The Musical Well

​There is nothing like drinking from the well of musical inspiration.

It is often empty, but when the well is overflowing, its water can quench the most ravenous thirst. One may lie in wait for days, weeks, months; eager for a single satiating drop. Perhaps a few notes from a favorite musician... an afternoon spent listening to birdsongs... a walk along a gurgling river in a secluded grove... inspiration may come in many forms, and sometimes it graces us when we least expect it. But what if the well is poisoned?

Territoriality, bureaucracy, in-fighting, contrived patriarchal hierarchies, inflated egos... these are but some of the many toxins that can wreak devastating effects on an already scarce supply of inspiration, especially for young artists. How easy is it for the established artist, ideally an individual of great skill and even greater willingness to share their craft, to take the fledgling artist under their wing and foster their talents. Unfortunately, it is easier to be swayed by jealousy and fear; this is how the well is first poisoned.

How is that seemingly self-respecting artists engage in such pettiness, irreparably compromising their integrity (both as artists and human beings) in the eyes of any objective observer? I have been on the receiving end of such nonsense more times than I would care to be, and I have seen it happen to other people. It is never OK and is practically without fail indicative of a deeply-seated personal issue; often, leveled accusations are rooted deep within the accuser's tangled psyche. Worse yet, something else is left untended in the process -- as drama and other schoolyard antics unbefitting of professionals unfold, true art withers away. The result? One of the following: 1) no one chooses to pass the proverbial baton, instead keeping it for themselves even when they can no longer hold it, 2) no one accepts the baton in its current sorry condition, and 3) there isn't and never was a baton at all. Each of these scenarios is uniquely sad, but the circumstances that lead to any of them are equally reprehensible.

Over the past ~5 years, I have been privileged to spend time teaching (and learning from) dozens of guitar aficionados, ranging from beginners to experts. Each experience has been gratifying in its own way, and I could not hope to accurately describe in this one blog post the wide range of personalities I've encountered. I've also been lucky enough to teach a not insignificant number of guitarists who I believe will go on to become the best in Minnesota and perhaps beyond, thanks to their prodigious talent and incredible work ethic. But how swiftly this could fall apart if I spike the drink of inspiration for those whose eyes still twinkle with excitement when they learn a technique, master a new piece, or compose their own music... The power wielded by anyone in the position of an instructor can arguably be used to do more harm than good -- it is for this reason that teachers who do not use their authority with great discretion and only the best of intentions must not be allowed to poison the well.

And if the well is already poisoned, let the rain come and wash away the ill-wishers and the jealous peddlers of mediocrity, making way for positivity, encouragement, and cultivation of art! There can be no room for condescension, animosity, and egoism in a beautiful world fueled by creativity, passion, and inspiration.

In music,
-Daniel