7 Tips to Show a Musician You Care

Leopold Stokowski once told the world, "A painter paints his pictures on canvas. But a musician paints their pictures on silence." Leo here was a composer of classical music and was named one of the popularizers of the genre around the turn of the 20th century. These are some very strong words in my opinion. But how does it pertain to us here in Naples?



You see, it's been my experience that musicians in this area aren't treated as artists. Yes. Music is an art form created from the hands, minds and hearts of extremely creative people. The biggest difference though is instead of looking at the picture that has been painted and ponding the meaning or admiring the artists color choice; the musician uses sound to create an audio journey complete with imagery and feeling, right in front of you. The feeling you get when you hear live music and being apart of the creative process can be inspiring and overpowering. That's why you connect with certain songs. You cry, dance, get motived or any other mode of expression you get from it. I feel that the patrons of live music establishments haven't fully appreciated the work of musicians here in Naples.

Of course, there are those who will always get up and dance no matter how cramped the floor is simply because in that moment they allowed the music to take them where the artist wanted it to. Not everybody does this. Not everybody will. There are many more ways to show your appreciation for this art form. A painter doesn't always see people's reaction to their works and the same goes for a musician. While you are experiencing the music live there are some things you can do that helps them keep going. Things everybody can do.

1. Go to the shows. I know that band playing at your local bar or restaurant isn't making songs that have hit top 40 but that doesn't mean they aren't just as good if not better.  By going to the shows you are showing them support by simply being there. Presence is a powerful motivator.

2. Put that spare buck in the tip jar. In most cases the band is being paid from one avenue or another but every bit counts. Some venues don't feel the need to pay well for their work but some of the musicians around here actually make a living playing their heart and soul to people. This can be very draining. To put in to perspective imagine a time when you were filled with uncontrollable emotion and couldn't keep it in. Be it happy or sad you felt drained at the end of the experience. Now try to think about what it would feel like to do that for 30 minutes to 4 hours in front of a crowd of mostly strangers watching your every move.  They are working to live here and therefore play here. Naples isn't a very cost effective place to live due to the luxury image the city has created for itself. People who work in the service industry already don't get paid enough to live here.  So drop that dollar in their jar.

3. Talk to them. Get to know them and their craft a little bit. Some of the musicians in the area have done some amazing things that this community isn't aware of let alone have acknowledged. It'll mean a lot to the musician that you took the time to learn more about their art.

4. Buy their stuff. Most musicians create an alternate revenue stream by selling shirts, CDs, or what have you. Not only does this help support them financially but also promotionally. If you buy a shirt that puts a couple extra bucks in the pocket and allows you the opportunity to start a conversation about the experience you had from the musicians art. This will expand their following and raise awareness.

5. Take pictures or video. Everyone has a smart phone so use them. If you stumble across an act you liked for one reason or another take a picture or video, post it on which ever social media site you use and tag them in it. Show others what they are missing which is much more than good music but a night of fun with good company.

6. Be mindful of your words. Just because they might not be working a 9-5 job during the day doesn't mean they aren't making an honest living. These musicians play for hours. They pour their blood, sweat and tears into their craft just like every other craftsmen. They have put a lot of time and money into their work just like an artist and their supplies or a tradesmen and their tools.

7. If nothing else tell them thank you and job well done. As simple as that may be it really means more to hear thank you no matter who you are. You'll tell every other service provider thank you through out the day so why not finish off the day by saying it to the musician playing that night. They are not only displaying their artwork but providing a service.

There is much more the average person can do to keep these guys going in a town that seems to take the musicians work for granted. For now I will leave it up to you to find other ways but the first step is support. Go to the shows. Help keep this art form alive and original by allowing the artist to be creative and showing your appreciation.