« The Gift of Interaction »

by James Ulreich

One of the aspects of the workshop which has always been mentioned as an integral aspect of the ‘NGW Experience’ is the interaction with other musicians. The diversity constituting our student body is of such a range on so many levels, that it cannot be understated how important this part of the experience enhances each student’s life in a way that surely inspires their musicianship. All players create their unique musical voice from a deeper, sub-conscious personal source.

This is a direct result from exposure to, and reaction from each and everything/everyone we come in contact with. When we have the opportunity to interact with other modes of behavior, relative to approaches to music, it automatically inspires us to hear things in a new and fresh light. The phrase, ‘Think Outside of the Box’, is where these interactions can lead and inspire.

When we can listen to another style it sets up a horizontal way of perceiving each other, resulting in the fundamental truth that we are all equal in our musicality – no musician is better than another; we’re all at different points along the path and that understanding of other’s expression is tremendously humbling and rewarding.