I've been playing the violin for years without actually listening to the instrument?!

Bizarre. I'm actually able to practice the violin (study the music, analyse phsyical technique) without listening to the sound of the instrument or the melody of the music.

WHAT A SHAME.


When I read a book the words come together to create some meaning. Sometimes a book is full of ideas. Sometimes a book might make me cry and laugh.

Whe I read music it is series of detailed instructions. A diagram of movement. But, perhaps there is something beyond that?

A sheet of music is rather a collection of ideas with meaning that can make me laugh and cry.

What is the meaning of this passage? What is the context?

Reading music is like reading a book. The actual words off the page have a combined meaning. They do not stand on their own. They are not interesting whilst they are analysed as individuals or dealt with as challenges. They are simply another's thoughts to be considered.