Do Musicians need audience feedback:

[mdrs]

One of the times I've seen Leo Kottke, he told a little story of how he really doesn't like playing in front of people. He said he's really very shy. He said that he's really still feels like that young guy sitting in his basement playing his guitar all by himself.

 

[Dr. Ellwood]

Well that's a good question. I'm not sure what I would do, If I was playing alone I would much rather play this beautiful beast! http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/ellwood1/musicroompia.jpg

[Hardtail]

Well that's a good question. I'm not sure what I would do, If I was playing alone I would much rather play this beautiful beast! http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/ellwood1/musicroompia.jpg

 

Nice! Is that a "Yamaha" ellwood? LOL!

[Dr. Ellwood]

LOL NO!!! it's a Brambach.

[Eric Iverson]

I think I'd keep playing.. rarely does a day go by that I don't pick at least ONE of my instruments just because I enjoy it.

 

The motivation to learn certain pieces might diminish though. For me, a bigger kick even than playing for audiences is the enjoyment I get out of playing with and for other musicians!

 

As far as the praise aspect, OK, I don't mind it... I'm as human as anyone else.

 

PS I think most of us fall somewhere in the middle: we're not total whores, nor are we monks in a cell not caring if we ever play with or for anyone else. Corrections are welcome!

 

But I'd rather play something well and not hear praise than play crappy and hear hosannas to the heavens!

 

And yes, there are objective criteria which have nothing to do with an audience going crazy or not!

[Gruupi]

Nice piano there Elwood. I wished I had started on piano, certain aspects of music are easier to understand if layed out linearly like on a keyboard. We talk alot about reading and theory here, and I think its obvious starting on guitar presents some mental difficulties that other instruments don't. Its not a good excuse for not learning but its true that people learn things in strange ways. Piano is much easier to play complete music alone with, it can be done on guitar but it takes alot of work.

 

Back to the topic, I would find it hard to give up playing WITH other mucisians, but its not hard to give up playing FOR an audience. I can entertain myself for hours alone, but something about interaction with sensative muscians takes it to the next level. But so far for me, and audience brings it all back down to trying to play right, not free.

 

I know great performers say they connect with an audience, I am sure they are telling the truth, I've just never experienced it. Sure I've gotten some people happy when they were dancing and enjoying the music, but I didn't feel connected to them in any way. I have however been at shows where I felt one with the performer. I guess it takes a special extra talent and a certain amount of charisma to pull that off.

 

I guess some people crave recognition more than others, its not a bad thing, it motivates them to play well. Alot of us though know when we have played well and have grown as musicians, we don't need anyone else to tell us that. Praise and appreciation is nice but can be also mislead you into only playing what others want you to play, rather than what you want to play.

 

 

[Billster]

Back to the topic, I would find it hard to give up playing WITH other mucisians, but its not hard to give up playing FOR an audience. I can entertain myself for hours alone, but something about interaction with sensative muscians takes it to the next level. But so far for me, and audience brings it all back down to trying to play right, not free.

 

That's very thought provoking.