You’re probably familiar with the saying, “Music is the universal language.” How true. You don’t have to understand Italian to appreciate the singing of Andrea Bocelli, or speak German to enjoy a performance of DIE Fledermaus.
As an essential way of expressing yourself, music is a lot like a language. The similarities between the two concepts are many. To speak a language well enough to communicate, you have to follow certain rules, like grammar and syntax, that is to combine words into sentences that convey meaning, that make sense to whomever you’re talking with. As well, with music, you have to follow rules, like key signatures and chord progressions, and combine that structure with melody and most often lyrics to make music.
As well there is tone that figures prominently into both modes of expression. Of course, you sing or play loud and soft and with emphasis in certain places to create a feeling that is the heart of your musical expression. Just as with words, you speak in everything from a whisper to a scream, or in a welcoming, endearing way or with spite or anger, to convey meaning.
Playing music for a living is more than a job; it’s even more than a career. Calling music a job is like calling the language you speak a job. It’s not simply a set of tasks you do to make money; it’s how you express who you are and connect with your world.