“The fundamental question of philosophy is thus precisely:  

What is given to us?” 

– Stanley Rosen, philosopher 

“…that from which we will deduce all possible knowledge is nothing other than the appearances of the world.”  

– Lee Smolin, theoretical physicist 

What is given to us? 

Appearances of the world and our awareness. 

What shall we make of it? Let’s make music! 

Why music? Until the time comes when we can perceive what is really “out there” …music can help us to at least feel it and sense it.  

Making music is a great way to focus your awareness! 

How can we musically express these appearances of the world?  

By focusing your awareness on your tone and the rhythm.  

By not worrying about how well you are doing.  

This will help you to gain a less obstructed view.  

Focus your awareness on the sound.  

This will take attention away from yourself.  

This will help you to play in that space between silence and I AM.  

This will give you knowledge about the appearances of the world.  

"Dance first, think later. It's the natural order" - Samuel Beckett  

For me, playing music is my way to decorate time. Decorating time with sound makes it easier for me to dance. The sounds are energy dancing on the playing field where each beat is a new now.  

That field where art has no goals, and creativity is not trying to achieve something. That transcendental space where the I AM instead becomes that which I am expressing. The musician creating the sound, but the music creating its own infinite detail. Dancing in order to transcend the dancer.  

-Stan Hirsch