Musical and Personal Integrity are All-Important

Steve Raybine:

Blog #30:

Musical and Personal Integrity are All-Important

Possessing and maintaining artistic standards are not often easy in the overtly image-conscious and sometimes blatant commercial orientation of the music business. In certain instances, individuals achieve musical success and status without possessing credible musical skills or knowledge. Alternatively, some musicians embarrass themselves by flaunting sexuality in a crude and suggestive way in concert or on their CD covers--not exactly admirable in my estimation. In either circumstance, the reputation of the system is diminished because inferior work or blatantly 'cheap' theatrics are applauded and rewarded.

It is, however, admirable to set high musical and personal standards for yourself regardless of compensation or musical accolades. People make choices in their lives and then must live with the consequences of their decisions. Sometimes, extreme musical and personal compromises breed artistic frustration and disenchantment within yourself and with the music industry. Alternatively, devoting a significant portion of your time and energy to making your definitive musical statement(s) in a dignified manner can be an exhilarating and life-affirming experience. Selling out and acting like everyone else that makes poor choices is certainly not worthy of adulation and praise--at least not in my estimation.

I am cognizant of the fact that contemporary musicians need to address economic concerns and deal with the business side of music. However, is it really worth abandoning your musical and personal integrity in order to achieve success? For many people, they unfortunately wouldn't think twice about "selling their soul" in order to become popular. I however, believe that in music and in life, one should lead by example and set high musical and personal standards for yourself and for others (students; colleagues; family; friends). As Socrates so brilliantly said it, "Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of--for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear." So, remember my friends, your legacy as a musician and as a person is important, so maintain your integrity and be a person with character.

Copyright 1994/2007 Steve Raybine

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