Can People Who Don't Play Instruments Make Good Music and Be Successful?

Virtual success stories of our modern pop stars reveal that many have achieved fame simply by singing without ever picking up a musical instrument. In fact, a substantial portion of historical music icons also fits this description. This raises the question: if someone doesn't play any instruments, can they still make good music and be successful in the industry?

Challenges Faced by Non-Instrumentalists

The challenge lies in the artistry and craftsmanship required to produce good music. For individuals who do not play any musical instruments, how can they bring unique and valuable contributions to the equation? There are several potential paths to explore, including:

Becoming a singer or rapper Working as a music producer Starting as a recording engineer

However, success in these fields often requires time, experience, and substantial training. Therefore, the advice might suggest, as one person did, to obtain an education and build foundational skills in music before pursuing success in the industry.

The Importance of Music Theory and Knowledge

Many professionals in the music industry emphasize the necessity of understanding music notation, theory, and history. As one experienced music theory instructor noted, no one signs up for a music theory class without the ability to play an instrument. However, they do recommend at least a basic understanding of these aspects to produce meaningful and innovative music. Without such knowledge, the odds of success are significantly lowered.

Proving the Point Through an ‘Deadline’ Example

Consider the 'million monkeys typing' theory, a common analogy used to illustrate the difficulty of creating meaningful art without foundational knowledge. This theory posits that over time, random typing by a large number of monkeys could produce literature. While this is theoretically possible, the reality is that most people would rather learn the basics of typing first before starting.

The Role of Vocalists in the Music Industry

One counterpoint suggests that if a person is a vocalist, they may be considered a musician, even if they do not play an instrument. However, this brings back the skepticism about the depth of the vocalist's understanding of music. Vocalists are often compared to instrument-based musicians, with the expectation that they should have a deep understanding of music theory and composition to create compelling performances.

Conclusion

While it is possible for people who do not play musical instruments to make and succeed in the music industry, it becomes increasingly difficult without a solid foundational knowledge of music theory, history, and notation. Success in this field often requires more than just a vocal ability or technical skills in sound engineering. Pursuing formal education and hands-on experience is key to building a successful career in music.