Give “Piece” A Chance

Yes, I know the title has the word “piece,” but it’s intentional. Let me tell you why.

When someone who has been self taught, or has been taking lessons for a short period of time and are pleased with their skills, and have mustered up the confidence to play for you- LET THEM!!!!

There are so many people, other than myself, who love to play for others and get that instant feedback and validation that they’re trying, and that, (depending on who that person is, considering their circumstances,) they’re doing well and/or they’re really good.

Where did the snobbery start in this day and age? Is it the timeless class distinctions that has plagued the centuries? It still exists today, sadly enough, and can be seen very obviously in larger cities. Which streets do the rich avoid? Which streets are the less fortunate looked down up upon? Who gives to the poor, and who sticks their nose up at them?

Well, it exists in the music world as well, and is only obvious when someone with classical training, (and a stick up their ass,) decides that they don’t have time for, and will not validate a player of less skill, but especially a beginner or a self taught musician. There isn’t any encouragement, there aren’t any words of praise, and there certainly isn’t any compassion or fellow feeling. Love for music transcends time….. and training.

Even if the person who plays sounds like a child banging on their piano, at least tolerate one or two songs before changing the subject.

I’ll give you an example of snobbery:

I offered to play for a friend of my husband. He hasn’t received many lessons, (according to him, my hubby says differently,) but has a wonderful playing style. One of his ex-wives- who happens to be Russian- (His favourite culture- though he isn’t,) happens to be a vocal teacher. Now, I know for a fact that my voice is an extremely well developed voice, and I have a certain quality to it that makes mine very distinct and very pleasant. I catch the ear of many who hear me play and sing. I was told that when his ex-wife next came to the area he would ask her to meet with me so that SHE could tell me if I had a good voice or not. (What The Hell?????)

That hurt so much, and really dented my confidence. After his visit I played and sang, and once again my abilities reassured me that YES, I CAN sing, and I CAN play.

Never, ever tell someone to stop playing, or that you don’t want to hear them at all. It can kill the love that someone has, especially if they’re only novices. Who among us has the right to kill love of music in our fellow man? Who has the right to take away the joys of sharing our feelings with others through song? If you have a hard time listening to their playing because they’re hacking a piece, offer to give them a few tips, and to relax. A lot of times people hack their way through songs out of sheer nervousness. One or two songs, and offer a new subject of conversation. But never shoot someone down cold heartedly.

Remember, you who have been classically trained, that you too were once novices!! I’m sure there were many moments that YOUR parents thought of shutting the keyboard lid on YOUR fingers.

No one is perfect, so when someone offers to open themselves up, give their piece a chance.