How a band produces harmony

Music seems to be universally loved. It’s used to calm us, energize us, motivate us, and ultimately, give us a deep sense of meaning. Attending a live concert or show is perhaps the best way to feel such feelings.

Consider a band. Let’s assume there is a singer, a drummer setting the beat, a guitarist, and a bassist. For musicians and non-musicians alike, it becomes obvious that all these roles are different, yet vital to the song. Of course, not all instruments are needed for a song (more on that later).

That is a key Stoic lesson: every one of us plays a different role, but we are all vital to the functioning of the band. If we all play our roles to the best of our ability, we may be able to produce a beautiful and meaningful song in harmony.

Not only are our differences accepted by others, but they are deeply respected. Sure, a guitarist may not be interested in singing, yet they recognize that the singer is vital to the song. If we consider what harmony truly means, different roles are required; otherwise, it’s not harmony but rather sameness. Our differences should unite us if we are all well-intentioned, not divide us.

Harmony Within Each Role

We can also analyze harmony at the individual level. The guitarist, for example, has a level of harmony within her role. This is why some musicians can simply play a guitar alone and entertain a crowd!

Despite the option of twelve notes per octave on a guitar, the guitarist isn’t free to play whichever notes she wants. The selection of notes that they can play is limited. Hence, if they “play by the rules”, they are playing in such a way that creates a beautiful sound – a harmonious one.

A guitar chord is simply a collection of selected notes that produce a harmonious sound. Hence, there is harmony within each role in a band, which overlaps with the more collective harmony of the band itself.

All this is to say that harmony exists at different levels (or perhaps we could say at different “circles of concern”). We can achieve harmony at an individual level, and only after achieving this can we add to those around us.

Remember that Stoicism places a large importance on what you can control in your own life. It encourages self-mastery, firstly so that you can take care of yourself, but secondly, so that you can play your note for the rest of the world.

Does harmony require perfection?

A question that may be creeping into your mind is: must I play my role perfectly to create harmony? After all, if the singer misses a note, it can be obvious to the other members of the band, and even the audience!

This is an understandable concern, however, there is a truly beautiful aspect of harmony that should put these concerns to rest.

Live concerts are experiences that many people find meaningful. Memories of such concerts stay with us for our entire lives based on that very feeling of harmony that they give us. One particularly amazing aspect of live concerts is the “sing-along” times. 

A good entertainer can energize and direct the audience in such a way that they are all willing to dance and sing along with a song. In other words, they are drawn into and feel compelled to contribute to the greater harmony.

For those who have experienced such an event, you may notice how deeply harmonious and wonderful this feels and sounds. However, if you were to listen to the person, say, directly to your left, you may find that their singing skills are subpar. Perhaps they are singing in an entirely different key!

However, if you lose yourself in the greater whole, you will hear harmony.

The most beautiful aspect of harmony is that, if we all contribute to the greater whole with the best of intentions, we do not need to be perfect. Live concerts teach us that, if enough imperfect people with good intentions dare to play their instrument along with everyone else, beautiful harmony is created.

And luckily for us, this is also true with the Stoic role we play in life. We do not need to be perfect to live a harmonious life; we simply need to be well-intentioned and courageous enough to be pro-social in the world.

Brandon is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. He also coaches individuals to help them be their best selves, writes articles, plays music, manages projects, and several other things.

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