Is anyone else out there super picky about what they listen to?
I'm a Music snob. No, I don't mean I turn my nose up at different types of music, but it only takes hearing something once for it to be permanently embedded in my brain, like it or not. There are perks to this hyper-sensitivity--such as being able to compose/harmonize/alter melodies on the fly. It also means I can only take so much external sound before going 100% bonkers.
The Johnsons could only afford to teach one child piano. My great grandmother learned how to play from listening to her brother's lessons. She'd sit down after he'd finished, and practice everything he'd just learned--driving him insane. I get my love of music from her. She said, "Music is poetry of the soul." Wise woman, that. I'll add, "Music is the purest form of expression."
In movies, music is used or omitted to create the feel of the scene. My husband and I once owned an audio/visual company, and we were once asked to help with a project made by several young men. Right at the heart of their film, they'd recorded an intense battle scene. You'd expect us to use the most exciting, rage-inducing soundtrack for the scene, but no. My hubby selected a slow, melodramatic piece. The result was amazing. Instead of being a crazy war, the scene became a heart-rending, soul-tweaking fight for survival. Amazing.
Just like that underscore changed the scene's mood, we have the power to change our mood in any scene of our lives. All we have to do is load the right track. If you're longing for more calm in your life, find the music that soothes your soul and plug it in. If you're feeling depressed, find something with some energy. If you're overwhelmed, seek something that communicates simplicity.
I'm over a large children's organization in church, and this is one of the songs we sing regularly:
Is anyone else out there an hyper-sensitive to sound? What is your favorite type of music? Are there any songs you use as a pick-me-up?
I'm a Music snob. No, I don't mean I turn my nose up at different types of music, but it only takes hearing something once for it to be permanently embedded in my brain, like it or not. There are perks to this hyper-sensitivity--such as being able to compose/harmonize/alter melodies on the fly. It also means I can only take so much external sound before going 100% bonkers.
In movies, music is used or omitted to create the feel of the scene. My husband and I once owned an audio/visual company, and we were once asked to help with a project made by several young men. Right at the heart of their film, they'd recorded an intense battle scene. You'd expect us to use the most exciting, rage-inducing soundtrack for the scene, but no. My hubby selected a slow, melodramatic piece. The result was amazing. Instead of being a crazy war, the scene became a heart-rending, soul-tweaking fight for survival. Amazing.
Just like that underscore changed the scene's mood, we have the power to change our mood in any scene of our lives. All we have to do is load the right track. If you're longing for more calm in your life, find the music that soothes your soul and plug it in. If you're feeling depressed, find something with some energy. If you're overwhelmed, seek something that communicates simplicity.
I'm over a large children's organization in church, and this is one of the songs we sing regularly:
Is anyone else out there an hyper-sensitive to sound? What is your favorite type of music? Are there any songs you use as a pick-me-up?
Just stopping by from the A-Z Challenge list to say "Hi" :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post honey!
Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
xx
I had a friend once who used "interesting" as an insult. *squinty eyes*
DeleteCrystal, I'm actually tone deaf. Still I tried to learn how to play a piano - with no ear, I've to read the music score. I memorize everything. I still find making music gives such great feeling no matter how terrible a sound I make. And I'm so grateful to those who can make wonderful music - life is so much more accompanied by music.
ReplyDeleteMusic is art. Some people create art by photography or painting the scene before them. Does that make it any less artistic than a piece that came entirely out of an artists head?
DeleteI think music is super important. I use it to put myself into my character's shoes. I sometimes pick theme songs for them. Which is good, but it can be really hard when it's a popular song and I'm supposed to be doing something else and their theme song comes on...
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. Two Steps from Hell is one of my favorite artists for story mood. Very epic scores. I try to steer clear of music with lyrics when writing. ;)
DeleteIt can certainly set the mood, and I love to listen to all kinds. Music was my M word on the original A to Z list I wrote at the beginning, but not very many of my posts have followed that list! Glad to see you used it!
ReplyDeletetm
Yeah, it was kind of a given as I'm a composer/vocal performer. It would be contrary to character if music wasn't my word. =)
DeleteBaz Luhrmanns -sunscreen - That makes me get my priorities straight. Franco Battiato's - 'Ruby Tuesday' - makes me sad as does Don McLean's 'Vincent' Other than that to get hyper, hyper it's probably going to be something by David Guetta. What I love about music is that you can hear a song from way back when and instantly be transported into that time, space and emotion.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? It's almost like magic. Correction, it is magic. =)
DeleteI'm a real lover of music. My preference would be the classical music like Beethoven and Schubert, but I love all other eras as well. Also a big fan of rock. Not very much into rap or some of the hip-hop, but some I can tolerate.
ReplyDeleteLee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
You and I must have pretty similar tastes. =)
DeleteAs a piano teacher and musician/music lover, I of course am ADDICTED to music. For me, it's not so much about the person but more about the sound. A melody has the ability to turn me to mush or strengthen me for emotional battle depending on its style, dynamics, instruments, etc. So when I look for music, to write to especially, I listen to the 30second Itunes sample, and whatever gives me that "feeling" or has those perfect lyrics, I'll download. And I know my favorite songs to this day. I'm still terrible at telling you who sings them, but I can pick out the tune :)
ReplyDeleteI know that you mean. I can never keep track of names, but I freak over the right songs. =)
DeleteMusic can be a good or bad thing. From what you wrote, it's a good thing! Thanks for reminding me (:
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a power for good or ill, eh? Just like anything out there, we have to choose how to use it, and whether we'll embrace the good side or bad.
DeleteI frequently write to music. I have three play lists, each one has a different feel so to speak. The tone of the scene I am writing determines what playlist I listen to.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to work it. I tend to write to silence usually, but I'll use music to get me going if I'm having a hard time, and typically I will edit to a soundtrack.
DeleteI listen to all kinds of music and my playlist jumps from rap, rock, to classical! I usually write my book chapters to songs! It's the best happiness out there...well besides chocolate.
ReplyDeleteAnd cheese. Don't forget the cheese. :)
DeleteMusic is an amazing form of artistic expression
ReplyDeleteIt courses through the blood stream of several of my family members so I know what you are talking about.
I like your great grandmother's take
Nice to meet you through A to Z / thanks so for the visit
Moondustwriter
Mmm --music in the blood. Let's just hope there aren't any vampires reading along, or we might turn into a special delicacy. (Can you guess what I've been reading tonight?) ;)
DeleteI don't think I could function without music. I have it streaming all day long while I write. Thanks for the visit to my blog. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely gets the brain moving, eh?
DeleteI would have thought you would pick a cheese like Muenster for M. LOL, but music is amazing and it soothes us in so many ways. I also like getting agitated by rock and roll once in a while.
ReplyDeleteLOL. You just listed my favorite cheese! I did debate taking up the cheese theme for the A-Z, FYI.
DeleteYes. I'm a pianist and a piano teacher. After the sadness yesterday from the Boston marathon. I needed something soothing.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
I know what you mean. I wish I had all the time in the world so I could just pour my heart out behind the piano sometimes.
DeleteFunny, Jeffrey and I were just talking about your amazing talent in music. I remember loving sitting by you in choir as your voice left me in awe. Music is something that has always been a background to my life. As a kid, even in elementary, I would listen to the radio constantly. We would have radio wars in the different rooms of the house as we cleaned. My poor mother was such a good sport and let us blast our music, competing over each other as we cleaned. As any teen, I loved the get up and go music, and of course, I have my angry music still, though I rarely listen to it as I don't want that kind of music around my kids. Not that it has bad lyrics, or is super hard, I just want my kids to have mellow music, which is basically all I listen to anymore. Funny how we evolve. But music is still and I think always will be an integral part of my life.
ReplyDeleteLOL. When you have teens you'll let them blast the music too, if it means they'll clean while they do it! ;) We should live closer together. I miss you guys like crazy.
DeleteEvery moment in my life has a soundtrack. Every emotion is tied to a song. When I need help, a hymn always comes to me with the right words. Music is not part of my life. Music is my life.
ReplyDeletehttp://completelycalifornia.blogspot.com/
Awesome, and well put.
Delete