t is not a lack of knowledge or technique that keeps one from making “beautiful” music. What matters in music making is intent when you play. Then keeping focused; maintaining that intention. The music is then just the vehicle to carry your intention to create beauty. 

In “art” when playing – to believe it is to be sincere. The beauty is in the act of becoming (playing). Work on trying to direct your self-consciousness toward feeling- That sincerity and that becoming are your goals. BUT–Art is play- it has no goals–So work on your intent. 

What you’ve got, what you want and what you need; is revealed. Your intent will show thru. Then the obstacles in your way are easily pushed aside- gone from between you and your music making.  

That which gets in the way, those obstacles, are that which you cherish, value, have invested in. Those things you are attached to; your style, technique, instrument, your “art”, your judgements.  

OK, so there is a bunch of colorful philosophy! I like that stuff!  

 

But...looking at it from another angle...  

Oh well...never mind.  

JUST SHUT UP AND PLAY!  

trust your imagination  

it’s innocent play  

nobody’s judging you  

don’t judge yourself  

the music has goals  

which it easily achieves  

to reflect the dance  

to help us perceive what is really “out there”  

to help us  

to feel it  

to sense it  

-Stan Hirsch