I just had a very cool discussion about music with my relatively new boss. When I told him I play trumpet, he told me about a couple of his family members from earlier generations, one of whom performed with Louis Armstrong. My boss also played alto sax in his school jazz band, and his daughter plays clarinet in the local concert band.
For me, this further solidifies the concept that you never know where your next music connection will come from. Who did you have your last “surprise” music conversation with?
Anika Paulson tells “How I Found Myself Through Music” at a TED conference.
Another recent “discovery” occurred last year when I had my roof replaced: turns out the contract manager who came out for the consultation used to be a drummer. He traveled with a jazz combo for years, until he got tired of the touring lifestyle and decided to change careers. He saw the music-related art on my wall and mentioned it, which led to another fascinating conversation.
You just never know.
My fellow musicians – have you ever bought an item or service at a non-musical business and seen the cashier’s face light up after you mentioned that you sing or play an instrument? I’m willing to bet it happens more often than people think, to professionals and amateurs alike.
Most people seem to have good memories of their childhood musical experiences (other than those who slogged through mandatory piano lessons or perhaps had an uninspiring band director). Then there are others who played throughout high school or maybe college, but for whatever reason didn’t continue. Family, career, or life just got in the way.
I asked my boss if he still has his sax. He does.
Saying, “It’s never too late to get back into it” sometimes gets people thinking about it, and the conversation can continue from there. I make sure to mention good local groups that amateurs can join, whether it’s a concert band, jazz band, or a small ensemble. In this particular conversation, I also ended up giving my boss names of two composers, one for swing band (for him) and one for concert band (for his daughter).
No matter where the music conversation leads, I feel it’s always worthwhile. If you’re a musician, mention your experience to others. If you’re not a musician, but used to play, speak up about it. You just might find yourself inspired by someone else’s words.