by Drew Holmes

As a fan of police procedural shows, I’ve learned the underlying components of a crime are motive, means, and opportunity. Someone has to have the reason to do something, the resources to do it, and the chance to do it. What strikes me is how this same theory can be directly applied to making music.

The simplest part of this equation is the means. In order to participate in music making (outside of choir, it can be argued, though sheet music is usually necessary) specific musical equipment is required. Whether that be in the form of an instrument, tuner, music stand, etc. there are base materials necessary to be a musician. Everyone has their favorite brands or models within these categories, but it’s safe to say that without some standard items making music is a near impossibility.

The next item in ascending order of importance is opportunity or, for the purposes of this discussion, performance. A performance is at its core the chance to showcase the hard work that the musician has put in to making this music. It is not unto itself the accomplishment, but rather the celebration of the accomplishment of having achieved musical excellence. Without these opportunities the activity of making music becomes purely self gratifying. While there are people who through personal desires or necessity engage in this kind of personal music making, it seems a bit hollow compared to what the full potential of the activity really is.

The final and most important consideration in music making is motive. Why should someone choose to devote their time and treasure to doing this? What moved them to pick up an instrument in the first place? Yes, the studies showing the long term benefits of music making are too numerous to count, but such in-the-weeds data rarely inspires a young aspiring musician. Sometimes they have been nudged by a parent to enroll in music and are just “checking off boxes” until it’s time for the next thing. Ideally they found inspiration by seeing or hearing someone they admire making music and have come to the conclusion that not only do they want to do it, but they can do it.

Regardless of why they first picked up and instrument the important consideration is that they did it at all. That’s where we as musicians are obligated to help inspire them to want to achieve at their full potential. Whether we are teaching them private lessons, instructing them in a formal classroom setting, or sitting next to them in a community ensemble, we all contribute to creating value in their personal music making experience. The way we honor those who inspired us to achieve our best is to do the same for others. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty.

Opportunities to perform can be found (or created) with a bit of planning. Means to make music can be found at your local music store. But the motive to make music, the passion needed to achieve is something we all need to take personal responsibility to create.

Who have you inspired today?