[jdietrich]

Before the widespread adoption of radio, pianos were an essential part of any household that could afford one. Pianos were a common sight in pubs, village halls, workplace canteens and practically anywhere that people would gather. Nearly everyone participated in social singing to some extent. The streets were filled with buskers, most pubs had a pianist or accordionist, most families had at least one person who could play an instrument. Music was as omnipresent as it is today, but it was performed live by whoever happened to be around.

The decline in music-making over the past century has been astonishing, in small ways and large. Whistling used to be a common sound on the street, but is now almost extinct. Social singing is now a rarity and would be difficult to revive, because there is no longer a shared repertoire of song to draw from. A vast chasm has opened up between "musicians" and "non-musicians".

[throwawaycopy]

I'm very fortunate to live in a musical household and have a lot of musicians in my life. My wife and I both write and sing songs together. I've got a crew of people who get together to play covers and jam.

It is incredibly rewarding and gives me a very real sense of participating and contributing to my culture and community.

When I was a social media addict living my life through a screen while theoretically living in San Francisco I was frequently pulled down by bouts of depression.

Ever since I quit social media, got rid of my smartphone, discovered bluegrass and country music and moved to a place where these musical cultures are a fundamental part of society my life has gotten so much more rich and satisfying.