Florida native Dr. Linda Jack is a relief veterinarian who has also worked as a professional musician for almost 35 years. She is a singer-songwriter and plays the piano, drums, guitar, clarinet, and saxophone. As a musician proficient in five instruments, Dr. Linda Jack is what is known as a multi-instrumentalist, a talent that can provide numerous advantages in a musical career. Here are just a few.
Become a better band member. In addition to increasing their own skills, multi-instrumentalists can help improve the unity of a band or orchestra. Musicians who play multiple instruments develop a “sympathetic ear” for the instruments they know, allowing for a greater understanding of the other musicians in the group. A multi-instrumentalist’s innate knowledge of the rhythm of a drummer, for example, may make it easier to vibe with the drummer while playing guitar. Thus, multi-instrumentalism helps build synergy among the group, which is essential in creating an integrated, fluid sound.
Improve your songwriting ability. A musician’s knowledge of multiple instruments provides a deeper understanding of the unique functions of each instrument and how they can more cohesively integrate to form a whole sound, a useful skill in arranging music. The ability to write songs using different instruments also allows for flexibility in the writing approach used. A song written on a piano may focus on different keys, progressions, or rhythms than one written on a guitar. Multi-instrumentalists have a bigger arsenal of tools to work with in songwriting, and the result may be a fresher, more innovative sound.
Be in great company. Stevie Wonder, Trent Reznor, John Fogerty, Brian Jones, Curtis Mayfield, and the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Flea are all well-known multi-instrumentalists. Prince played almost every instrument on his early albums (including 1999) and reportedly played 27 instruments on his debut record, For You. Paul McCartney wrote, produced, and played all instruments on his self-titled post-Beatles debut, McCartney. Conceivably, a multi-instrumentalist’s proficiency in multiple instruments and understanding of the bigger picture can yield an ability to not only independently produce and record a song, but play every single instrument on it as well.
