The Musical Instrument, A Surrogate Mother?

OK, I know this is going to sound really weird but... this blog looks at a recent academic paper that I found quite interesting called ‘Instrument-breast: A psychoanalytic view on musicians’ perception of instruments’.

You can view the ‘Instrument-breast' academic paper here.

I’m getting quite deep into Freudian (Kleinian for those in the know) territory here, and some of you may think I’m weird. Anyway, I found it interesting as it does tie into this concept of how our music, studio tools or musical instruments can mean so much to many of us to the point of being a surrogate parent!

Through a ‘psychoanalytic lens’ (all that ego, fall in love with mother-Freud-stuff) the paper introduces the concept of the "instrument-breast," drawing a comparison between a musician's bond with their instrument and the early developmental relationship between an infant and their mother's breast. This analogy is rooted in something called ‘object relations theory’, which examines how our early relationships influence our interactions and attachments later in life (Google it).

The authors argue that for many musicians, instruments transcend our physical form to become extensions of the self, which I thoroughly agree with. This transformation is not merely metaphorical. The instrument actually becomes a vessel through which we express our innermost emotions, desires, and identities. Such a relationship can be likened to another concept called a 'transitional object' in psychoanalysis, where an object (like a teddy bear, dummy or blanket) helps bridge the gap between the self and others during early development. This comfort object can also be music.

By viewing the instrument as a 'breast,' the authors suggest that musicians derive comfort, sustenance, and a sense of security from their instruments, much like an infant does from their mother. This perspective sheds light on the profound sense of loss or distress musicians might feel when separated from their instruments or when they are damaged. It also explains the intense personalisation and customisation many musicians apply to their instruments, further solidifying this pseudo bond.

The article also delves into the therapeutic potential of this relationship. Engaging with an instrument can serve as a form of self-soothing, helping us musicians navigate emotional turmoil or trauma. The act of playing becomes a dialogue between the conscious and unconscious mind, allowing for the expression and processing of complex feelings.

By framing the instrument as a 'breast,' the paper highlights the deep emotional sustenance and identity formation that occurs through musical engagement. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of musical expression but also underscores the potential of music as a therapeutic tool. For some of you, the terminology might seem weird but as a concept it’s something we all know about. Our music making tools are an extension of us perhaps?

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Adam Ficek hosts a monthly show 'Tonic Music' on Totally Wired Radio, where he talks to various guests about music and mental health. You can listen again to any of the previous show on the Tonic Music Mixcloud page.