Why should everyone sit through a song, and learn how to appreciate music?
As a musician, I feel that my musical horizons from before being in a Jazz band expanded a great deal. Before, I would only listen to dubstep and The Beatles. Yeah, I know. Now, I fangirl when people talk about John Coltrane, The Arcs, or some other artist I am not familiar with or haven't heard of before. Why am I always am willing to listen and pick up a couple of suggestions? I find it insightful and very curious! Music is awesome.
Then, I started doing the same, but people wouldn’t be too receptive. I would have a response that goes something like, “Yeah, I only listen to *blank* kind of music”. Some even say, “I don’t like listening to Jazz.” and it struck me the vast amount of people who weren’t willing to take a risk and hear a real track. So, that is why I wanted to express the importance of why people should make the effort of listening to music and step a little out of their auditory comfort zone.
So why should everyone learn how to appreciate music?
It's an art.
Too many times people forget that musicians put in real time and effort into their craft, and we have to learn how to appreciate their time and effort. Musicians and artists spend years on making and perfecting their art, and too often people pass up a chance to just appreciate the effort of a human being. It takes time to be good.
I remember hearing a story of a famous artist who, at a cafe, was the stopped by a man who asked if he could sketch something on a napkin for his wife. “Name your price and I will buy it once you finish,” said the man. The artist kindly proceeded and ended with a very realistic sketch of the surrounding area in a short time.
“That will be ten thousand sir.” said the artist.
“That is outrageous! You drew it on a napkin, and it only took you five minutes!” responded the man.
“No, sir. It took me my entire life.” replied the artist.
It leads to all sorts of discoveries.
Especially with sites like Soundcloud or Youtube that give you suggestions based on what you have heard. Or if you would prefer, local music stores (do those still exist?) and even thrift shops have some hidden gems that many people may pass up. Of course, owning a record player isn’t a necessity (unless if you want to be a little more hipster than usual, I would recommend a Crosley). But you can always eyeball a CD or Record and go on your search process from there. People often pass up the good stuff, and you never know what you will find.
Same goes for internet radio stations. Suggestions often lead to discovery, which usually leads to awesome tracks. Remember, it’s better to listen than to skip.
It’s a great conversation starter!
“Hey what kind of music do you listen to?” is a pretty great question to start some small talk. I know it may seem corny, but it is very true. I meet some pretty sick people by asking that question. And, if you appreciate music, it is even better because that way, the conversation can sustain more, and you won’t look like a fool if the conversation takes a strange turn.
History is in music.
At least a lot of recorded music. Ever since classical times, with passionate military songs, to counterculture anthems in the 60’s, and even with today’s music, music has been critical in social, political, and cultural change. Some songs also really come from the heart. Musicians tell phenomenal (and even mesmerizing) stories in their music of their history. Often, they are tributes or dedications to family or close friends. Other times, they are about the hardships or humorous experiences they wish to chronicle. Some even write about milestones in their lives. For example, I was at a concert, and one of the performers wrote a song for his son, despite being on tour when he was born and performed it for us.
Music discovery is a journey!
Many things link different musical genres or artists together, and maybe in some unexpected ways. For example, Phoenix and Daft Punk all root from an indie band called Darlin’ or that different artists particularly inspire others completely outside their genre is pretty surprising and often very interesting. Also, certain genres also evolved from others, leading to new types of musical styles and creative expression. One example could be that of the abstraction of John Coltrane as he progressed in his career.
Music appreciation helps you appreciate the artist.
Especially in a more globalized world, there is a multitude of people who are aspiring artists who are tucked away in the realm of the internet, hoping to get to at least 50 listens on their page. Many of these artists too are already famous but have been through hard times in their life as well. Or some just tell a story, either fictional or real that delves into the life or feelings of artists, such as with The Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, or Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, M.A.A.D. city. All of these have their story behind them, and all should be worth giving a listen.
You might even want to embrace your creative side after listening in!
So, next time you hear a weird song, or something you haven’t heard before, stop, look around to check and see where it’s coming. Then, let the sound take you over for a little while and follow the music, wherever it may take you.Big thanks to Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds, and The Black Keys for inspiring me to write this article! Give him a listen!
