My thoughts on musical prejudice.

As difficult as it is sometimes to summon enthusiasm for something you've been doing for years, I'm finding myself continuing to be moved and in awe of all genres of music.  And it is in this scope of appreciation that I find myself writing this.

In all professional fields, people who are competent practitioners of one technique or study claim that theirs is the best.  Sometimes this happens in the open, with insults, slights and challenges directed specifically and with intent.  Sometimes it is incredibly subtle.

Hearing a suspension hang on till the last moment, experiencing that perfect chord tune, being enveloped in lush harmony, feeling that primal moment when rhythm and movement meet seamlessly, hearing the melody in a single voice soar over the twisting harmonies...none of that is unique to a single genre.

There is no single high art in music.  Opera and classical singing is striking, and the singers must be technically talented.  Choir requires every member to be individually competent and complete a beautiful whole.  A Capella music relies on tight harmonies and soloists who share something special with the audience.  A solo recording artist has the pressures of being completely exposed to people the artist will never meet.

Who are we, any of us, to say which is better, or as is more common, which is inferior?  We cannot possibly know everything, and by a corollary, we cannot possibly feel everything, or know what others must feel and what moves them.  And if what we practice as musicians is art, is it not our responsibility to express ourselves and move people, and therefore be encouraging of any expression that has the capability to move an individual?

As musicians, as a whole, we claim to be a part of the artistic, enlightened liberal elite, without prejudice and accepting of any person or lifestyle.  We claim to respect the earth, all of its inhabitants, and make great efforts to shape the world into a greater place through our art.

So why so much prejudice and flippant disregard towards other genres that lie outside of our own?