Practice makes . . . what?

I'm about to play with a double-edged sword here!

I've been toying with the idea of "Practice" vs. "Play" in the world of music-making.  My question involves more than semantics.  I want to know if it makes a difference in how we practice if we change the approach from one that seems like work (work inferred by the use of "practice") to one that feels like play.  Here's the danger zone:  repetition is necessary in order to gain physical, mental and emotional facility on an instrument, but does it have to feel like work to get there?

Our culture values the work ethic with the "nose to the grindstone."  Even the image hurts to think about!  There are plenty of books out there on that, so I'll just continue . . . . Do we desire to make music because it hurts?  Big fat NO.  We want to play, because that's what it is:  PLAY.  So, how do we bridge the gap between what we picture doing and our ability to reach that vision?

Now that I have you on the edge of your seats . . . . Have you Played today?

. . . if you have something to say

Music has been a constant in my life since before I was born.  (My mother was a singer and still sings.)  maybe it's trite, but, to me, life without music would be like living in black and white.  Rhythm and sound are all around us:  heart beats, footsteps, language, laughter.  The sound of frosty leaves falling in the early morning.  The rumble of traffic and machinery.  Drum beats.  Doggie feet.  Bird wings fluttering.  A breath, a cry, a whine, a sigh.  It's all in there, all the colors of life.


So, I'm beginning this blog as a means to sharpening my observations of musical creativity.  A way to share my personal observations and create a diary of ideas to be shared, because creativity never happens in a vacuum.

Sholem Asch said, "Writing comes more easily if you have something to say." I'm about to find out!