instrumentagnosticism

Instrumentagnosticism is a philosophical stance that rejects the idea of inherently superior or inferior musical instruments. It proposes that all instruments, regardless of their traditional status, complexity, or cultural association, possess equal potential for artistic expression. This viewpoint suggests that the value of a musical instrument lies not in its physical properties or historical prestige, but in the skill, creativity, and intention of the musician playing it.

Adherents of instrumentagnosticism argue that focusing on the instrument itself can lead to snobbery and gatekeeping within musical communities. They believe that imposing a hierarchy of instruments limits exploration and discourages experimentation with less conventional or widely accepted sound sources. Instead, they advocate for an open-minded approach where the focus is on the musical ideas and the ability to realize them, regardless of the tools employed.

This perspective encourages musicians to consider a broader range of sound-making objects and techniques. It challenges the notion that certain instruments are "more musical" than others, proposing that musicality is a quality of the performance and composition, not the instrument itself. In essence, instrumentagnosticism promotes a democratization of musical practice, valuing the artistic outcome above the perceived quality or status of the instrument used to achieve it.