Inspired by Bill Gates’ Vision: A Quartet in Every Home
By the Bayberry String Quartet
In a tiny garage in Albuquerque in 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft, eventually making it the company’s mission to put “a computer on every desk and in every home.” They wanted computers to be accessible and available to the masses, empowering as many people as possible. Through an incredibly messy process, that’s what they did.
In a bright orange, split-level home in New Rochelle, NY in 2018, the newly formed Bayberry String Quartet envisioned a world with music making in every living room. BSQ wants to change the perception that making great music is only for the trained, experienced, or the “talented” (whatever that means!). No matter a person’s age, ability, or experience, we believe everyone can enjoy and benefit from playing music together.
When your computer freezes, or you get the dreaded spinning wheel, do you put your computer in the closet and never use it again? No, because despite the computer’s imperfections, it offers unlimited possibilities for imagination and discovery. Similarly, playing music together can be clunky and frustrating at first, but with constant improvement and a willingness to keep trying, it can be life-changing. Chamber music demands empathy and compassion. It helps us think about themes and concepts in art, and it teaches big ideas. It enables people to imagine and create together. It connects us no matter the quality.
We believe that chamber music is for everyone. No matter your age, ability, or experience, YOU can play chamber music with anyone. It is not about how good you sound or the quality of your music – it is about the sheer act of playing with others, inviting others into your space, and creating something together. No judgement. Just joy, acceptance, and community.
BSQ wants to empower every person to play more, to bring music making into homes, and to foster community and collaboration. Dust off your instrument, and bring over friends and family. We will help you along the way. This blog will be our musings but will also give concrete ways to help chamber music become a regular part of your home.
-Nurit, Steffani, Gabe, and Laura
P.S. If you make time for music making with others, would you please tell us about your experiences? We’re hoping we can inspire people to play music together through your personal stories.
P.P.S. We know that Bill Gates is a controversial figure! Ultimately, it is his vision that inspires us.
https://www.economist.com/briefing/2008/06/26/after-bill
I share this vision for music in every home, music for joy, music as a way to experience and foster empathy and compassion! As an adult beginner, I am trying (and often failing) to extend this joy and compassion to myself… learning a new instrument is HARD! And yet… I do experience moments of joy and know these will come more frequently as I get better and keep learning. And I love the fellowship, too. Thanks for your beautiful words and of course MUSIC!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your story.