“What’s the point of this?” My student asked. “Why is this important?”
Admittedly, he was asking about the skill of saying the alphabet backwards at speed, but I’ve had other students ask the same questions about music literacy skills, historical information, vocal pedagogy, and so many other technical aspects we devote time to in rehearsal. And whether it’s a silly parlor trick or domain knowledge, the question is important and the answer is the same.
It’s important because how we enter the world is important. I enter through music, so expanding my knowledge and widening my perspective is essential to give my very best to the world.
Up a level. I teach music; wouldn’t it be more valuable to be a nurse or an electrician or a human rights attorney? I don’t think so. I count on those professionals to do their jobs well, and I think they count on me (knowingly or unknowingly) to do mine well. We need a diverse world with everything covered. I make music. It’s my vocation and my joy but it’s also how I serve the world.
Up a level. Why is doing anything, learning anything, important? Can’t we just wait for our AI overlords come and take care of it all? I think that in the era of automation, finding outlets and ways to use our bodies and minds only becomes more essential. It’s essential to learn all those ideas (and even the alphabet backwards) because it keeps our minds active an our bodies busy and gives us ways to serve our communities.
In short, don’t ask “Why is this important?” Ask “Why is this important to you?” and then follow up with the most crucial question: “What’s important to me?”
Answer that question and use it as a north start to guide your curiosity and work.