. They're not mutually exclusive.
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david johnson · Posted: Mon May 13, 2024 1:54 am Post subject:

Seymor B Fudd · Posted: Mon May 13, 2024 8:49 am Post subject:

I agree with posters who in short favor the ability to play.
Absolutely! Fine sound, decent technique, rhythm, phrasing etc etc.

But 1) if it ain´t got that swing....it don´t mean a thing 2)as music is a kind of communication - if it ain´t got that feeling - it don´t mean a thing.

Beware of equilibristic cascades......played by someone totally engulfed into introspection - completely bunking off the audience.
Or as Louis once said "hear me talking to ya". So brain plus heart.

Then you might listen to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Idb1quVEY

Simple? Maybe but it sure talks to my heart.

"Zing went the strings of my heart"....to me guys like Bunny B, and a lot of others. You gotta become moved! But what´s moving is very personal of course..
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