Chopin,creativity and fun

I want to make an unabashed plea to those who do not read music to do so and I will illustrate why it can be such a joy.

My genre of music is mostly folkish/country/blues but I have studied classical and I know how to read music. The other day I heard on the radio Chopin Ballade #1 in g minor for piano and I loved it. I wrote it down on a notepad in the car and later I purchased not only a cd, but the written music for it.

This is significant in many ways. It helps to really have a visual reference for what is taking place in the music as well as it enhances my appreciation for the techniques and themes that are within the music. As you listen without the music you can feel what is happening but you can not really understand it in a deeper way without the music, unless you are a very accomplished musician.

Understanding and being able to pick out certain sections also help in other ways. I intend to study some of the passages for guitar, since that is my main instrument; not necessarily to perform it, but to use it for ideas and inspiration. Any time you are in a rut in creativity it is a great way to break out of the slump, as it were. Study another style or instrument if only briefly and you will find it is fun and stimulating.