Theory of Music Appreciation

I began flute lessons in 1994 with Dr. Alice Hammel.  Eric Hoover taught me during the summers of 2000 & 2001 at the Brevard Music Center.  I continued studies with Judith Lapple and had several lessons with Gary Schocker.  Each of these instructors taught me to respect tradition, appreciate experimental (i.e. different) music, and to always keep an open mind.  Interactions with living composers such as Mark Camphouse, Katherine Hoover, Gary Schocker, Jesse Guessford, and others, taught me to "listen with open ears".

I ask my readers to do the same - pull out a recording of the piece we're discussing, YouTube it, or listen to the sample on iTunes.  Keep an open mind.  The state of current affairs, musically speaking, is not as bleak as big box radio and the VMA/MTV Music Awards would have us believe.  Artists such as Trent Reznor, Gnarls Barkley, and Coheed & Cambria push the envelope and blend some seriously chronic sounds with traditional story telling, ethereal soundscapes, and authentic instruments.  Others such as Alison Krauss, Damien Rice, and Robert Plant explore their origins and invigorate genres that are so often pigeonholed.

I honestly believe that it is possible to find elements of historical style and construct in any piece of music you hear; in fact, I challenge you to prove otherwise.  The attention an average person pays to any given song is passing at best, unless you're like me and can't listen to something without analyzing it.  I think that too many artists in too many genres are overlooked in favor of glitz, eyeliner, and AutoTune.  I know that where we go from here depends entirely on today's audience, performers, and composers.  I want us to be as informed and open minded as possible, so that we may contribute to a more informed audience of artists and enthusiasts in the future.  Take an extra couple of minutes to listen to what's playing through your CD player or iPod, and ask yourself why you like it.  Maybe ask yourself if there's something you don't like about it.

Sometimes the answer can be surprising - and can lead you to search for similar sounds, then TA-DA! You found your new favorite artist, bought their latest album, told your friends, and now their sound is appreciated and nurtured by the active interest you showed in their art.  Because it is, really, all art.  From the album covers to the liner notes, from the lyrics to the bass line.  This is art.  We are artists and art lovers.  Let us revel in the beauty we know while meeting the challenges to our senses.