Diving into the divine of Music

Introduction: At some point when we find our self doing something we enjoy, we tend to forget about the rest of the world in a good way. When we are having a bad day and someone has perhaps gotten under our skin, doing your favorite activity helps you decompress and move forward. Countless times music has been our best friend, our doctor, therapist, and good will to others around us. Miraculously when its involved with music we can really dive in deep and see the good in it. Sometimes all it takes is one practice session to get in that mindset of nothing at all. I think that there is a true Zen to approaching music. Whether we find the technique or the philosophy first with our craft, I think it's important to demystify what seems daunting and to take a look at how powerful music really is. Earlier in my journey of playing music I had the opportunity to meet Victor Wooten. Many know him as one of the greatest bass players that ever lived and I would definitely agree he's up there. The one time I met him though, I remember how simple and down to earth he was. Willing to share his joy and to also set the record straight on the code to music. Its taken me years to unwrap some of the things he instills with his Yin/Yang philosophy but I think its some of the best ideas out there to keep things simple. With that being said, here are some points I would like to make about our journey in music and how we can tap into the endless Zen and happiness of playing music.

1. Embracing Simplicity in Music:

In the world of music, we often find profound beauty in embracing simplicity, much like the essence of Zen philosophy and the tranquility of nature. The Principle of Simplicity teaches us that the true power of music often lies in its stripped-down, essential elements. Think of a solitary ukulele strumming a few chords or a lone voice singing a heartfelt melody. These moments of simplicity connect us to the raw emotion and vulnerability of music, similar to how a Zen garden's simplicity can evoke a sense of serenity or how observing the graceful simplicity of a tree's branches swaying in the wind can provide a deep sense of peace. Living here in Hawaii, there is no shortage of beauty or signs of balance on the beautiful Big Island.

Simplicity in music isn't about a lack of skill or complexity; it's a deliberate choice to let the music breathe and speak for itself. It's about finding a balance between intricate compositions and the purity of a single note, much like how embracing the simplicity of a Zen tea ceremony allows one to savor the moment or how a walk in the woods, focusing on the rustling leaves and chirping birds, brings a sense of calm. Here, the subtle sounds of the waves brings balance too. But you know what, there is also simplicity of what some would say is chaos or loud perhaps like the tsunami warning sirens here.

As a music instructor at Mauka Melodies, I've seen simplicity transform my students' musical journeys. Focusing on fundamentals, whether learning the first ukulele chords or mastering basic guitar riffs, reveals the magic in simplicity. This principle extends to how we approach music—by clearing our minds and letting go of preconceptions, we connect more authentically with the music we create and the emotions we convey. The act of just doing without thinking to hard is the answer to achieving this oneness with our instruments.

In essence, simplicity in music invites us to return to the essence of sound, embrace the beauty of a single note, and let music speak from the heart. It's a reminder that profound moments often arise from the simplest gestures, much like finding serenity by meditating in a Zen temple or experiencing peace by immersing oneself in the beauty of nature. For a surfer in Hawaii, all it takes is one wave and they are stoked. How do we capture the stoke with one note? Our imaginations are endless.

2. Embracing Presence in Music:

In the midst of our fast-paced, distracted world, the Principle of Presence in music offers a sanctuary—a space for complete immersion in the moment, much like the mindfulness cultivated in Zen practices and the deep connection to nature that arises when we focus on our surroundings. When we bring our full awareness to music, something magical occurs: we become one with the sound.

Being present in music resembles a form of meditation. It's about silencing the noise of thoughts and worries, tuning into vibrations, rhythms, and melodies. Whether we play an instrument or listen, presence elevates the musical experience, much like how mindfulness in Zen meditation brings a sense of inner calm, or how sitting by a babbling brook in nature can make us feel in tune with the universe.

I like to emphasize the importance of presence to my students. It's more than hitting the right notes; it's feeling music on a deeper level. When fully present, we hear nuances, subtle phrasing, and emotions within the music, akin to how deep presence in a Zen meditation allows us to uncover profound insights about ourselves, or how being fully engaged in nature's beauty can awaken a sense of wonder. When you play one note, does it having a bell like sound which could penetrate deeply into the listener. Do you feel the experience happening, forget about thinking. Just feel.

Moreover, music has the power to transport us emotionally. Being present allows us to ride these waves, using music as emotional release and catharsis. Just as a Zen master's presence can bring peace to those around, or how being fully present in a natural setting can evoke a sense of harmony, being present in music allows us to share and experience deep emotions.

The Principle of Presence applies to creating music as well. When composing or improvising, being present taps into our inner creativity. We become conduits for musical ideas, unrestricted by self-doubt or overthinking. This creative presence mirrors the Zen concept of "beginner's mind," where we approach each moment with openness and no preconceived notions.

In today's fast-paced world, being present in music is a precious gift. It offers respite from life's demands and invites us to savor sound's richness. It's a reminder that amidst chaos, music and mindfulness converge to create tranquility.

3. The Language of Silence in Music:

In the grand symphony of life, where every note competes for attention, a silent language speaks volumes—the language of silence in music. This principle is akin to the deep silence often found in Zen meditation and the profound stillness experienced when immersed in nature. It teaches us that in sound's absence, meaning thrives. Just as a well-placed rest adds depth to a musical composition, silence between notes transforms a melody into an experience.

Silence in music isn't merely emptiness; it's pregnant with possibility, the canvas where emotions amplify, and anticipation heightens. In music, silence isn't absence—it's potential presence, much like the deep and pregnant silence one might encounter in a Zen monastery or the profound quietude of a forest at dawn.

I witness students embrace the revelation of silence. Initially, they often focus on hitting notes perfectly, but they soon discover that rests and pauses imbue pieces with emotional depth. Much like the Zen practitioner who finds inner peace through silence or the nature enthusiast who connects deeply with the world by quietly observing, musicians learn that what's left unsaid in music often holds more significance than what is said.

In life, the Principle of Silence offers profound insights. Moments of stillness provide opportunities for reflection, appreciation, and listening. It teaches us patience, allowing life to unfold naturally, akin to a piece of music where the timing of each note and rest is essential.

Ultimately, the language of silence in music reminds us that what's unsaid holds as much significance as what's spoken. It's an invitation to listen closely, appreciate the spaces between notes, and find meaning in silence's profound beauty, much like the profound insights that can arise from moments of silence in Zen practice or the deep understanding of the natural world that comes from quiet contemplation in nature.

4. The Harmonious Flow of Music:

Music's profound flow is the interconnectedness of notes, rhythms, and melodies forming a harmonious symphony. The Principle of Flow teaches us that music, like life, thrives when it moves seamlessly, carrying us on a melodic journey. This sense of flow is akin to the Zen concept of "being in the zone," where one is fully immersed in the present moment, or the feeling of being in sync with nature's rhythms.

Experiencing music's flow is akin to being in harmony with nature, where we lose track of time, absorbed in the ebb and flow of life's narratives. Beyond the mechanics of playing an instrument, it's expressing oneself through music, with notes flowing naturally guided by intuition and emotion, similar to the effortless way a river flows through the landscape or the way a bird soars gracefully through the sky.

Flow extends to the creation of music, allowing creativity to flow effortlessly, unburdened by self-doubt or overthinking. In these moments, musical ideas flow like a gentle stream, often resulting in transcendent art, much like how a Zen master's calligraphy flows with grace or how a natural landscape seems to effortlessly display its beauty.

Flow isn't limited to playing or creating music—it applies to listening as well. Immersing ourselves, we allow music to evoke emotions and memories. It's an experience transcending analysis, inviting us to be fully present in the moment, much like the way a hiker, while immersed in nature, can feel the rhythm of the environment and become one with it.

I guide my students to find their unique musical flow. It's about breaking free from rigid structures and embracing the dynamic nature of music. Flow, whether in music or life, beckons us to release control and trust the journey, just as one trusts the path while walking through nature or surrendering to the meditative flow in Zen practice.

In a world filled with distractions, embracing music's flow reminds us of the beauty of surrender and harmonious existence. It encourages us to listen, adapt, and let life's melodies take us on a profound journey, much like a river that winds through nature, finding its way to the sea, or the Zen practitioner who trusts the process, letting go of resistance and embracing the natural flow of existence.

5. The Interplay of Yin and Yang in Music:

In the world of music, much like in the philosophy of Yin and Yang and the natural world, we find the beautiful interplay of opposites. This principle teaches us that balance is essential for creating harmonious melodies, just as finding equilibrium in life is crucial for overall well-being.

In music, the interplay of Yin and Yang can be seen in the contrast between soft and loud, slow and fast, tension and release. Think of a gentle, introspective piano piece that suddenly explodes into a thunderous crescendo, or a serene flute melody followed by a vibrant percussion ensemble. This interplay of elements keeps music dynamic and engaging, much like the delicate dance of light and shadow in nature or the way Yin and Yang represent the dualistic nature of existence in Zen philosophy.

Understanding Yin and Yang in music is about appreciating the moments of tension and dissonance that eventually resolve into a satisfying resolution. It's the anticipation of a musical phrase's climax followed by its gentle resolution, evoking a sense of completion, similar to the ebb and flow of waves along the shore or the rhythmic balance found in the cycles of the seasons.

When I’m teaching I like to emphasize the importance of dynamics and contrast to my students. It's not just about playing the right notes but also about how you play them—the way you navigate the Yin and Yang of music. This concept extends beyond instruments to how we express ourselves through music and connect with our emotions. Just as a Zen master teaches the balance of opposites, guiding disciples towards inner harmony, or how nature itself finds balance in the delicate ecosystems, musicians learn to find equilibrium in their art.

In life, the Principle of Yin and Yang encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of experiences. The moments of darkness make the moments of light even more meaningful, just as the challenges in life can lead to personal growth and resilience. It's a reminder that, like in music, balance is key, and harmony often arises from embracing both the Yin and Yang of existence.

6. Music as a Path to Transcendence:

Music has a unique ability to transcend ordinary experiences, much like the transcendence sought in Zen meditation or the profound connection with the universe experienced in nature. This principle teaches us that music can transport us to a higher state of consciousness, allowing us to touch the ineffable and connect with something greater than ourselves.

Have you ever been to a live concert where the music transported you to a different realm, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still? That's the power of music as a path to transcendence. It's as if the boundaries between the self and the universe dissolve, much like the dissolution of the self in Zen meditation or the feeling of becoming one with the cosmos in nature's grandeur.

Music's ability to evoke transcendence is not limited to any particular genre or instrument. It can happen in a rock concert, a classical symphony, or a simple folk song played on a guitar. It's about the way music resonates with our souls, taking us on a journey beyond the mundane, much like a Zen master guiding a disciple towards a state of enlightenment or the way the vastness of nature can lead to a sense of unity with all creation.

I always encourage my students to explore the transformative power of music. It's not just about technical proficiency; it's about infusing their music with emotion and intention. When music becomes a medium for self-expression and connection with the ineffable, it becomes a path to transcendence.

In life, the Principle of Transcendence reminds us that there are moments when we can rise above the ordinary and touch something greater. Whether through art, meditation, or immersion in nature, these experiences offer glimpses of a deeper truth and profound connection. Music, like Zen and nature, is a gateway to such moments of transcendence, inviting us to explore the infinite realms of human experience.

In conclusion, music, like Zen philosophy and the beauty of nature, offers profound insights and experiences when we delve into its core principles. By embracing simplicity, presence, silence, flow, balance, and transcendence in music, we can not only create beautiful melodies but also find deeper connections with ourselves, others, and the universe. Just as Zen and nature teach us valuable lessons about existence, music too is a path to wisdom, harmony, and enlightenment. When I think about some of the best musician who have blessed us with their journey and choice of notes, I know that most of them played with feeling. It wasn't the paper telling them what to play. Some of the greats couldn't even read sheet music. Why would you need to if you were able to speak the language fluently? A solid foundation into the simplicity of music and how we can approach is the right order I feel before we learn more rules to music which sometimes makes us feel confined. If you're not having fun with music, take a deep breath and approach again. Bring in the other half to your next note.

If you would like to learn more and get your journey started with music please visit our website. I teach because I want you to enjoy the fruits of you labor and find that good feeling of speaking with your instrument. Mahalo Nui Loa!

www.maukamelodies.com