Questionnaire Responses: Question 1

Why do you make music?

o Because I can. I have ears, eyes, and a voice for a reason. There are other people out there who will never get to experience music, and I feel it would be a waste to not use the opportunities that I am given. Music has always shown up in different aspects of my life thus far I have accepted it into my life because it makes it more interesting, a vibrant. When I am given the opportunity to make music, to hear music, to experience music, I’m going to take it, because I can.

I make music because it is a part of my life. It allows me the freedom to express myself where words can't. I can be myself in music.

I searched for what would be my profession but I never found anything that consumed me the way that music does, and I never had to search when I was making music.

for others to enjoy

I make music because without it my life would be boring. When performing, I feel a power, a strength, unlike anything else. The ability to pull someone's emotions to the surface, with nothing but organized sound, is incredible.

I make music because I need to. Not in the romantic sense that I can't live without it. In the sense that I need to for my degree. Brutal eh? But that is being a bit harsh...I guess I make music because I love making music with a bunch of other people - it just aligns with my musical ideals. why would you be so selfish to try to own a musical experience all to yourself?

it completes me

I make Music because of the the relationship that we have. It is a relationship that can only grow, because Music will always be there to forgive and start again no matter how long it has been since I last practiced my harmonic minor scales, or attended rehearsal. It will also never tell me that it is time to stop. Music and I can spend the rest of our days together and never tire of each other, and that kind of relationship is always worth cultivating.

For some people, crying their guts out, going outside, breaking things, or surrounding themselves with friends help them get through the hardest times. Of course there are many other ways for individuals to try to cope, but for me, nothing comes close to the power of music. I'm not innocent of crying out and being a bit irrational when hard times come, but when it comes down to it, I will be lying on my bed playing Sigur Ros and staring at the ceiling for hours afterwards. I can't watch a movie for hours and hours, can't play a game or have a conversation; the single thing I can do for hours is listen to music. I don't think the most inspirational speaker in the world could keep me still for hours but yet through simple sound waves, music captivates me. For this reason, I make music. Not just to create a means of escape and peace for myself, but in hopes to create something that moves and calms even just one other person in a time of need.

Music is the safest thing I can do. Music helps me to figure out who I am and how I feel. Sometimes it challenges me, sometimes it just lets me be. My music makes me smile, makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me scream, but it always makes me feel something.

Because I have to; I can't function without it.

I make music because it is the only thing I have discovered that I am both good at and I enjoy; I make music because of how natural it feels.

My innate skill and the enjoyment which I derive from music give me a social responsibility to make the most of this skill, and return the enjoyment to other people. The farther I go, the more skilled I am, the more enjoyment I have derived, the greater is my responsibility.

ive always felt that music is a special, yet very real kind of language ...it allows me to communicate my thoughts and feelings with others, and for me to experience the thoughts and feelings of those around me... as one of the arts, music is a huge part of what makes me human, that when im making music im more aware of myself and connected to others -yet at the same time it allows me to access something beyond myself: the Spiritual. Music will always be a part of me!

It helps me better understand the world, and myself. Although, sometimes it takes a while to get to that point..

I make music because it is the purest expression, the language of the human soul. Without people to share music with, our souls would be colourless shadows of what we could be.

I make music because I love music. I make music to express myself. I've learned more about myself and my expression, so I can say that now. I make music to support people. Sometimes I make music because I have to...

It makes me stupidly happy. Regardless of the bad things that can happen, at the end of the day I do it because I love it.

Because I love to create my own music, and play it on the instrument I love to play. It's a euphoric experience.

I believe I have a God given talent.

It's better than the alternative.

Music isn't so much made, but practiced. Like medicine, the constantly changing climate of knowledge and favour make it possible to CHANGE the realm music every time it is practiced. Don't you want to make a difference too?

To feel like I'm part of something bigger. To give meaning to my life.

family- my appalachian father, my cape colony mother, my balkan sisters, and indigenous brothers.

Because I feel it deep in my heart and soul.

Music makes my heart swell up with joy! When I perform, I find a confidence that is missing in the rest of my life. I feel completely at home while making music. It is my way of expressing myself.

Music has been the only academic thing I've ever had a passion for. I liked knowing I could succeed at something.

Because it makes me feel whole

It brings me true enjoyment, and satisfaction, and really allows me to express myself.

I feel music is a major part of who i am as a person, and to not make music would be to ignore a huge part of myself, and deny myself the experience that is truly "me". In more practical terms, I make music because I have musical talents, and it seems to make sense to do the thing i am talented at.