Best Ways for Student Musicians to Gain Inspiration from Iconic Artists
4 min read
Being a student musician is a beautiful experience, but it can be hard to remain inspired and motivated. Sometimes, we find new creative inspiration by looking at those who have already done it in the music industry. Whether learning their methods or relating to their challenges, great artists can inspire us. Let’s look at some of the concrete ways in which young musicians can take inspiration from myths.
1. Study Their Life Stories
Legendary singers weren’t born into a world of fame. And each one is slightly different regarding ups and downs, failures and successes. Researching their origins is a tremendously inspirational experience. You’ll find that many great musicians got rejected, skunked, and broke like every other musician. The Beatles, for instance, were rejected by record labels many times before they found their way onto the scene. Knowing these stories can help you remain committed because persistence is crucial to success.
Just like legendary singers faced setbacks, education recipients often struggle with coursework. Keeping up with multiple deadlines can be challenging, so you can pay for essay writing through Academized to get high-quality writing assistance. Experienced writers can help learners with essays, papers, and creative projects. It’ll allow them to dedicate sufficient time to their favorite activities that can turn into successful careers.
2. Analyze Their Musical Techniques
The best way to develop as a musician is by meaningfully listening to classic artists. If you sift through their songs, you’ll learn about the secrets that make their sound unique and memorable. Try separating things from their music:
- Rhythms: Do they employ rhythmic sequences or syncopations that are distinctive to their songs?
- Scales and Melodies: Are there particular scales or melodies that they favor?
- Song Structure: What do they use as verses, choruses, and bridges? Do they conform or violate convention?
- Effects and Instrumentation: What kinds of effects or instrumental layers do they employ?
Learning these techniques will allow you to give yourself something fresh to play and create something new for your instrument. It isn’t about imitating them but expanding your musical palette and finding your voice.
3. Embrace Their Influences
Every great musician has had inspiration – many artists or styles that made them what they are today. When you know whom your favorite artists idolize, you open the door to expand your musical horizons and discover genres or artists you’d never heard. This can open up a lot of new sounds, aesthetics, and techniques. For example, if you’re a Bob Dylan fan, you might not realize that he leaned heavily on folklore, weaving storytelling into music. Look at Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger for new lyrical techniques or narratives to weave into your compositions. Tracking down the roots of your favorite artists can open you up to time and culture and be very inspirational.
4. Practice Covering Iconic Songs
The art of covering a song isn’t about reproducing it exactly; it’s about discovering how it fits together. Often, great artists began as covers of songs they loved and later embellished them in their way. When you cover a song of someone you admire, try to take what the song says and add your flavor. It’s a great way to learn new stuff while giving the song your feel. You may hear specific chord patterns, beats, or phrasings in your work that define the performer’s sound. You can try on all these elements to find what appeals to you and maybe create your style. If you are overburdened with assignments that make it impossible to find your unique style, here is a reputable writing service provider to lighten the load.
5. Learn from Their Songs and Thoughts
Many great artists are known not only for their music but also for their words and messages. Bob Marley’s songs, for example, were not just fun; they were socially and politically radical. College musicians can turn to these figures to understand how lyrics express, describe, or influence. For a songwriter, learning these lyrics can help you write intentionally. Just concentrate on how they use language to express feelings or tell a story. If you aren’t a lyricist, you can still draw inspiration from the messages of your favorite songs. We’re all remembering artists who felt connected to their audience, and if you write lyrics authentically, you can find the same connection with your audience.
Finding Your Voice
Studying the greats isn’t about copying them; it’s about using their journeys, techniques, and creative paths as inspiration to help you craft your unique musical style. Inspiration is out there; sometimes, all it takes is a reminder that the most outstanding musicians were there when you were new, anxious, and eager to improve. So check out their anecdotes, delve into their music, and try out their techniques. In the end, your path is yours alone. If you put your mind to it and give it much love, you’ll have a chance at making it in the music business. Continue to play, continue to explore, and who knows? Maybe you’ll be someone else’s role model one day.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
