• We can passively listen to music while we do other things
• We can listen to music expressively by focusing on how it has an effect on our moods and emotions
• We can look at it intellectually by analyzing the components of the music and its form.

Developing our listening ability gives us ways to be more connected to our music. It’s like the difference between fast food and fine dining. Good listening lets you savor the music. You can do little things everyday to develop those listening skills. It doesn’t have to be difficult.

Open your mind to what’s around you. Have your brain start to check-in when you’re listening to the radio in the car or the background music at a place of business.

As you are listening start asking yourself questions, like what style is this, what instruments are used, what is the melody line. Try to get a feel for the beat of the song and see if you can hear how the melody line moves up and down.

Little activities can do a lot for helping you see music in a different way.

Get in touch with your emotions about music. Does it calm you or cause some stress? Do you have any feelings about what the music is communicating? If it is a familiar piece of music, have you had strong emotions about it in the past? Are they different now?

You see, it doesn’t take much to start moving in a musical direction. Start with awareness.

I am quick to set them straight. Musical ability is something that can be developed. It is not the only indicator of what a person is capable of musically. A person doesn’t follow a path based mainly on their abilities in that area. What drives the person is their passion and desire to follow that path.

This was true in my family. My sister was one of those people who picked up music quickly and had a good ear. In my family she was considered the musical one even though I was the one who practiced all of the time.

It took me longer to develop my ear and sense of rhythm. As a matter of fact, I was told that I should never sing and my band director wouldn’t let me march my first year because I couldn’t stay in time with the music. To add salt in the wound, my younger sister was marched that year even though she was only in 6th grade.

I didn’t quit, though. I ended up with a music degree and professional acknowledgement that I do have an excellent singing voice. I also became band director of the band where I wasn’t allowed to march my 8th grade year.

Music was so important to me that I pushed through despite the setbacks. Aptitude and talent did not do it. I was able to develop those things in myself through hard work and proper training fueled by my passion for music.

This is why I am so passionate about helping others find their musical voice. My circumstances could have robbed me of something very meaningful in my life. Many others are being robbed. Music belongs to everyone and no one should go through life believing they if they don’t have “it” then they have nothing. It’s not an all or nothing proposition.

I encourage you to be careful. Don’t take the joy of making music out of your life or the life of your children.

Deborah 

This site is about the music in our life and how to tap into it, develop it, express it, and share it. Music starting at home doesn’t necessarily mean starting at childhood. It means making it a part of your life whatever your age. Whether you’re learning for the first time in a long time or ever…whether you’re advanced or beginner…making music an important part of you life is going to give you much more in return.

Stick around. More musical musings, encouragment, and tools to come.

Deborah