Creating Authentic Art

I recently watched the movie School of Rock. I know what you’re thinking – it took me long enough. For those of you who, like me, have fallen behind with your movie viewing, here is a brief synopsis. Jack Black, a musician, poses as a substitute teacher at a private elementary school. He discovers that the children are taught music, but they’re learning outdated tunes to which they cannot relate. He then decides to devote his class time to teaching the children to play rock and preparing them to compete at a local battle of the bands.

I love the message of the film – that creative expression should be authentic. So often, when it comes to creativity, we strive to create works that will please others. Works that will be commercially successful or pieces that we hope will make us appear to be profound.

But of course, that defeats the purpose of creative expression. Music, poetry, literature, art, music, dance, film, theater, photography – they are all intended to be windows into the soul. If we create art for some other purpose, it is empty and meaningless. Art is influential because it speaks to the human experience in an authentic way. Without that authenticity, art loses its power.

Read more: Peace, Spirit, art, authenticity, creativity, music, musical education

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

1:08AM PDT on Apr 25, 2013

Thanks for the information.

April 25
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Duane B.

2:36PM PST on Nov 15, 2012

Thank you for sharing.

November 15
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Kathy P.

4:48PM PDT on Aug 27, 2012

I love to write poetry, and crochet, make jewelry, learn new crafts, and paint. thanks for this

August 27
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Tom S.

2:49PM PDT on Jun 29, 2012

Music is awesome. Just starting back to playing the Elect. Guitar, Well trying anyway.

June 29
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Jamie C.

11:20AM PDT on Jun 29, 2012

express what is inside yourself don't try to copy anyone else come up with your own unique expression.

Kathy K.

9:55PM PDT on Jun 28, 2012

Thanks. I've just started painting and this is great advice for me to remember.

June 28
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Silas G.

6:25AM PDT on Jun 28, 2012

I write music, myself, and think you have a good message here. I kind of wonder about School of Rock, since when I think about it, the songs they are playing are something like forty years old now, and probably not something the majority of children would connect to, either (though I did... only some 25 years after they came out... so who knows). I do think it's important to write music from the heart (or to create any art authentically). Honestly, despite how much I have enjoyed the fruits of commercial music, I think we may have been better off when music was far more local, and something in which everyone (or nearly everyone) participated.

Linda R.

8:12AM PDT on Jun 27, 2012

Well said. Thanks for sharing the authenticity.

June 27
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Past Member .

8:05AM PDT on Jun 27, 2012

I cannot play instruments, and I don't think my voice is outstanding, but on Saturday I downloaded LMMS (Linux Multi Media Studio), and I hope I can write some authentic music (without knowing music theory well). However, I think it is probable that professionals can write good music which sounds more authentic than my attempts, even if my attempts are more authentic according to the meaning of the word.

Natalie K.

7:15AM PDT on Jun 27, 2012

I love the guitar.