I refuse to become a musician/composer, just so I can marvel at the rainbow more. I suspect that if I learn too much about synths (the only instruments I am inclined to learn/play/use) much of the magic of the music that others make, will dissappear.

So, it's not that I am lazy, but I just want to marvel more.

ah, but I find that the magic of observing is easily surpassed by the magic of creating

Hi Mac,
great article.

I too find it really important to dream, whether with rainbows, clear star filled skies or watching my grandaughter grow up.

Too much pressure nowadays to keep busy, too much stress from jobs and paying bills. Without the dreaming I become dead inside, just going through the motions....

Edit: Hmm, this thread actually covers the same topic as my next planned Column entry. I may need to rewrite it now.

However, for reasons very similar to yours, I always refused to study music theory; I want to make sure my music is there to express what I am and what I feel, not what I know. I want to be able to be surprised by what I do, preserve some naivete (don't remember how to spell this, sorry) to make the whole experience genuine.

Well, I was lying there with Oldfield in my ears, and you know what? I wasn't feeling the emotions, I caught myself listening to the way he panned the instruments, the volume of the various parts, etc.
I was scared.

Ouch, sorry to hear that But maybe it could be an extention of it, a sort of discussion on a subject that goes deeper into it?

The trick is to use what you learn to make what you create as similar as possible to what you have inside, as opposed to considering it a possession, something to use just because you have it and maybe even to show off...

Regarding your last lines, do you mean you're gradually stopping listening to music? I ask because I do listen to much less music than I used to - mainly because of lack of time (mostly the pressure Seren mentioned), but also because when I have time I prefer to make music. I can't say I don't miss it, though, so I'm planning to start listening to more music somehow.

with the title I thought it was some kind of new age hippie introspection!) and realised I'd missed a fun read with some relevant observations. I certainly agree with a lot of what you wrote.

I always remind myself what I might lose if I became blind.

or deaf, and it really makes me appreciate what I can see and hear.

Plus, I get to write the kind of music that I like to listen to - if it sends chills down my spine, then it goes on an album. If others get those same chills, at least I made someone happy.

I find that rules are a good guide, but you should always go with your own feelings.