Reflection About Music

Some people listen to music to shift their mood, while others do so to help alleviate feelings of unhappiness, or emotional discomfort. In the article “Music Evokes Vicarious Emotions in Listeners” published in 2014 by Ai Kawakami, Kiyoshi Furukawa, and Kazuo Okanoya, proposes that “we listen to sad music because it is possible to distinguish perceived emotions from those that are experienced”. (Kawakami, Kiyoshi, Okanoya) Therefore, even though sad music is usually perceived as something negative, listeners actually feel pleasant emotions while listening to sad music.

Music Evaluation: “All About That Bass” Sitting at the top of several music charts, including Billboard’s “Hot 100,” is Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass.” Although it is technically in the genre of pop, this song holds a 1960’s doo-wop feel. The music itself is upbeat, positive, and is seen as “feel good” music. As said by Bennett Reimer in “Why Do Humans Value Music,” “Music creates possibilities of feeling available only from music.”

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.

‘He told me I have the wrong kind of fingers’” (7). When the father fell for it, the boy’s sisters also told the father similar stories so they could get out of their lessons. Even when all three children had stopped playing their instruments, their father still tried to get them to play, but with different instruments, “‘the trumpet or the saxophone or, hey, how about the vibes?’” (7). No matter what the children said, the father tried to get the children integrated into music somehow. When the children refused to play different instruments, the father tried to get the children to listen to recordings so they could be inspired, “‘I want you to sit down and give this a good listen. Just get a load of this cat and tell me he’s not an inspiration’” (7). No matter how hard the children pleaded into getting away from music, the father still tried to connect his kids into music

Scholars and artists commonly describe music as a reflection of the human condition. The period in history from the mid-1930s onward marked a tragic phase in twentieth century music and this reflection: the total politicizing of the art by totalitarianism means. Dictators, including Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union, were manipulating popular culture to take control of their people. Stalin supported the idea of a “Soviet modernism,” a school of art that would embody the power of the new proletarian state. He monitored every recording made in the country, writing judgments of “good,” “so-so,” and “bad” on their sleeves. Stalin believed music to be the engineer of the human souls, and hoped to use this as a way to influence his people that Soviet life was improving. Fearing a phone call from the dictator or being arrested in the night, Soviet composers such as Dmitri Shostakovich wrote music with chained hands in an effort to please their leader. A study of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 7 will reveal the influence of communism in the Soviet Union on his music as well as his dynamic relationship with Joseph Stalin.

On Saturday, I had the chance to attend the recital of Antonio “Nio” Ajero at the Cole Concert Hall on campus. It was an interesting and unforgettable experience, Nio, is a young boy with impeccable talent. I didn’t really know what to expect when I decided to attend the event since I had never even been to a piano recital for anyone, especially not one for a child. As the Hall began to fill, the lights dimmed and Nio, greeted the audience with a bow, his father was also there. When he started playing it was a harmonious feeling that filled the air, he played with such emotion. He seemed to become one with the piano, they seemed to morph into one soul. At this point in the show I was already in shock that a child could play the piano that well

Dick Clark once said, “Music is the soundtrack of your life.” With this quote, I remember walking into Baldwin Road Middle School’s orchestra room as a 6th grader. I noticed as you walked in, there was a black piano. The back of the room showed a mirror that filled the entire wall. Then in my hands, was a beautiful broken, rusted violin. Opening its case, I never realized how such a small fragile wooden object could make an enormous sound. I wasn’t the only one in the room. I could see about 30 other kids, sitting in seats, taking in the aroma of our first orchestra class. “I will be with these kids for the next 7 years.” I thought to myself.

The Musical Composition that has changed my life to how I see music is the song The Stroke from Billy Squier. I did not really know the meaning of the song, but it really Widened my Horizon in terms of music from only before listening to The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Monkeys. Then later being able to listen to Rush, AC/DC, Aerosmith And Other Really good rock bands that I still love today. Then I started collecting Records then I started collecting CDs, the first album I bought for myself is the majestic Black Sabbath Album “Paranoid” The album with the musical compositions Paranoid, Iron Man, War Pigs/Luke’s Wall, Planet Caravan, Rat Salad, Electric Funeral, And Fairies Wear Boots. This album was such an amazing introduction to Black

Music has always been a major part of my family and my parents were determined that my sister and I were well acquainted with music from a young age. Inspired by the sound of the piano by the time I was six, I knew that I wanted to learn how to play it. Fast forward to the first day of class, my teacher, Ms. Lilly, guided me through the school and into a narrow hallway that held five doors. Each door opened to a cramped room that each held a piano, a stool, and a chair. Ms. Lilly’s hand softly held my shoulder as she led me to the first room. I became excited to finally expand my knowledge of music, excited to be given the opportunity to not only listen, but play music, excited that I had the opportunity to inspire others. But I soon became apprehensive about the idea of playing in front of a crowd. I worried that I wasn’t ready to excel in such a complex instrument. I held my breath and sat on the wooden stool beside my teacher, my conflicting emotions, making me dizzy, but

Although my formal journey in music had to be temporarily halted once I started high school, my musical background has allowed me to construct my own identity in the world. I have acquired a sense of admiration for both the elaborate and simplistic elements that exist within the vast depths of our perception. I realize that possessing a commitment to persistent study through a solid foundation is crucial. I realize that in order to pursue my own interests and passions, choosing to think for myself, is equally as vital. I have come to view life as an infinite climb in which I am constantly seeking new heights. Although my niche in this world is evolving constantly, my appetite for learning remains resolute. My desire to test the limits and boundaries of life is fueled, not by the notion of reaching the top, but rather within the journey of overcoming obstacles in my struggle to unlock the mysteries of this world. The need to satisfy this perpetual craving for knowledge inspires me to search for answers—to understand the depths of life and where I stand in the midst of it

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

The sound of my favorite childhood song, “Higher” by Creed brings back a plethora of pleasant memories. As I close my eyes to enjoy the sounds of the instruments and vocals, I begin thinking about the complex process working behind the scenes in my brain enabling me to perceive music. This process starts with environmental stimuli and ends with action, in a circular fashion as we shift between perception, recognition, and action. Knowledge acquired throughout life along with our experiences shape our every perception. Perception plays an important role in the life of all organisms.

One thing that over the years I’ve become very good at is learning how to play many musical instruments. The different factors and components of this learning process include learning music theory, learning the basics of an instrument and how to apply different skills to various types of instruments such as string, brass, percussion and wind. Some of the instruments that I have learned are piano, organ, harpsichord, keyboard, guitar, bass, mandolin, trombone, cello, banjo, harmonica and soon the fiddle. Each of these different types of instruments required a different basic skill set.

Being in a musicology course taught me the ultimate understanding of music, from showing the different ways to analyze the way music was started. From learning about different song forms, such as Binary, Ternary, and Pop song form helped me realize the various steps it takes to compose a piece of music to become an original piece of work. Music comes with or without words due to the use of instruments or even by using your voice, clapping, or tapping on an object. There are endless ways to create music, all beginning with creativity and expressing your passion for either an instrument you admire or a positive message that you would like to introduce to others.

Being in a musicology course has taught me the ultimate understanding of music and the different ways to analyze the way it was made. From learning about the different song forms, such as Binary, Ternary, and Pop song form helped me realize the steps it takes to compose a piece of music to become an original piece of work. Music is made with or without words due to the use of instruments or even by using your voice, clapping, or tapping on an object. There are endless ways to create music, and it all starts with being creative and expressing your passion for either an instrument you admire or a positive message that you would like to introduce to others.