There is so much that can be developed about the relationship between spirituality and music, as there can be developed between spirituality and science.
I believe these disciplines can contribute a lot to our understanding of spirituality, of that which is transcendent and of which we do not have sufficient vocabulary to fully express. Music insights can be the perfect metaphors for assisting in the creation of that understanding. Inarguably through music, beneficial insights can be gained of other cultures.
The entertainment industry, particularly music, is the most culturally diverse of any other industry in the world. Because of that multiculturalism there is a lot to be learned. Learned not just through the music in-and-of itself, but of musicians and how they socialize as well as work with each other. We can gain perspectives of how musicians reach out to other cultures to understand their culture and music, and then incorporate that music with their own. Of course, Dizzy Gillespie comes to mind with his influence of Afro-Cuban rhythms, which he introduced to the world.
In the music industry there has evolved an apparent social confluence that cannot be ignored.
A musician does not give a hoot whether or not you are a Harvard or Yale graduate, a PHD, physician, engineer, or that you graduated from Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory of Music, Julliard, whether or not your rich or poor, or whatever; they don't care about the color of your skin; they don't care if you are Muslim, Jew or Christian; they don't care what political affiliations you have; they only care about the qualities that you can bring to a musical performance -- musicians only care if you can play your ax! This attitude is not just a professional attitude but an enculturation that is imbued in their very being. Of course there are exceptions, but for the most part prejudices are marginalized.
Recently I posted to my blog: "New Ways of Thinking: The essence of who you are." Trevor Harden read the post and responded: “I really like the way you have found that link between music and spirituality. I appreciate your wisdom. I was wondering if you would have any interest in allowing us to repost "New Ways of Thinking: The essence of who you are."
Trevor Harden is part of the founding team for a new multi-faith website, www.RockOm.net, which explores "the crossroads of music and spirituality. On his website there are many other examples of new ways of thinking. “My post of September 8, 2008 on a new way of thinking may be read there, as well.
