Evaluating Your Music: How to Assess Its Quality

As a musician, the journey of music creation is both rewarding and challenging. One of the most important questions you may ask yourself after completing a piece of music is: “Is this any good?” The answer to this query is often subjective, and there are several steps and perspectives to consider to fully evaluate your work.

Seeking Feedback from Others

A great starting point is to share your music with others. Invite friends, family, or fellow musicians to listen and offer their opinions. It is often helpful to hear from those who may not be as invested in your work as you are. If people enjoy your music, that's fantastic. However, even more valuable is when they express that they do not like it. In such cases, instead of arguing with them, seek to understand their perspective. Ask for specific feedback on what they do not like and use it as a stepping stone to refine and improve your music further.

Comparing Your Music Honestly and Objectively

A crucial step in evaluating the quality of your music is to make comparisons with established works you admire. Consider how your composition sounds when juxtaposed against the music you know and love. Be honest with yourself: if you truly believe it is fantastic, you might be on the right track. However, do not rely solely on your personal opinion. Build a fan base and let them be your judges. If people are eager to listen to and share your music, it's a good sign. Conversely, if no one seems to be interested, it might be time to introspect and make necessary adjustments.

Personal Satisfaction Over External Validation

The most important aspect of music evaluation is a deep personal satisfaction. You must create music that resonates with you. If you find yourself questioning the quality of your music, it might be a sign that you have doubts about your artistic vision. Do not let these doubts intimidate you. Other people’s opinions matter, but only your own satisfaction should guide your artistic journey.

Learning from the Greats: Tchaikovsky and Early Discoveries

Historical figures such as Tchaikovsky provide valuable insights. Though he experienced self-doubts and even loathed parts of his own compositions early in the process, this only served as motivation for him to strive for better in the future. Similarly, early musicians, especially novices, can be deluded because they lack a benchmark. This is where external feedback can serve as a valuable tool.

Seeking External Feedback

As a musician, it can be insightful to seek professional feedback from others who have a deep understanding of the industry and its standards. While this feedback can be useful, it's not essential. Your personal vision and satisfaction are often more crucial. As you continue to grow and refine your skills, learning from each other is key. Early experiences, whether positive or negative, are important lessons.

Conclusion

Evaluating the quality of your music involves a combination of personal satisfaction, critical self-assessment, and seeking external feedback. Ultimately, the art you create is a reflection of your unique vision. If others do not seem to appreciate it, it may be time to re-evaluate and perhaps refine your approach. As an artist, you should stand true to your vision and not conform to popular standards. Trust in your unique voice and share your music with the world as you envision it.

By considering the quality of your music from multiple angles, you can better refine your skills and continue to grow as a musician. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and staying true to your personal artistic vision is the key to success.