Playing with Passion

"Even a monkey could do it," is a popular phrase when motivating someone and telling them that they are, in fact, able to do something that they think they can't do. Funnily enough, it is somewhat applicable, as animals are often more competent than we think. Down below, this video demonstrates how one woman has even taught her dogs to play piano!

Not only is it shocking to see an animal demonstrating such capabilities, it is also absolutely amazing! Who knew that an animal could achieve something that seems to be so difficult?

But there is a catch--that, as Mrs. Byerts always says, "We can train animals to play a musical instrument, but we can't teach them to play musically." They may be able to memorize, to follow patterns, and to listen to instruction; but the difference is that animals will never be able to play music with the same intensity as humans. No matter how intelligent they are, they can never be filled with passion and truly love what they're doing.

Humans have such soul. They are entirely full of emotions, both pleasing and sad. They are able to channel these emotions into music, through composition and through learning, and turn them into something beautiful. They don't play just rhythmically or systematically--rather, they put spirit into the piece and transform it through their personality!

As Beethoven once said, "To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable." How wonderful it is to be able to understand the meaning of music, and, furthermore, to be the drive and spirit behind it.