This is the first article of 2025. Starting this Substack was challenging do to the broad subject of music. Am I writing about genres, stories, history, instruments, artists? The answer would be all in some way, shape and form. As a musician with a curious mind maybe there are more nuance topics worth discussing. This is the first article with that curiosity in mind. Let me know what you think and maybe we can have more discussions! Enjoy!
Music is more than just sound; it's a reflection of how we think, feel, and experience the world. Songwriting, in particular, offers a fascinating glimpse into the interplay of different thinking styles and how they shape the music we create. This article explores the contributions of verbal, spatial, and visual thinkers to songwriting, delves into the unique traits of instrumentalists, and examines how culture, generation, and technology influence the ever-evolving structure of music.
Thinking in Melodies
Just as a painter uses colors and a sculptor uses clay, songwriters use musical elements to express their thoughts and emotions. But the way they approach this creative process varies depending on their dominant thinking style. For verbal thinkers, words are the very essence of music. They think in narratives, weaving stories and emotions through lyrics that resonate with listeners. These songwriters excel at crafting compelling lyrics that paint vivid pictures, evoke emotions, and tell stories that capture the human experience. They structure songs like stories, creating a clear beginning, middle, and end, with verses acting as scenes and choruses as recurring motifs. And they connect with audiences through words, using their voice as an instrument to convey meaning and emotion, drawing listeners into their lyrical world. Singers often fall into this category, using their voices to express the nuances of language and emotion. They are the storytellers, the poets, the ones who bring words to life through music.
Spatial thinkers, on the other hand, perceive music as a three-dimensional landscape, with melodies, harmonies, and rhythms intertwined like architectural elements. They excel at visualizing musical structure, seeing the overall form of a song and understanding how different sections fit together to create a cohesive whole. They create complex harmonies and melodies, effortlessly navigating musical landscapes and weaving intricate patterns and textures that create a sense of depth and movement. And they improvise with ease, spontaneously creating melodic lines and harmonic progressions, exploring musical ideas in real-time. Instrumentalists like guitarists and pianists often exhibit spatial thinking, visualizing finger placements, chord shapes, and musical patterns on their instruments. They are the architects of sound, shaping the sonic landscape with their technical prowess and spatial awareness.
Visual thinkers approach music as a series of interconnected images and visual representations. They excel at creating mental representations of music, seeing musical scores or performances as visual landscapes, with notes and rhythms forming patterns and shapes. They work with visual elements in music, contributing to stage design, lighting, and choreography, enhancing the visual aspects of a performance. And they translate musical narratives into visual stories, conceptualizing and creating music videos that capture the essence of a song in a visual format. While any musician can exhibit visual thinking, those involved in music video production or stage design often lean towards this style. They are the visual storytellers, translating music into a visual language that complements and enhances the auditory experience.
Instrumentalists
While musical talent and dedication are essential for any musician, certain personality traits and cognitive abilities are often associated with specific instrument players. Bass players are known for their solid groove and timing, their supportive and collaborative nature, their creativity and innovation, and their laid-back and easygoing demeanor. Guitar players exhibit dexterity and technique, creativity and improvisation, versatility, and humility and open-mindedness. Singers possess strong vocal technique, self-confidence and stage presence, musicality and interpretation, resilience and discipline. Piano players demonstrate technical proficiency, musicality and interpretation, dedication and discipline, and theoretical knowledge. And drummers are characterized by their rhythm and timing, coordination and independence, adaptability and versatility, and persistence and discipline. These traits, combined with their dominant thinking styles, contribute to the unique voices and perspectives that each instrumentalist brings to the collaborative process of songwriting.
The Evolving Tapestry
Song structure is not static; it's a dynamic interplay of cultural, generational, and technological influences. Different cultures have distinct musical scales, rhythms, and instruments, shaping the structure and form of their music. Western music often follows a verse-chorus structure, while other cultures may have different forms based on their musical traditions. Each generation develops its own musical tastes and preferences, influencing song structure and pushing the boundaries of traditional music. Younger generations often experiment with unconventional forms and explore new sonic territories. And technological advancements have revolutionized music creation and consumption. Digital audio workstations (DAWs) allow for unprecedented experimentation, while streaming services have influenced song length and structure. These forces intertwine to create a constantly evolving tapestry of musical expression, with songwriters drawing inspiration from their cultural heritage, generational influences, and the ever-expanding possibilities offered by technology.
The Music of the Mind
Songwriting is a testament to the power of human creativity and collaboration. By understanding the different thinking styles that contribute to this process, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices and perspectives that shape the music we love. As technology continues to evolve and cultural boundaries blur, music will undoubtedly continue to evolve in exciting and unpredictable ways, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of the human mind.