The Importance of Versatility and Adaptability for Musicians.
As much as music is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, both those who are doing it and those they are doing it for. You still get some people who do not really care about those they play music to, but instead they just play to satisfy themselves alone. In this case, you will see them okay, and they okay to their own taste, not concerned if the masses enjoyed it or not. This kind of habit is not one a good musician should inculcate because it will reduce your quality as a musician.
I was at an event today, and this event was a retreat, but it was for all the workers, so the instrumentalists were there also to corroborate the occasion. When the event started, I got there a bit late because of the traffic, and when I eventually got there, I saw the set of guys that were there, and without listening to what they had to offer, I concluded within myself that they wouldn't be a mannered musician because the way they presented themselves already showcased their kind of person.
After some time, they were called upon to minister in songs, and I was there with them. So when they started, they were playing a 6 by 5 beat, and after some time, without the consent of the music leader, they switched the beat without carrying the other along. Immediately, I called their attention and told them to go back to what they were doing before, but they did consent to that because they believed they wanted to satisfy themselves.
I shook my head with pity because I was annoyed, and they had to scatter the beat because they were not comfortable with that style of playing, but the chaperone never asked them to. This is why, as a musician, you must make sure you are versatile so that you will be able to fit into any form or style of play, not limiting yourself to just one style. One can get to a place where you won't have to do what you are now, and then you have to blend in with what you meet where you are. The question is, how will you cope?
As an instrumentalist or a musician, you must never be caught unaware because you just have to be prepared for anything that comes your way. Either the style you have known before or not. This is just advice for us: no matter what we are doing, ensure you do not limit yourself to just a style of music because you can just be in a place till eternity. Things change, and music styles change with time. Do what is necessary as soon as it is right.
Hmm, you have said things rightly. As instrumentalists, being versatile is a way to help themselves. Doing that is already a form of advertising, and many would want to have you play with them.
About the guys that just switched, well... I do believe there should have been a discussion between them all on how things would be done.
Yeah that's correct but since they are not used to it
Like you said it's all about being open to new experiences and not limiting yourself to just one style so one does not get embarrassed during performances. And for those who are already established, it's never too late to learn and grow.
Yeah, you are right nothing which one can be good in something we do