The Democratisation of Music

It is ironic, that in an age of easily available recorded music, many people have lost touch with music as a living, breathing part of everyday life. Now we have whatever music we choose at the touch of a button – symphony orchestras, pop and rock stars in our own living room, strange and exotic music from around the planet. The finest singers, virtuosi of all kinds, rock legends of the past – we can have whatever we want, whenever we want it.

Yet this professionalisation of music has detracted from, and perhaps proved intimidating to, the everyday music of life. Where once people sang together, for group togetherness, for work, for joy, for sorrow, we now stick on a CD or MP3. This instant gratification betrays the hard work behind the talent – like any craft or art, mastery takes years. This should be applauded, but it should not deter the more amateur music makers from sharing the sound waves.

There is a wonderful movement toward choir revivals in many places, as well as amateur musical get-togethers, such as folk clubs, open mike nights, city bands, community orchestras and the like. Music needs to be reclaimed as a human activity, for ALL humans, not just those who spend years in exclusive training. Without wanting to sound overly political, it needs to be democratised! It is as human as making a fire, cooking food, playing with children, making love, and having a family gathering.

I don’t wish any apocalyptic regression on us, but sometimes I imagine a world where there is no power for our electronic music-playing machines. Imagine! A world without music! Then the musician in us all would come out of the woodwork, and we would make our own living music again! The local fiddler or pianist or singer/songwriter would once again be a valued member of each town. Instead of being compared to the latest, or classic, recordings, and found sorely wanting, perhaps they could be appreciated for what they do bring to the community.