by Allison Jarrell, Metro Music Makers Founder and CEO
I recently got caught up in the new TV series, House of David, and one moment in particular struck me deeply. Saul’s wife, Ahinoam, dismisses David with the phrase, “He’s just a musician.” At that moment, David is underestimated, seen as nothing more than a young harp player. But history tells us a different story—David rises to become one of the greatest kings, a leader whose wisdom, courage, and vision shaped a nation.
It made me reflect on how often musicians are perceived as just musicians. Yet, to be a musician is to be so much more. Musicians see the world through a unique lens. They cultivate discipline through years of practice, develop creativity that fuels problem-solving, and build resilience as they navigate mistakes and challenges. They sharpen their ability to listen—not just to notes but to people—developing a deep sense of empathy and emotional intelligence.
At Metro Music Makers, we’ve watched students grow into incredible adults, many of whom have taken their musical training into fields far beyond music. Some have gone into the medical field, bringing their finely tuned analytical skills and patience to patient care. Others have become innovators in business, applying their creativity and adaptability to entrepreneurship and leadership roles. We’ve seen former students excel as project managers, engineers, and educators—all professions that demand a combination of discipline, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
Music education isn’t just about learning to play an instrument; it’s about learning how to think, how to feel, and how to connect. It teaches patience, perseverance, and the ability to express oneself in ways that transcend words. It fosters teamwork, as musicians must harmonize both literally and figuratively with those around them.
So the next time someone says, “They’re just a musician,” let’s remember what that truly means. Musicians are artists, thinkers, innovators, and leaders. They are individuals who see beyond what is and imagine what could be. And if history teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes, the ones who are just musicians go on to change the world.