Structuring Creativity in Musical Practice

Structuring Creativity in Musical Practice

By NAfME Members Edward White, M.M., Santa Fe College, and José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D., University of Florida

Musicians are often seen as free spirits, improvising their way through life with a melody in their heads and rhythm in their hearts. Yet, behind the scenes, many struggle with how to structure their practice time, innovation time, composing, and overall career strategy (Hugill, 2018; Teague & Smith, 2015; Ruiz; 2024). In music academia, the focus is frequently on technical proficiency and theoretical knowledge, leaving a gap in practical life skills and creative processes. This article explores how musicians can benefit from a structured yet flexible approach to their creative processes, considering their careers, quality of life, and audience engagement.

The Classical Conundrum: Structure vs. Creativity

In traditional music education, there’s a heavy emphasis on rigid practice routines and adherence to classical forms. While these elements are crucial for developing technical skills, they often leave little room for innovation and personal expression. Many musicians graduate with an impressive skill set but little idea of how to apply it in a real-world context. This lack of a comprehensive framework can hinder their ability to make informed decisions about their careers and creative output (Burnard, 2014).

Consider a typical day in the life of a conservatory student: hours spent on scales, arpeggios, and repertoire practice, followed by theory classes and ensemble rehearsals. While this rigorous schedule is excellent for building discipline, it rarely teaches students how to manage their time effectively for creative endeavors or how to balance their artistic aspirations with practical life skills.

The Four Stages of the Creative Process

To address this gap, let’s break down the creative process into four stages: Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification. This framework, adapted from Graham Wallas’s model of creativity, can help musicians organize their efforts and make more strategic decisions (Sadler-Smith, 2015).

• Preparation: This stage involves gathering information, honing technical skills, and immersing oneself in the material. For a jazz guitarist, this might mean studying various chord progressions and scales. For a pop singer-songwriter, it could involve analyzing current hits to understand popular trends.
• Incubation: Here, the musician takes a step back and allows ideas to marinate subconsciously. This could involve taking a break from practice to go for a walk, engage in a different art form, or simply relax. It’s a crucial phase where the brain connects disparate ideas in the background.
• Illumination: Often referred to as the “Aha!” moment, this stage is when a creative idea bursts forth. For a composer, it might be a sudden melody that comes to mind. For a producer, it could be the perfect beat drop.
• Verification: This final stage involves refining and perfecting the idea. It’s about making sure the composition works harmoniously, the arrangement flows well, and the final piece is polished.

By understanding and deliberately moving through these stages, musicians can make more informed decisions and enhance their creative output.

Different Disciplines, Different Processes

It’s important to note that the creative process can vary significantly depending on the discipline of music making. For example:

• Classical Musicians: Often work within structured frameworks of composition and performance practice. Their creative process might involve more emphasis on the preparation and verification stages.
• Jazz Musicians: Emphasize improvisation, requiring a balance between preparation and incubation. The illumination stage can happen spontaneously during a performance.
• Electronic Producers: Might spend a significant amount of time in the incubation stage, experimenting with different sounds and effects before reaching the illumination stage.
• Singer-Songwriters: Often have a personal and emotional approach, with the illumination stage tied closely to personal experiences and storytelling.

Beyond Career: Quality of Life

While it’s essential for musicians to think about their careers, it’s equally important to consider the quality of life they aspire to have. This includes developing skills in time management, budgeting, and decision-making.

• Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for balancing practice, performance, and personal life. Musicians should learn to allocate their time wisely, ensuring they have dedicated periods for creative exploration alongside technical practice.
• Budgeting: Financial stability can significantly impact a musician’s ability to focus on their art. Musicians should be educated in financial literacy, including budgeting for living expenses, saving, and investing in their careers.
• Decision-Making: Making informed decisions about gigs, collaborations, and projects is essential. Musicians should be equipped with the skills to evaluate opportunities not just for their immediate benefits but for their long-term impact on their careers and personal lives.

Creating for an Audience: It’s Not Selling Out

Another crucial aspect of the creative process is understanding the audience. Some might argue that considering the audience’s preferences is selling out, but it’s more about research in real-time. Musicians should strive to understand their intended audience and the type of venues and markets they want to function in. This knowledge can inform their creative choices and help them connect more deeply with listeners.

Let’s look at some contemporary pop artists who have mastered this balance:

• Taylor Swift: Swift has seamlessly transitioned from country to pop, understanding her audience’s evolving tastes and growing her fan base with each album. Her songwriting often reflects personal experiences, making her music relatable and engaging.
• Billie Eilish: Eilish’s unique sound and style have captured a global audience. She and her brother Finneas (who produces her music) have a clear understanding of their brand and audience, which informs their creative decisions.
• BTS: The South Korean boy band has achieved worldwide success by blending different genres and incorporating multiple languages into their music. They understand their global audience’s preferences and consistently deliver content that resonates.

These artists illustrate how understanding the audience can enhance creativity rather than stifle it.

A Holistic Framework for Musicians

In conclusion, musicians need a holistic framework that goes beyond the traditional academic structure. This framework should:

• Support Creative Processes: Encourage moving through the four stages of creativity in a structured yet flexible manner.
• Enhance Life Skills: Provide education on time management, financial literacy, and decision-making.
• Promote Audience Engagement: Teach musicians how to understand and connect with their audience without compromising their artistic integrity.

By adopting this comprehensive approach, musicians can make more informed decisions, create more meaningful work, and build fulfilling careers. After all, the goal is not just to succeed in the music industry but to lead a balanced and satisfying life as an artist. So, next time you pick up your instrument or sit down to compose, remember that creativity thrives on both structure and freedom. Embrace the process, understand your audience, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey. After all, music is as much about the joy of creation as it is about the final product.

References

Burnard, P. (2014). Developing Creativities in Higher Music Education. Oxon, New York.

Hugill, A. (2018). The Digital Musician (3rd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203704219

Teague, A., & Smith, G. D. (2015). Portfolio careers and work-life balance among musicians: An initial study into implications for higher music education. British Journal of Music Education, 32(2), 177–193. doi:10.1017/S0265051715000121

Sadler-Smith, E. (2015). Wallas’ Four-Stage Model of the Creative Process: More Than Meets the Eye? Creativity Research Journal, 27(4), 342–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2015.1087277

Ruiz, J.V. (August 12, 2023). Crafting Success: Navigating Creative Careers in a Dynamic Digital Landscape. International Research Forum of Music Business & Innovation.

Top photo: Ashlee Wilcox Photography, LLC

About the authors:

Edward White currently teaches at Sante Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. A 2022 Global Music® Award Winner for Mixed-Genre Album, Edward is a candidate for the Ph.D. in Music Education with a cognate in Arts Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida. A former headliner at Carnegie Hall (12/2023), 2024 Uptown Music & Arts Festival, and at the Reilly Arts Center, Edward also maintains an active performance schedule in jazz and contemporary music. White is a published scholar in the Open Journal of Music Education, Association of Popular Music Education, and Media Journal in Music Education, and runs a private studio from which he teaches private guitar lessons, records, and produces music.

José Valentino Ruiz is a multi-GRAMMY® and EMMY® Award-winning artist, composer, album producer, film composer, and business executive. At the University of Florida, Ruiz is the Founder and Director of Music Business and Entrepreneurship where he oversees curricular offerings at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level. For more information, visit: www.josevalentino.com. As current Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Music Entrepreneurship and Leadership and former Co-Editor at Artivate: A Journal of Entrepreneurship in the Arts, Ruiz has published 80+ peer-reviewed research articles; produced 150+ albums; led 40+ mission trips in six continents; and operates his business, JV Music Enterprises. Ruiz is also the 2024 Global Genius® Winner for his musicianship, the International Academy for Digital Arts and Sciences 2023 and 2024 Anthem® Award Winner for Best Strategy in Education, Art, and Culture; among many other accolades.

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