Magnum Opus

Yesterday in my Music Research class, the question was posed, "Why do research?" Some of the class members seemed to ask, "Why, indeed?" I'm interested in doing research, but also in doing many other creative musical projects. Why? Because there's so much that needs to be done, and if I have an idea of something that "someone" should do, that probably means that I should be the one to do it! Such as a subject that should be explored, or a book that should be written, or a workshop that would be valuable, or an album that should be recorded, or a piece that should be arranged. Why would we want to take the time to do these things? So you don't go along living a meaningless life! Not that teaching lessons and playing concerts isn't meaningful, but because we can do MORE that is even more lasting. We can contribute to how people think about music and how music is taught. So where does one start? In the words of the old Mormon song, "Go and do something today!" What will your Magnum Opus be? I have some ideas of several projects I'd like to complete at some point. It has been suggested that you write a hypothetical obituary, and use that for a starting point on formulating some long term goals. What do you want to be remembered for doing? It takes a lifetime to accomplish your lifework, so we'd better get busy! Meanwhile, I'm going to graduate with honors from this master's program.