The Beauty of Musical Imperfection

“True Beauty comes from accepting all aspects of your music, embracing every little imperfect thing that comes in your way” – Marc Jacobs

To define or understand the real meaning of musical perfection and elegance, one must have heard of the saying “practice makes perfect” multiple times, in a way that made this element of truth sound like a total cliche. Although perfection might be obtained from continuous playing for a consistent time period, no one human can be defined with the word “perfect”. This word describes an abstract concept, having it expound upon a broad subjective and dynamic term which causes it to have a tendency to constantly be subjected to change as the goal of perfection is never going to come to a standstill and will always evolve as the actual definition of perfection will keep getting influenced by what the society sets as the milestones of “perfection”. After having such a theoretical description of these musical notes, should the ultimate goal of a musical artist be to attain the “perfection” that our society delineates?

There are many talented musicians who are living in the balanced state of acquiring what they set to achieve in their professional lives and also are acquainted with the ideal paragon of perfection. For instance, one of these imperfect, but extraordinary musicians are the Beatles. If there is a keen ear deliberately listening to John Lennon’s rhythmic guitar, there is, at times, a lot of inconsistency and even “mistakes” in his melodies. This is an example that outshines the “imperfection” society might say because the perfection that his audience reacts to is an emotional appeal, making them feel connected to this music even fifty years later! Music can not procure perfection because every person interprets musical perfection is a unique way.

Another amazing musician with just as much talent as John Lennon is Jimmy Page. Although his timing was loose at times, and there were “clams” at times, as his fans refer to it, his rock-star vantage stole everyone’s hearts for his wonderful music. He was an all-time expert in arranging and aligning his guitars to creating some of the most unforgettable and catchy music of all time! In one’s music, they should understand that perfection is a pursuit and that it is unreachable. The most imperfect thing is at the very pinnacle of perfection and those musical notes have their own uniqueness that was created “perfect” to itself and can not be perfected further. 

Starlin, M. (2018, November 20). Perfect Imperfection In Music. Retrieved August 23, 2020, from https://medium.com/mark-starlin-writes/perfect-imperfection-in-music-800a4002b5a7

Nisbet, G. (2019, November 21). Why imperfection is the secret to making better music. Retrieved August 23, 2020, from https://www.musicradar.com/news/why-imperfection-is-the-secret-to-making-better-music

Mehling, S., Shane Mehling Shane Mehling is a freelance writer and editor who plays in noiserock bands., McKenty, F., Varnell, Z., Sonicbids, & Olsen, H. (2014, November 14). Your Music Isn’t Perfect (And That’s A Good Thing). Retrieved August 23, 2020, from https://www.creativelive.com/blog/your-music-isnt-perfect/