Reflections on Being Criticized on Social Media

In the age of social media, we’re all vulnerable when we share our creative efforts with the world. It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, these platforms allow us to connect with others who share similar interests, explore collaborations, and receive validation for our passions. On the other hand, they also expose us to the risk of harsh criticism—sometimes delivered with more malice than we’d ever expect.

A recent experience of mine highlighted just how nasty social media can be. I posted in a local musician’s group, inviting others to join me in exploring odd meters in music during an informal jam session. To give a small taste of what I was talking about, I included a video of myself playing in 21/8.  I chose that particular video only because it had over 400 views so I thought perhaps it might be more popular and therefore enticing than some of the others.  Instead of sparking enthusiasm or curiosity, one of the replies I received was, “Nothing like sucking the soul out of music and replacing it with bullshit that only makes you feel good about yourself. Nice job, loser.”

It stung more than it probably should have. While I’m not one to be confrontational, the comment stayed with me, not because I doubted my work but because it raised larger issues about artistic freedom, the evolution of creative expression, and how we view art that pushes boundaries.

The Right of Artistic Freedom

Art, in any form, thrives on freedom. Telling a musician to stop experimenting with odd meters is no different than criticizing a painter for creating abstract art. Imagine walking up to Jackson Pollock and saying, “Why waste your time splashing paint? Can’t you just draw a portrait like everyone else?” It would be absurd and insulting to the artist’s inherent right to explore their medium as they see fit.

Music, like all art, evolves through experimentation. It’s not about replacing one style or method with another but expanding the horizons of what’s possible. The comment I received felt like a violation of this principle. It was as if someone were trying to box me into a set of expectations that didn’t reflect the broad spectrum of what music could—and should—be.

Growth Through Experimentation

As artists grow in their craft, it’s natural to experiment. German composer Richard Strauss, for example, famously explored revolutionary tone poems before returning to more traditional forms later in his career. Similarly, jazz legends like Miles Davis were often criticized for pushing boundaries with albums like Bitches Brew, which helped birth the jazz-fusion genre.

This desire to push boundaries is not limited to famous musicians. For many working artists, stepping outside the norm is how we challenge ourselves. Experimentation keeps our creative spirits alive. Exploring odd meters, for me, is less about showing off technical prowess and more about expanding my own understanding of rhythm and composition. It’s about growth, not ego.

A Creative Outlet for the Working Musician

Like many musicians, I spend much of my professional life catering to audiences. I play weddings, corporate events, and private parties, where the focus is on creating a vibe that pleases guests. That often means sticking to familiar meters like 4/4 or 3/4 and playing songs that are instantly recognizable. I genuinely enjoy these gigs, but they don’t always allow for the kind of creative exploration that feeds my soul as an artist.

Odd meters are my outlet, my way of keeping my artistry alive while meeting the demands of my job. This isn’t selfish or “indulgent,” as the commenter implied—it’s a necessary part of maintaining balance. Just as a painter might create abstract works in their free time while fulfilling portrait commissions professionally, musicians need space to explore outside the constraints of audience expectations.

A Tool for Growth

There’s a reason so many artists push themselves to explore forms that challenge their skills. For a poet, it might mean attempting a sonnet when free verse feels easier. For a painter, it could be switching from acrylics to watercolors. For musicians, odd meters provide a way to break free from familiar patterns and develop a deeper understanding of rhythm.

When I experiment with odd meters, it forces me to think differently as a guitarist, a composer, and a collaborator. It sharpens my timing, makes me more aware of space within the music, and opens up new possibilities for interaction with other musicians. These skills ultimately enhance my ability to play more conventional music as well, creating a feedback loop of growth and improvement.

Shunned Today, Celebrated Tomorrow

Throughout history, art that breaks from convention is often misunderstood or dismissed initially. When Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring debuted, it caused a riot among the audience. Today, it’s considered one of the most groundbreaking works in classical music. Jazz itself, once derided as “noise,” is now celebrated as a high art form.

I’m not suggesting that my experiments with odd meters are revolutionary or that they’ll be celebrated decades from now. But the principle remains: just because something doesn’t resonate with the majority today doesn’t mean it lacks value. Every artistic innovation starts somewhere, and every artist should have the freedom to explore without fear of ridicule.

Striking a Balance Between Art and Audience

The commenter’s criticism also touched on a valid point: progressive music can sometimes feel self-indulgent, appealing more to musicians than to general audiences. As a professional musician, I recognize the importance of knowing your audience and tailoring your performance to their needs, especially for function gigs like weddings and corporate events. This is something I take pride in—I spend a significant amount of time ensuring my repertoire aligns with the client’s vision.

But that’s precisely why I feel justified in carving out time for my own creative pursuits. If I’m spending 95% of my time playing music that pleases others, surely I can spend the remaining 5% exploring something that feeds my artistic curiosity. It’s not about rejecting one approach in favor of another—it’s about balance.

Resilience in the Face of Criticism

The reality is, no matter how much thought or care you put into your art, there will always be critics. The comment I received was harsh, but it also served as a reminder of why I do what I do. Music is a deeply personal form of expression, and not everyone will understand or appreciate every aspect of it.

What matters is staying true to your vision while remaining open to growth and constructive feedback. The comment hurt, but it also reinforced my commitment to experimenting with odd meters. This area of music has fascinated me for decades, and it’s a significant part of my creative identity.

A Prayer for Kindness and Open-Mindedness

Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, but it also has the potential to foster understanding and connection. I wish the world—and myself—could approach art with more kindness and open-mindedness. Instead of being quick to criticize, we could all benefit from taking a moment to appreciate the effort and passion that goes into creative work, even if it’s not to our personal taste.

This experience has reminded me of the importance of resilience and staying true to my artistic journey. While I hope for a more supportive world, I’ll continue to push myself creatively, whether that means playing in 21/8 or releasing an album entirely in 4/4. The pendulum swings where it will, and I’ll follow it wherever it takes me.

For now, my prayer—for myself and the world—is simple: to be more open, more receptive, and more compassionate, in music and in life.

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