The Real Reason We Play Our Instruments
Did you ever hear or play music so beautiful that it sent shivers down your spine, made you cry, or gave you goosebumps? Why does music have such a profound effect on us?
Music has the incredible ability to evoke feelings and emotions through sound. A simple melody can express happiness, joy, sorrow, or nostalgia. These emotions are suggested by the composer, realized by the musician, and finally conveyed to the audience. This connection between performer and listener is the true purpose of music and the real reason we play our instruments.
Technical skill is essential, but mastering an instrument is not just about hitting the right notes—it’s about expressing emotions, telling stories, and moving people with sound. The goal of every musician should be to communicate and inspire, creating performances that touch the hearts of those who listen.
Why Do We Play Our Instruments?
If you ask different musicians why they play, you’ll hear many answers:
• “Because I love music.”
• “Because it makes me feel something.”
• “Because it’s fun.”
• “Because it allows me to express myself.”
But all these responses point to the same core reason—we play our instruments because of the musical experiences we gain from them. Music is more than a set of notes on a page; it is an experience that connects people across time, cultures, and emotions.
When we play, we are not just reproducing notes; we are recreating feelings. We are taking something abstract and giving it life through sound. This is why a well-played piece can move people deeply, even if they don’t understand the technical aspects of music.
Express Yourself: Making Music Speak
How do we take a collection of notes and turn them into something meaningful? How can we communicate our musicality to the audience? It all comes down to expression.
1. Define the Musical Phrases
Just like a sentence in English has a beginning, middle, and end, so does a musical phrase. Understanding and shaping these phrases is key to making music speak.
• Identify where the phrase starts and ends.
• Understand how it moves—where does it lead?
• Recognize the most intense moment within the phrase.
Each phrase should feel like a thought being spoken aloud, full of intention and expression.
2. Shape the Musical Line
Every melody has direction. Some phrases build toward a peak, while others resolve gently. A great musician knows where the line is going and conveys that through changes in dynamics, articulation, and intensity.
Ask yourself:
• Where does the phrase naturally want to go?
• Is there a climactic point where the emotion is strongest?
• Should the phrase be played smoothly and connected, or short and detached?
By shaping each musical line with care, you guide the listener’s emotions and create a more compelling performance.
3. Experiment with Emotional Contrasts
A great exercise for developing expressive playing is to experiment with different emotions.
• Play the same piece in a happy, joyful way.
• Now play it in a sad, sorrowful way.
• Compare the two versions—how did the dynamics, tempo, articulation, and phrasing change?
This exercise teaches you how subtle changes in technique can dramatically alter the emotion of a piece.
For example, playing with a light, airy tone can make a melody feel playful or delicate, while using a darker, heavier sound can make it feel more serious or powerful.
4. Tell a Story with Your Instrument
Music is storytelling without words. When you play, imagine you are telling a story—what is happening in the music? Who are the characters? What emotions are being expressed?
Ask yourself:
• What mood does this piece convey?
• Is there a rise and fall in the drama of the piece?
• How can I bring out the contrasts between sections?
For example, if a phrase reminds you of fairies dancing on a leaf, it wouldn’t make sense to play it with a heavy, dark sound. Instead, you would use a light, transparent tone to match the imagery.
Great musicians don’t just play notes—they create scenes, characters, and emotions through their interpretation.
5. Learn from Great Vocalists
One of the best ways to improve musical expression is to listen to singers. Vocalists naturally shape their phrases to mimic speech patterns, using dynamics, vibrato, and pacing to create meaning.
• Listen to Frank Sinatra, famous for his expressive phrasing and breath control.
• Study opera singers, who bring incredible emotional depth to their performances.
• Pay attention to how singers use rubato (slight variations in tempo) to emphasize emotions.
Try to imitate the human voice with your instrument. Let your phrasing breathe, and think about how a singer would shape each line.
6. Listen to Your Favorite Recordings
One of the best ways to develop expressive playing is to study professional recordings.
• How does the musician convey emotion?
• How do they shape phrases and dynamics?
• What makes their playing feel alive?
Try this experiment:
1. Record yourself playing a piece.
2. Play it for others and ask, “What emotions do you hear?”
3. If their response doesn’t match what you intended, adjust your phrasing, tone, and dynamics and try again.
This process of self-critique helps refine your ability to communicate emotions through music.
It’s Not About the Notes—It’s About the Music!
Playing your instrument well means more than just playing the correct notes. The audience expects technical accuracy, but what truly moves them is the emotion behind the notes.
A technically perfect performance without emotion is like reading a book in a monotone voice—it lacks life. But even a simple melody, played with heart and sensitivity, can leave a lasting impact.
How to Go Beyond the Notes
• Think about the story behind the music.
• Play each phrase with intention and meaning.
• Use dynamics and articulation to enhance expression.
• Listen to great musicians and learn from their phrasing.
Remember, the real reason we play our instruments is not just to play music—it’s to experience music and share that experience with others.
Final Thoughts: Music is a Gift
Music is a universal language. It has the power to bring people together, express deep emotions, and create unforgettable moments.
As musicians, we have a responsibility to go beyond the notes and create performances that touch the heart. The more we focus on expression and emotion, the more powerful our music will become.
So the next time you pick up your instrument, don’t just play the notes—bring out the music. Find the emotions within the piece, shape the phrases with care, and tell a story that captivates your audience.
This is the real reason we play our instruments—to experience, to express, and to inspire. 🎶
