Music is an illusive and hard to define phenomenon. It is more than just a bunch of sounds strung together, it is a magic that draws out our emotions and creates a feeling in our hearts. The interesting thing is that one persons music, is another persons compilation of random noises. The truth is no type of music is better than another type. Lets say you are a high-brow lover of classical music (OK, that may be a stretch, but play along you might learn something). Youre really into your Bach and Chopin, but you may not appreciate heavy metal or hip hop. To you they may be empty random sounds devoid of meaning. To you the beauty of classical music seems obvious not like that other stuff. However, the young urban kid feels the same way about their hip hop. To them hip hop is real and relevant. The lyrics are not just words, they convey a meaning that speaks to their fears, plights, and dreams. The music touches them in a personal way a way that little else in their daily life can. The fact is that music is an emotional experience that reflects the type of person that we are. What draws us to a certain genre or musical style is in essence the desire for understanding and acceptance. Each of us is a hand in search the glove that will make us feel the emotional support that we need inside. For one person they may need to feel normal and understood. They will likely search out music that fills this void. They will appreciate lyrics that are a reflection of their lives and choices. For another, they may seek out music that makes them feel inspired. Some are drawn to love songs, while others to the blues. Each of us needs to feel connected in life, and that is more important today than in any time in the past. Our society moves so fast, and the stability of family and community of yesteryear may not be present in our lives today. Each of us is searching for that musical soul mate that will make us feel completed. Music is personal. The type of music we appreciate does not depend on the music itself, but how the music fits us as individuals. No one type of music is better than another. Each is a unique personal experience that will touch some people in a way that makes them feel whole. All types of music are valid. You may or may not appreciate a style in fact, you may be bored by it or even offended. But you can not dismiss any type of music. Each represents a voice which must be heard in our society. Since no type of music is better than another, that ultimately means that no song is better than another, and thus no musician or singer is better than another. Each artist has something to bring to the table, an individual perspective that is different than everyone elses. Sure we all have our preferences, and a particular singer may have better projection or be able to hit a note better. But those are technical elements. Music is an emotional response to a variety of acoustic elements. Its not about how a song sounds, its about how you hear it, its about how it fits you. Dont be narrow in your appreciation of music. Search far and wide for songs that speak to you. Listen to the lyrics, feel the rhythm, let the music envelope you. Music can create understanding across cultural barriers. Stretch beyond your comfort zone. Listen to artists and styles that may seem foreign to you. You may just find a glove that fits your hand better than you ever imagined. |
