For this week (March 17-21) after reading the chapter on music, focus on what role music plays in your life. My maternal grandmother was trained as a classical pianist when she was young. For spending money, she played piano for the silent movies, think Perils of Pauline, and in the 1920s was a flapper. She played lots of jazz while I was growing up and we have several tapes, which have made the transition to CDs, of her playing. It was her influence that helps my brother and sisters and I find music an integral part of our lives. I began playing the piano when I was 7 and quit when I was 10 to play guitar. I still play guitar and also am learning the harmonica. My son plays the upright bass and the drums.
If you don't play an instrument, what songs have played a part in your life? What music do you like? What's your favorite song(s)? I like classical, jazz, "classic" rock, blues, and any lyrics that make fun of people. Yes, I'm a big Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show and Frank Zappa fan. John Prine and Todd Snider are in there too. My favorite songs, "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin, "Hotel California" by the Eagles (I know I should be sick of hearing it, but for some strange reason, I'm not), "Please Don't Bury Me" by John Prine, and any current semi-obnoxious song I can't get out of my head. Right now, it's the "Ballad of the Backbone Tavern" by Todd Snider.
I know the book looks at music from a different perspective, which reminds me of my college days and my friends who were music majors explaining the new release of "Freebird"on the Skynrd Live album. They could tell me which measures were repeated and how many times and why it was so cool. I remember thinking it was amazing they could do that with the music. I just liked listening to it.
Enjoy.
35 comments:
Music is the voice of my soul. When I'm having a bad day or a good day there is a song out that that puts what I'm feeling into words and I can relate to a lot of different music. I am a fan of all genres I was for a while infatuated with the 40's big band era amongst many others. My life has always revolved around music since I was born music has been in my family, when I was very little my mother, uncle, aunt, and family friends had a band that they called ‘the reflections’ they used to play local gigs around the area and if they were in town my brother and I were allowed to go the venue and watch them perform. I loved it, I have song ever since. When I was six years old I started singing the National Anthem at local sporting events such as hockey, wrestling, and basketball games. I loved it; I was also involved in our local choir and band. Music is my release I am the kind of person that could be having the worst of bad days and you’d still see a smile on my face. I put up a front so people think that everything is ok, which works well for me because I don’t like people getting to personal with me I like my privacy and space. Music is my world where I can feel, be, act however it is I want too. I tend to relate a lot with country music because they seem to tell a story with their song and they are all situations everyone can relate too. Or if I’m upset heavy metal or rock songs usually are something I can relate too. My world would not be the same without music.
Yes, I can definitely relate with you on this topic! I think music is important to us all in one way or another. Like you said about yourself, I am constantly humming a song, listening to music, etc. No matter my mood, there always seems to be some kind of song that "clicks" with me. I guess I will be enfatuated with a particular song for a while, but then I find a new one, but they both seemed to "click" at their respective times. Wow, this assignment should be lots of fun! I look forward to everyone else's posts.
Music has played a huge part of my life ever since I was a young girl. From my youngest memories as a child I remember my mother playing piano by ear. My parents have home videos of my as a two year old and even younger where I sat by the piano and played, and sang as I made up my own songs! (Usually this was by pictures that I saw!) I started taking piano lessons at the age of four and never stopped. I loved the piano and in the 5th grade I started taking flute lessons. My mother now has a baby grand piano in her living room, and we all take our turn sitting by it and playing for the family. As I grow, my girls are in love with sitting with Nana and Momma and playing piano. They now have a minature baby grand piano that their Papa has bought for them. As I see music it truly brings families and people together!!
In response to mckenzieb:
I can totally relate to your blog!! As I drive, wether it is a bad or good day there is songs on the radio that I can sing loudly and relate to!! My life too has always related and been involved with music.
I started playing piano when I was 5. My aunt taught me for awhile and then I went to actual music lessons when I was six and stuck with it until I was 13. I was then really busy with sports and theater so I didn't really have to play. I don't have a piano yet but I would love to get one. I also would like to get a guitar. I write a lot of music but never do anything with it...it's sort of like a journal for me. I write everything with soul and rhythm. I have a wide variety of things I listen to. Some of the classic stuff but some is very underground or very rare. Music isn't just a radio or a song at a club. For me, it's an outlet, an inlet, and something that I can make completely my own. If I didn't have a child, I would be on the road as a sound tech or try to make it in the recording business or try to write music professionally but I'm so busy lately that dream sort of fell through. I also have to give some credit to my brother because he introduced me to a lot of cool music I wouldn't have listened to on my own.
In response to Brittany
I love the piano. When you mentioned your home music videos I had to laugh because I used to do the same thing! You said that you just got a piano? I would love one! I really miss not having one but I don't think they are really allowed in apartments! I told my boyfriend though, as soon as we are in a house, I'm buying a piano and a guitar and amp! My son is almost 3 and I am debating on whether or not to start him in piano lessons in a year or so. He loves music already but I would like to start him on the piano and then when he gets older the guitar. My aunt also told me to learn the guitar because you can take it anywhere you go...unlike a big piano!
In response to leah:
I can relate with your post when you mentioned being introduced to other types of music from family members. Which is basically how I got to like all different generas too. My grandparents listened to classical, and my mother country, my dad oldies, and my oldest brother rap, hip-hop, and r&b. My second brother got me into alternative and I originally only liked pop but now I listen and enjoy all types as long as they have good beats.
In response to leah:
I can relate with your post when you mentioned being introduced to other types of music from family members. Which is basically how I got to like all different generas too. My grandparents listened to classical, and my mother country, my dad oldies, and my oldest brother rap, hip-hop, and r&b. My second brother got me into alternative and I originally only liked pop but now I listen and enjoy all types as long as they have good beats.
Music.... When I think of music it makes me smile. I don't know what it is about music but it's so free and enjjoyable. I become caught in the moment and let go of all the stress of life. I'm not a musicain, but I appreciate all the people who are. I enjoy music that is sang from the heart. I really like it when I can relate to what the musician is singing about. One of my favorite artist is Grace Potter. The song that really hits home is called Nothing But the Water. I usually listen to jam bands. I enjoy the some of the local bands that just play whatever is the crowd wants to hear. Some of the other musicains that I like are Keller Williams, Moe, Ben Harper, Bob Marley, and Bala Fleck. I also enjoy older music lke the Beatle and Greatful Dead. I'll slso listen to older country music. I gre up on old country music, so it really brings me back to childhood. I will also throw on a good rap cd every now and again. More of the old school rap though. Like 2 Pac, Biggie, OG Outcast, and so on. I pretty open when it comes to music I just don't really enjoy heavy load music. The newer age hip hop also isn't a favorite of mine. I will listne to many kinds of music, but the most relaxing and enjoyable for me just a guitar with some great lyrics.
I agree that music is important. It may influence all of us in a different way, but it plays a part in most everyone's life. Musc can set the mood or change the mood. It is a great way to get a conversation flowing. Through on a little backgroud music during dinner and everything seems a little more enjoyable!
As I’ve already stated in several past posts, music has been a huge part of my life from as long as I can remember. I began taking piano lessons in second grade, and took them up until last year. I have also been teaching myself how to play guitar for the past two years. As the second oldest of eight children, all of my younger siblings also play some sort of instrument, and there always seems to be someone practicing whenever I’m home. I guess when I stop and really consider it, music has become more than something I play, it is truly an enjoyable pastime for me. I love to sit down and play the piano when time allows, or jam with the guitar when the family is agreeable. Music is also something that I turn to when I’m frustrated about something, or when I’m really happy. Depending on the type and the particular situation, music has a way of positively affecting me and helping me see what I need to see. After all, we’ve all experienced the thrill of a particular song, or the sadness conveyed in a certain chord progression. Depending on my mood, I feel as if I am able to relate with music and it allows me to sit back and really consider what I’m feeling. My parents never were big fans of rock music, but I can guarantee that there are times when even they would have to admit that classical or bluegrass just wouldn’t cut it! Personally, that is the genre that I am most drawn to, but I am also a big fan of acoustic/un-plugged stuff as well. This may sound silly, but sometimes I like to listen to music while I read books too. There have been several times when I would listen to a particular song for an entire book and never listen to anything else while reading that book. I guess the song just seemed to fit. What’s even crazier is that sometimes the song wouldn’t even seem to be the right genre. For example, when I read the book Eragon, I only listened to the song The Sun Also Rises from a band called Five Iron Frenzy. This particular song had a definite rock sound with a little “popiness” added as well. Don’t ask me why, but for what ever reason that song was THE SONG and nothing else was a valid substitute! So yeah, music is definitely important and plays a huge role in my life.
Music has always been a big part of my life growing up and still is today. My grandmother played piano for many years. She started as a young girl and played for church. She also taught piano lessons for many years from her home. One of my cousins that lived by my grandma played piano really well and would play duets with her when we would have family get-togethers. He also played the harmonica and his dog would howl along as if she was singing, which I think she was because she knew exactly when to howl. I took piano lessons as a young girl until I was in seventh grade I believe. I wish I would have continued because every once in a while I will go and sit down at the piano and play some of my old music. I was in school band and choir all through elementary, jr high and high school. I started playing band as a fifth grader and I played the trumpet. I was an alto in jr high and a soprano in high school in choir. We put on two concerts a year and would play and sing for graduation. The only year that I did not play for graduation was when I was a senior. I still sung in the choir though. One year we put on a Madrigal in school and that was pretty fun. I wish we would have performed musicals we had thought about it a few times but never really did one. I love listening to music I like basically all types except for rock. I love how certain songs can remind you of different seasons or special events. My fiancé and I have had a song for almost five years now and it will continue to be our song. We will have it played at our wedding dance as our first song. There are different songs that Schuyler says reminds him of me and every time I hear those songs I think of him. There are other songs that remind me of different situations and it is nice because when I hear that song I think of that situation or person. I hope that one day when I have children and grandchildren that they enjoy music as much as I do.
Music has been a large part of my life (sanity) and still is today. I played piano for about 4 years and also quit to pursue other musical dreams. In 5th grade I began to learn how to play the trumpet. I was in band for 8 years and after my third year, I switched over to play the baritone. The good ol’ “b-tone” was my favorite and I stuck it out through my senior year. During my high school band years I participated in the marching band. Was probably the best experience of my school age life. I made so many friends and learned a lot about myself in the process. I regret that I didn’t continue playing after graduation but I do find my way to the piano every Christmas to play some holiday tunes. Music also helps me stay sane at the day care center I work at. I have my cd’s playing in the background all day long. I really believe it sets the mood of the room. If I want the children to take some quiet time to relax, I put in my Scottish Moore or Irish music. The slow and musical songs send a calming vibe. If it is towards the end of the day and I feel like celebrating, I put in the Temptations. Needless to say, I enjoy all music. However, it has to be music. There are just some styles that cannot be categorized. I am in tune with music. Sorry for the pun.
in response to mscimek
I like how you put it in you last response. Music definitely is my life and helps keep me sane in times of utter craziness and the like. So yes, great way of putting that. I can do nothing but agree with you on that!
I share some similarities with Mr. Mueller in regards to music. My mother had me play piano for 2 years before I could play guitar. As soon as my 2 years were up, I started on the guitar and have been playing ever since. I do wish I had kept up on the piano, though. My music theory is weak, and it hinders my ability to play guitar. When I was in high school I started playing electric guitar at our church. I showed up for practice one week and asked if I could sit in an learn a few things and they said I could, but that if I was at practice, I had to play on Sunday! Scary! But I did, and that is when my guitar skills really began to improve. I still play in church over 18 years later, and enjoy it every time. I am also continually challenged with something new.
A few years ago, when I started attending a different church, I asked if I could help with the music. I had wanted to learn a new instrument, and since they had enough guitar players, I thought this would be a great time to try something different. They had a pair of congas, and so I decided to give them a try. It took a little effort for me to get the hang of it, but I really began to enjoy it! I also think it improved my timing and rhythm.
Playing music in church has had a profound impact on my life, not just for what I learned in and through the music, but because it helped me stay connected at church and build many great relationships. It has really helped me stay on track with my faith. There were several times when I would not have continued to go to church, but I continued because of being on the music team. I know church isn’t the answer, but because I stuck with it, my relationships with people and with God grew, and through that my faith grew. I would not be where I am today without the influence of music in my life.
Dan Juetten
In response to Vanessa Knutson, my wife surprised me with "From this Moment" at our wedding. She had it played when we lit the unity candle. We lit the candles and then moved under an arbor and sang (quietly) to each other through the rest of the song. Many people commented after about how special that moment seemed, and it sure was to us! I can't hear one measure of that song without going back to our wedding day. Great memories!
Thanks for reminding me again!
Dan J
I love this topic! Music to me is therapy! I can be having the worst day, be tired, etc and if I sit down and play the piano for 30 minutes my whole outlook changes. Depending upon the musical choice I can play love songs and feel loved, worship songs and get in touch with God, happy songs and become joyful, etc. I am a trained musician. I have played the piano since I was five years old. My mother put me in piano because I played 45's in my room over and over and one day she noticed I was singing harmony to the albums. I write my own arrangements and improvise. I am trained classically but now play by ear. It just flows from my fingertips without thought, my music is an extension of me. I also am self taught in other instruments. I picked up a flute about ten years ago and my fingers just knew what to do. I think it was from the years of piano. I play the harmonica, and guitar. I love to sing, however, others don't enjoy my singing voise as much as my piano or flute but it brings me joy. I never considered a career as a professional because I was raised it was too indulgent and you could not profit from such things. I played in a rock band when I was younger, just for fun. I have been able to give the gift of music to my children. They have been raised with all types played in the home. They bounced on my knees at the piano at 6 months and played along with mom. Both of my older girls (teens) play improv by ear on the piano. I don't play technically anymore. I don't count time or phrases of music anymore. I just feel the beat. Can you tell I'm passionate about this subject. This is art that I understand!
In response to Dan, I too have had active roles in the music team at my church! It made such a difference in my walk with God. I too felt more connected. There is something about sharing the Gift that God has given to musicians and giving it back to honor Him, I think God blesses this. Heidi
In response to Leah, you really sound passionate about your music and find it a way to relax which is so important in life to have your space and enjoy something that brings out the inner you. You are lucky to have people encourage you at such a young age.
Music what a wonderful invention for all of us. I feel lucky to have enjoyed the music of yester years, Beatles, Eagles, CCR, Three Dog Night, Grass Roots and The Monkeys. I still love the old favorites and yes I do enjoy the music of today. I played the guitar and really loved the sound and style that it gives your ear to listen when enjoying music. I don't play anymore but still might some day. I remember saving enough money to by my first stereo with rather nice speakers. I felt so excited and then the albums I purchased felt like my pride and joy of my life. It had a 8-track tape player, stereo and a radio all in one. I am sure I spent $149.00 or so for it. But I did work at the age of 15 and felt it was a great investment. I still have it and the radio is all we use. (It's a outside shop item.) Music I enjoy today: Reba, Pat Surface, Country (some) and Mototown still a good tune. I think the available music in todays world is endless and so intertaining in good and bad ways. I really have enjoyed the different interests that this class has encouraged us to study, read and revisit in our busy lives.
Music plays an important part in my life. Many kinds of music is important to me also. I listen to anything from hip-hop to Christian music. I really like when I can sing along and express my feelings.
I like hip-hop because it has a beat that I like and I can easily dance to it. My brother loves hip-hop so he teaches me the correct way to dance. I also like to challenge myself be seeing if I can keep up with the words and music.
Rock music I also like because I know what the person is saying and singing about. Some of the songs are about things I can relate to.
I like some of the hard rock or metal music. I don’t know why, but some songs have good music.
Sometimes I’ll listen to 70s-80s rock and roll. There’s many songs from that time that I’ve learnt. I really like a lot of those songs.
Country music is probably my all time favorite. The songs are understandable and many show a true life meaning. Many people say “, I don’t like country music,” but most of the people who say that. Has never listening to a country song. I like country music for how beautiful the artist can make his/her voice sound. But the greatest country artist, I think, is Johnny Cash. I love his music and think he is totally amazing.
I really like hymns that you hear in church. Those are my favorite Christian songs I can’t even think of my favorite.
All music that I mentioned is the stuff I like. I love to blast the radio loud and sing along.
I think music plays an important part in everybody lives. It expresses who we are!
you are so right mckenzieb music does revolve around all of us in some way. No one can leave without music i think. it is a very important part of all of us. Like at work i sing to make the time go by faster and the residents like it to!
Music is a big part of my life because without it playing in the backround when I am driving down the road I would probably be talking to myself instead of singing out load and jamming to it. I am a big time country fan. I like other stuff but if there is a good country station I would probably be listening to that instead. I have no back round with instruments and there is no in my family that is either. I drive a lot and I would have to say without music the long drive would suck. I drive every Tuesday mornings to school and then stay in Grand Forks until Thursday and then drive back home for work and family. It is an hour and ten minute drive. A whole lot of nothing to look at since I driven the same roads since I was a child. No much has changed. I am inspired by the song Lif is a dance by John Micheal Montgumery. It says life is a dance you laarn as you go. Sometime you lead it sometimes you follow. Don't worry bout what you don't know lifes a dance you learn as you go. That is the truth we all learn as we go. There are a lot of country songs that I love and I really couldn't name them all. All I know is when you are driving down the road it cuts out the silence and lets you break lose and you can feel free to do whatever you want. Country is something that everyone can relate too and can hear the words and it is music not screaming in the backround of a tune.
Where I come from we are hicks and we are proud of it. We have dances at the bar every weekend and we go and sing and dance our hearts out and have a great time. We wear cowboy boot, tight pants or boot cut, button up shirts, and everyone has a hat on. It is kinda nice cmoming from a small town. You get a lot of music because you see a lot more of it in a small town. What I mean by that sentence is that in a small town there is a lot going on and you see everything they talk about in country music. I know I can relate to it.
In respinse to mckenzieb I agree with you when you say that country music is something that we can relate with. Coming from a small area we see a lot of things country music plays and sings about.
Natalieb Johnny Cash is one of the best artist out there. I love his vioce it is so relaxing.
Music has always been a part of my life since as far as I can remember. My mother would always have music playing around the house, and my grandma, aunts, and uncles are always playing different instruments.
I also use music in so many ways. The faster songs (besides the morning coffee) wakes me up and gets me moving in the morning, where the slower melodies can tone me down after a hecktic day. To me, music is a necessity and a luxury.
The best gift given to me was my wedding gift. It was a song my mother had written for me, and my extremely musical and talented uncle recorded a song out of her words. Music can really touch the soul of a person.
In response to Vanessa
I completely see your point of view when it comes to music. It is something that people can use as an emotional crutch. Good point about how music is an excellent way of letting the mind enjoy memories. It brings a person right back into the moment.
in response to Dan's first post
i think that's great that you've stayed active with music and stuff. Guitar is the one instraument that I've always wanted to play, but have not had the time to dedicate myself to it. I too was required to take piano for several years, before I even considered the option of taking up guitar. By the time I started, I was so busy with college and work that I haven't been able to really make that much progress. I guess this will just be one of those things that will be a "work in progress."
Music to me is relaxing. I enjoy listening to music. I was in band when i was in 5th grade and played the trombone was not excited about playing it so i quit and havent picked up an instrument since. I have always wanted to learn how to play piano just never the time to learn. I am always open to listening to new kinds of music and will listen to about anything except for country, rock, heavy metal. I enjoy R&B the most.
Response to Brittany
I can relate my mom plays piano and my son is totally into music has been ever since he was born. He loves sitting at the piano with grandma watching her play and singing with her.
Music plays a huge role in my life; most of the day I am listening to some kind of music. My love all sorts of music; country, rock, 80’s ballads, and oldies- ranging from 60’s through the 70’s. MY radio is always on in the car, itunes jamming off my computer, and in my mp3 player when I am working out. Most of my friends say you can tell what kind of mood I am in by the type of music I am listening to- and that is very true. I truly believe that the lyrics, melody and the arrangement can express so many emotions; that is I one can take the time to really listen to the message of the song. Growing up, I was involved in band and choir. I played the trumpet, and was part of the percussion ensemble when they needed extras. Each band expressed and excited new feelings. Concert band could showcase classical music, or it could explore something different and truly reach out and grab a passion for the song that you did not know that you had. As an athlete, I know that when the pep-band had the goal of actually pumping up the crowd and team, it could really spark something in the home team. The band becomes the team, and the eye of the tiger was and is unleashed.
response to mckenzieb....
wow what i way to put how music can touch a individual," Music is the voice of my soul". I can totally relate to you. When i am anry or had a bad day, meticalla is there for me. At the moment, i am listening to the Beatles writing this, and jamming out not care in the world. I think that it is so unique that your family had band. While I find my family to be tone deaf and i would be afraid to hear them play an instrument, I do credit my dad for finding a passion for the music of the 50's, 60's and 70's. Espically CCR and Stepping Wolf.
Music has been an integral part of my life also. When I was a child my grandmother played the piano, guitar and accordion. Her sisters also played. When we had family get-togethers, everyone always ended up gathered around the piano, singing any song that would come to mind. (Those were the good old days) When my grandmother visits now, she will sit down at the piano and play, the music seems to just flow from her fingers. Even now that she is 85 years old, the music sounds just as beautiful as it did way back then.
Growing up, I played the guitar and loved it. I played in church mostly with the junior choir. I really learned a lot during those years. Now that I am married with children, a full time job and school, there has been no time to play and I do miss it!
My children are taking piano lessons now. It is so great to watch them grow in their musical talents. It’s fun to introduce them to the music we grew up with. My husband is a Lynrd Skynrd fan and now so are the children.
I really like a wide range of different music. I also like John Prine, (Safety Joe), Eagles Hotel California, (Hell Freezes Over version). I like country, rock, southern rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, Latin and classical. I think that music is therapy for the mind and soul. No matter what mood I am in there is a type of music to accommodate.
in response to Heidi
I so envy you!! To play music by ear and to just pick up an instrument and play it is a rare gift from God!!
"It just flows from my fingertips without thought, my music is an extension of me." I love that statement,and it is so true! That is a great way to explain any musicans music. It is another way to communicate feelings, ideas, attitudes and thoughts. Where would we be with out music?
I really enjoy listening to music. I like listening to it when I am sad, when I am happy and when I feel like dancing and singing. I mainly listen to country music and I really like it. I think that country music has the variety and that is why I like it so much. There are sad songs, insperational songs, up beat song, and happy go lucky songs. I like music so much because I think that it pertains to every part of my life. I think I would be able to find a country song to fit my every mood and every part of my life. I know there are some people who really don't like country or down right hate country, but I really enjoy it. It make me very happy most of the time and make me think about how good life is and how you have to live your life to the fullest.
Music is everything to me! I will listen to basically any genre of music except i'm really not a big fan of country music..When i was young my mom listened to the oldies station everywhere we went, to this day i still love listen to that music. In fifth grade i started playing the flute in our school band and played until i gratuated high school. Me and my best friend really got into punk rock and hard rock music in high school, she dated a guy who was in a punk/pop band and we would travel around the towns to watch their band as well as other local bands perform. I still enjoy checking out any local band shows in the area. My friend started learing how to play guitar a year ago and told me i should try so this christmas i started taking bass guitar lessons and i'm really enjoying it! The kind of music that really gets me going though is music with a really good beat! I'v been taking dance classes since i was 5 so anything that has a beat will get my dacning!
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