If I were 22: Sandro Mussida

#IfIwere22: I’d learn to play (at least!) a wind instrument

It doesn’t matter if you’ll end up doing techno, believe me. Learning how a transposing instrument works gives you a wide open view on things such as pitch relationships and harmonic proportions – not to mention a natural sense of melodic phrasing.

It’s not that the best orchestrators out there are clarinettist or saxophonists. But if you really want to write for other instruments, learn how to play wind ones, or at least spend time with musicians who can play them. Instruments can tell you things books cannot.

#IfIwere22: I’d explore more

I mean it. Consuming the same old record may be great for your endorphin system, but I suggest giving yourself the opportunity to absorb sounds that are unfamiliar to you – try listening to music that you may even consider ugly. It is really surprising how rewarding it is to discover new composers, bands and albums as the consequence of deliberate choice, or just coincidence. Leave your prejudice aside and don’t trust your trendy friends: an unexpected treasure is what your soul desires. Be curious! Explore more.

#IfIwere22: I’d study maths

Maths is not about numbers and figures, it’s about the brain’s ability to stretch and connect together invisible points, making things measurable and (sometimes) under control. Whether your purpose is to be practical or philosophical, you’ll find it really useful to be able to write down your ideas and develop them using the number’s code. Start here, then use your ears.

#IfIwere22: I’d learn from others

Music isn’t a selfish practice. Or, to make it simple, study and composing might be. But if crafting your technique keeps you apart from others sometimes, then it is on stage or in a rehearsal room (it doesn’t matter if it’s your kitchen) that you’ll learn the most.

Music theory is important, but it can’t tell you how to respond to a drums crescendo or a shy singer. So, don’t be shy yourself, and put on a band or play your music whenever you can. You’ll learn something.

#IfIwere22: I’d build a strong and healthy me

Musicians are often seen as nerdy and generally unhealthy types of people, and you are probably right if you think that a sedentary life is what they face at the end. A chair is a chair, whether you are seated in your home studio or on a plane couch. So: nurture your body, ‘cause you’ll need a strong one.

Two positive side effects of keeping yourself exercised are that ideas really like fresh air, and audiences really like a good-feeling person on stage.

Sandro Mussida is a composer, producer and cellist. His work is published by Sony Classical, Boomkat, Tapeworms, and Blume Editions.
sandromussida.com