ReThinking Permission to play with Jacob Collier
17 snips
Oct 28, 2025 
Jacob Collier, a Grammy-winning musician and innovative educator, joins Adam Grant for an enlightening session at TED. They dive into the magic of audience participation, revealing how offering 'permission' can unleash creativity. Jacob shares his 'wiggle' concept and the joy of collective singing, emphasizing the importance of play. He discusses his unique approach to covers, blending genres and expectations, and the concept of 'faff' to encourage exploration in music. Their conversation illuminates how sound can strengthen connections and invigorate both performers and audiences.
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Everyone Is A Musician
- Jacob Collier believes everyone is inherently musical and just needs permission to participate.
- Music connects directly to feeling and can free people to rediscover innate joy and “wiggliness.”
Make Rooms Safe And Supple
- Create safe, supple conditions so people feel comfortable improvising together.
- Encourage flexibility rather than rigid control to let the group bend with unexpected moments.
Diffuse Hecklers By Including Them
- If a heckler interrupts, incorporate their idea to diffuse tension.
- Use radical inclusion to empower the person and restore the room's energy quickly.
