Memories Of My Childhood

Think about how much music has changed over times that you listened to when you were a child to what you own kids listen to now.

To which they did not approve. They felt it had a rebellious nature. And lead to teens not being more defiant, and less conforming. But most of all they hated who played the music. Most of the musicians and music writers were African American. Even though they had earned the respect of many people while fighting in WWII, their culture was still shunned by most of the public. But Rock was all about being insobordinate. The fact that the parents hated it made it even more popular among the teens. The parents might have had their own little pet names about it calling it as blues legend B.B. King said in an interview with The Guardian, the “Black Chittlin' circuit.” But to the youth it was just music. The acceptance of this generation was going to bring a new opportunity for Black America in the fight for civil rights.

The reason for my interest in the violin has to do with my eldest sister, who played the violin during middle school. I faintly remember my sister being doubtful whether to join the mariachi or band, and my mom convinced her of joining the mariachi and playing the violin. I looked up to her because she

Music had a great impact on my secondary socialization during my second decade. It had an impact on my Self Socialization as well. Music in my peer groups reflected in my choice of listening preference. I began to formulate who I was outside of my parents and other family. I formed friendships with others my age with different interests that showed me there was even more to explore in life. During this time mass media was changing and cable television was becoming popular. Along with cable, MTV was brand new. Yes, I was an original MTV viewer. MTV brought music even more into view in my life. My television stayed tuned to MTV. I awoke and went to sleep listening to the popular music of the day. It was the ‘80’s. Music favorites then were

Like almost every other 3rd grader in my elementary school, when the enrichment program came to talk about joining the orchestra and band, I was fascinated. I admired the kids, not much older than me, who could play their instruments flawlessly and effortlessly. Immediately I knew that orchestra was for me, and I rushed home with a paper in hand begging my mom to let me take lessons at my school. Originally, I wanted to play the cello and pleaded with my mom to let me play one; I loved the deep, rich sounds of the strings. Instead, my mom convinced me to play the violin, a less expensive instrument and much easier to carry around than a cello.

When I was in fifth grade, I was caught between two worlds, playing a woodwind or string instrument. If I played a woodwind instrument I would have to blow in it to make music, but string instruments are played with a bow to make music. After much thought, I decided that the violin was the best instrument for me, because it has a beautiful, unique sound, plus the possibilities are never-ending. I could receive a compliment from a teacher, or even get accepted to the symphony.

The impact music had on teenagers was significant. Teenager’s developed a new style of music called Rock ‘n’ Roll, because the lyrics reflected and embraced their lives. High school sweethearts, fast-cars, and rebellion against authority resembled what teenagers craved the most. Parents disliked the message and influence behind the lyrics of Rock ‘n’ Roll, because they believed it caused juvenile delinquency. Parents hated the sexuality of the songs, the performers,

Music has always played a governing role in my development during life. My first major connection with a song occurred when I was around nine years old. A majority of my time growing up was spent with my older sister, Melissa. We would always spend weekend nights in her bedroom with a group of her friends. I can vividly recall the setup of her room: the lights dimmed to an almost perfectly relaxed ambiance; a faint smell of vanilla and cinnamon (her favorite scents) from the candles burning on the dresser; and the television loud enough to hinder any outside noise. Often, these nights would consist of binge watching T.V. shows and story-telling among my sister’s friends, who at the time were much older than me. It was during one of these nights that a commercial came on, displayed by a channel called “VH1.” A music video came on the screen; The song was “How to Save a Life” by The Fray. As the song progressed the room was filled with the seemingly instinctual singing of her friends, almost up-to-par with the rhythm and

My taste in music varies since I enjoy listening to music from different parts of the world as well as music eras. As I was growing up I remember listening to famous operas, classical music, danzon, tango and “folcloricos”, that my grandparents would play. On the contrary, my parents would play music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and thanks to all of them I can now enjoy listening to any type of music.

What kind of music do you listen to? What kind of music do your children listen to? Nowadays, we have so many genres and subgenres of music, such as rock, rap, pop, country, classic, jazz, techno, hip-hop, heavy metal and others. Videos, music, and lyrics have an impact on people, especially on teenagers. American writer, well-known scholar, and expert on American culture Mary Eberstadt from the Hoover Institution wrote the essay “Eminem Is Right”.

Some of these performers were vocally ambiguous of race, but never the less, teenagers loved listening to rock and roll because it challenged their previous music and annoyed their parents.

5. Did your parents approve of the kind of music you listened too? Why or why not?

The interviews were of a structured but informal nature. Children related to music as: a form of self-expression, a way to show emotion, a way to entertain or be entertaining, and a sense of community through songs. There were conversations by the children about what music was and was not and what those differences were. Also what types of music they noticed and how they categorized it. In all the cases, just sound was not considered music.

For parents and guardians; it’s important to remain “hip” to what’s being shoved in your children’s ears these days. You don’t have to enjoy it, but you should know it’s out there. Your child will like what they like, but make sure it’s not affecting them emotionally or mentally. For children; it shouldn’t affect you. Survive your environment and don’t allow it to get into your

In 1973, exactly twenty-five years prior to my birth, my parents were just in elementary school. They told me stories about their lives back then but none contained any traces of music. The only stories about music back in those years were from my grandmother. Back then, my parents grew up in Viet Nam in a poor family with no televisions so they couldn’t really listen to any music growing up. Although my parents could not listen to music on television like how we can now; they were able to come to live performances by local artists held at the district’s performance center every other month because the shows were free. My grandmother told me that the music back then was really different than how it is now. The songs served many purposes to the citizens, it was an encouragement to soldiers at war, it was the rhythm that put kids to sleep, it was the comfort food for everyone who listen. Grandma told me the style