Music is good :)

Throughout time, the many elements of a culture have defined its people. Each individual being has been impacted and none has been left untouched. Whether it be literature, art, or food, each element has left its mark. For me, personally, music has been a big part of my life, especially in the last few years. 

I grew up listening to a lot of my dad's music. This was mostly due to the fact that I really had no choice over what I could listen to, being so ignorant of what was available in the musical world. My dad was a big lover of music and it seemed like it was always playing in the house. As I remember, he was quite fond of country music. And so it was, I grew up into a family where country music reigned. 

When I got older, I was exposed to different genres of music and I became open to them all. I could really just listen to almost anything and be okay with it. Before going to ASA, I had viewed music as just a way of amusement. If you were bored, just play something and it will entertain you at least for a little while. Music was just a whole bunch of simple tunes that were sometimes strung together by a few meaningless words.

However, when I started school at ASA, I saw music in a whole different light. I found a whole new appreciation for it and for the artists who brought it into the world. I think what really opened my eyes was the first time I touched a piano. I was being trained to become a performer and now it was my turn to be on the other side of the music: the performing end. I learned that there was more to it than just playing the notes. Music was anything but simple. Emotion had to be applied to it; you really had to give all or most of yourself to it. Also, I came to the realization that songs were not meaningless; each lyric carried a message that the artist wanted convey. Besides, if it had not meant anything to me, it had meant something to the artist. The most important thing that I learned was that you had to have fun with it, otherwise it was basically dead.

One of the greatest things about music, I think, is that it can be used as an escape from harsh reality. I know that many people say this, but it really is true. I find that it really does help me relax when I need to. It helps so that I don't dwell too much on whatever is stressing me. One of the reasons is because it is so easy to get carried away and it feels like it is just the music and you, nothing else.

To me, music is and will always be a big part of my life. I have learned that as a listener, there is more to what you are hearing. It is so much deeper and so much more complex than anyone would realize. As a performer, I have learned how to make music come alive. Making the sound is just one thing, but conveying the message is another. 

Dieu