Why Sensitivity is Your Superpower as a Musician Have you ever felt deeply connected to a song, almost as if it spoke to your soul? That’s sensitivity at work! It's a powerful trait that fuels creativity and emotional depth in music. What is Sensitivity in Music? Sensitivity is your ability to feel deeply, daydream, and connect with emotions, all of which shape your music and artistic expression. It’s what makes a song more than just notes and turns it into something meaningful. Why Does Sensitivity Matter? 1. Creativity & Breaking Norms - Many great musicians think differently and challenge the usual way of doing things (status quo). Research shows that rejecting social norms can lead to higher creative achievement (Kemp, 1996). 2. Emotional Connection & Expression - Sensitivity helps you express emotions through music. Whether you’re a singer, instrumentalist, or composer, the ability to channel feelings into sound makes your music powerful & expressive more than mere words can tell 3. A Natural Part of Musical Intelligence - Studies suggest that musical ability is linked to or stems from parts of the brain responsible for emotion and motivation (Gardner, 1983). This means your emotions are connected to your music ability as an asset & definitely not a distraction or demerit. They’re part of your musical strength! Tap from your emotions and watch your body align to deliver your music enrichingly. 4. Sensitivity Grows with Experience - Research found that 84% of professional musicians show high emotional engagement (Kemp, 1996). This means that as you develop as a musician, your ability to connect emotionally will only get stronger. How to Use or Take Advantage of Your Sensitivity to Grow: 1. Embrace Your Feelings. Don’t suppress emotions; use them to bring depth, relatability & meaning to your music. 2. Explore Different Sounds. Let your intuition guide you to new creative ideas. 3. Find Meaning in Your Music. Play or compose pieces that resonate with your personal experiences. Even your pains can turn out to be gains for your musical expression 4. Balance Sensitivity with Discipline. Whilst Sensitivity helps with creativity, practice and technical skills are just as important. Being sensitive isn’t a weakness, it’s your creative superpower! Unleash it! Lean into it, express yourself, and let music be your voice. Love from one music lover to another - Joseph Adeleye Happy Valentine 🌹 References Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books. Kemp, A. E. (1996). The musical temperament: Psychology and personality of musicians. Oxford University Press.