This post is in response to a YouTube video where a guitar teacher reacts to seeing Phish perform the song Free:
The video clocks in over 32 minutes but it’s well worth watching. In case you don’t have time, the important parts are that this is the YouTuber’s first time seeing Phish live and it ends up blowing him away. By the end of the video, I’m pretty sure this guy is ready to head out to a show!
What struck me most about the video is his willingness and ability to, in his words, pick up what the band is laying down. You can see the process and end result of music discovery happening right in front of you eyes. And it’s infectious and magical! By the time you see the light bulb going off for the YouTuber, you are grinning ear-to-ear yourself as the viewer.
I see two traits that allow for this process to work most effectively. Open-mindedness and learned knowledge.
He maintains an open-mind which allows him to appreciate something that he hasn’t seen before. In the video he acknowledges some of the hurdles to appreciating Phish: the rabid fan base, the deep library of songs, and the opacity of 10+ minute jams in many of their songs. Despite all of this, he takes the offer of a helping hand from a guide (thanks, Conner!) and goes through the door that is opened for him. During the discovery process, he sees other doors that could lead him to other places; “this is probably one of those Trey-ism’s” or “I can see how this could go on for 40 minutes”.
It all starts from being willing to go through that first door though.
He is able to quickly appreciate what is being presented to him because he has a depth of knowledge about music and about the guitar specifically. He notes well-formulated musical phrases, appreciates advanced techniques, and marvels at the equipment of the band. This is a realization of investments made throughout his life as it is clearly the result of intense study and many hours of practice.
Another way to have musical knowledge is as a listener. The more that you listen, the more you can appreciate. Listening to a diversity of artists and genres (hello again, open-mindedness…) provides you with a foundation from which to build upon your love of music.
These lessons can be gleaned from a video but they apply to every aspect of life. Approaching life with an open-mind leads you to new experiences that you will appreciate all the more if you have spent time educating yourself about the ways of the world.
I am Galt 