Music Personal Narrative

Although there are many objects and things that can define my culture, I believe that my music taste, my language and my manners makes me who I am today.

At the beginning, music has and always will be an important thing in my life. When I am on a road trip or am doing something that takes an extended period of time, I know I can turn on Spotify and drift into my own world. Also, if I ever feel perturbed or dejected, I can listen to my favorite album and feel great again. Third, music helps me prepare for activities such as football games or school. Lastly, music assists me whenever I’m working on something such as homework or a project for school.

It was late into the evening when I returned to my high school’s football field to recollect the jacket I had left back. It had finally come, it was the night of my last marching band rehearsal. In that moment, I was alone, but as the neighboring building lights dimly poured into the field, I could imagine the arena glow with life as I thought of my four seasons of marching band. It was at this location, out of many, that provided me the opportunity to share unique memories with my peers and develop my greatest talent: playing the clarinet. I initially chose my instrument without understanding as an elementary school student what band was, but through my first set of rehearsals, I quickly realized that playing an instrument was harder than I had anticipated. That, however, did not discourage me. I grew fond of playing and was determined to practice daily technics that would strengthen my musicianship. As I played into middle school and high school, my lung capacity, along with the ability to keep tempo, improved, but I believed by then that my performances should exemplify more than my skills. Through my participation in marching band and Wind Ensemble, I’ve aspired to take not only the audience, but myself included, into a world beyond music’s notes and phrases. I find comfort to know that I can create something out of pure air and have others find happiness within it. This is what kept me playing for nine years. I have incorporated music deeply into my life, but I believe it does not define me. Instead, I have learned valuable lessons that have benefited me off the stage such on time management and discipline and have grown alongside my talent.

As a child I frequently made up little songs, and there seemed to be a constant stream of music in my head. I could see myself in the children she was observing and like them I didn’t have a framework for my experience – it was just my life. Whether it was singing while playing, tapping out some rhythm, singing at the top of my lungs to a favorite song, or goosebumps from hearing “Hall of the Mountain King”, it all felt familiar and warming. It has also made me aware of the musicking I continue to make every day in small ways here and

It had been a cool winters morning as I walked through the school. “Morning Callum,” my friend called out as I placed my bag into my locker and then carried my guitar into the school’s hall. Our Jazz band had been selected to play on assembly, so I, along with the other members of the rhythm section, turned up early to set up. Setting up the stage for Jazz band mainly involved ensuring there was enough stands for the horns section. The remainder of the preparation was spent on setting up the drum kit, vibraphone and amps for the guitar, bass and keyboard.

My band director, Mr. Schmitt, always preached to us before the week of a competition that, “pressure and time turn coal into diamonds,” and this idea has established an admirable atmosphere that has created the diligent and determined person I am today. Band is a bizarre, dissimilar group of people that would never seem to get along due to drastic differences between one another. However, no matter what grade or section someone is in, everyone in the band loves music and we work towards success not only for ourselves but for each other. During my high school career, band has taken me 5,000 miles to Honolulu, Hawaii where we played in the 2014 Pearl Harbor Parade and in 2017, we played in the infamous Carnegie Hall in New York City. Consequently,

The typical teenager has a playlist of music on their phone of the newest music from the talented recording artist of this century. That’s not me, I am the kid with classical music blaring until I drive my friends into complete boredom and playing foreign music until my family questions whether I’m truly an American. The “good” music of today falls into the genres of pop and hip-pop, but the music lacks a story. I have always felt like an outcast who is searching for his purpose through words and music helps me find myself. I began to take piano lessons at the age of six with numbers of different teachers from old ladies who play on Sunday mornings at church to Broadway performers turned worship pastors. Each one of these teachers left an imprint

Music has always described how I am feeling just with a melody and tune. When I am down and out, music picks me up better than anyone or anything else can. It helps me understand what I am feeling when I do not know. When all else fails, music alters my mood. Without music, my life would be a very dull and I would just pretty much go with the motions. Many of times I would not know how to explain my feelings without music. The world would be a very quiet place. Music is the fabric of my life and the definition of society in my eyes. It can be a way to deliver messages, a fine art or just pure entertainment. No matter what the purpose may be, music is a perfect art and would make life less complete without it. When listening, I can create any image I want. Music brings excitement to my life without even knowing. I can be in a room with nothing but it’s four walls and if I music, I can be my own party. I learned to appreciate music at a very young age. I am the youngest of my sister. We are eleven years about so it was always just me and my imagination. Mom always worked and my dad was not around. Music just became my best friend. It was my escape from my evil sisters. I like to think music taught me life most important lessons. Music just makes life easier to deal with if you ask me. If you want to escape for a day, just throw in some head phones and let the music take you wherever you

It is already eleven at night and the whole house sits in darkness; the rest of the family either sleeps peacefully upstairs or plays video games in the basement. My sister, Gracie sprawls out on the couch, the bright screen of her laptop lighting up her face. I sit across from her - bored and ready to go to bed - mindlessly flipping through movies on our smart TV. Although I am not interested in the big seventy inch screen, I am interested in spending time with my sister while she is on break from college. Seeing the option for Spotify music, I click the icon as an idea pops in my head. My sister and I did not bond over much; however, music happened to be one of the only things that unified us. I get up and start playing a random song from

Have you ever made something from nothing? Drawn air into your lungs, and made magic come out? I admit that there are many kinds of magic in this world, but few are as intimate as singing.

Literature is a vital key for anyone pursuing a passion in the vocal arts. Most songs we encounter have text with a great amount of emotion, whether affection, bliss, anguish, or despair, that we as singers must convey to our audience. As a vocalist, I find that understanding the significance of each phrase is almost more important than the notes and rhythm of the piece. Though notes and rhythm create form and tone, they do not create the depth or meaning that we as singers are responsible for conveying. While learning a new piece of music, I always investigate the history and meaning of the text. Often times, music is derived from poetry, hope, or events that emotionally move listeners.

Music has always been around for me, because I basically grew up in church. Ever since I was a toddler, I was fascinated by the amazing worship music the band would play on Sunday mornings. It would have me on my feet giving God glory. It gave me a warm, comfortable sensation.

Growing up in a musical family, I was use to the sounds of various songs and artist played throughout the house, car and family events. My mother, siblings and grandmother sing and have sang in church choirs for many years. Singing with my family, is where I believe music first caught my ear. The instruments, the voices, the beat all coming together to make a song was so interesting to me – I thought it was one of the world’s Thus, this early exposure to music has helped it become what I consider to be a great factor in life. Music can take me to a place where I am free from all stress and worry.

Have you ever sat in the car with someone, and listen to their music and think to yourself “What in the world are they listening to, and why do they like this type of music”. Well, everyone has their own taste in music, and just because you don't admire the music that they listen to doesn't mean they have “bad” taste in music. My father loved to listen to “The Bee Gees”, “The Carpenters”, “Simon & Garfunkel”, and “The Beatles”, growing up listening to my father’s taste of music, my elder sister developed a passion for the same taste of music as my father.

It is found in every known culture, past and present, wavering strongly between times and places. Music has become a part of life as opportunities are provided for experiences in singing, responding physically to different rhythms, creative expression, playing instruments and quiet listening. Music helps children to understand other people and their cultures and gives increased opportunities for social and emotional development as well as a means for aesthetic enrichment and growth of every child. (Edwards, Bayless & Ramsey, 2009. p.xxi).