Hearing Things

If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it" a rule sometimes I live by at my age. Attending a music seminar and hearing presenters tell you to get out of the music you've graduated with and open up to more of a variety. I was struck with awe in finding my taste in music always reflected my generation. Not completely willing to think outside the box, there was some validity in that statement when I reflect back on my career. I love the music I produce but at times my thoughts immediately reminds me of my upbringing when creating it. I say to myself, no that's not me, truly and honestly it's difficult and painful to hear but I'm trusting this medicine will strengthen me.

I've always love the three or four part harmonies and it's so embedded or ingrained in my system. I've always operated around the harmonics and as a result my style of harmonies and classical music seems to coexists throughout my blood stream. What should I listen to? I asked myself and so the quest begins rumbling in my head. On this trip I've had another of my students accompany me as we made the long hour drive home he decides to drive. As a house rule who drives picks the music. I'm not a fan of his musical styles but I sat on the passenger side while he drove and played his MP3 music. At first leg I tried to distant myself by falling fast asleep so that what's coming out the speakers would be numb to my ears. To my surprise the taste in music was not as bad, although it would not be found in my home. He drove and song after song it was all different, current styles I'm not used to and definitely not from my generation. I soon started remembering what our music coach advise us to do.

Trying new things is difficult for someone whose used to patterns that routines. As difficult my task ahead would be I will try broadening my musical selections to help shape my creative juices. It may put a fresh feel on my writing. Embracing new ideas to an old dog who's willing to try new tricks may not be as bad as I thought. Soon as he gets tired of driving, it's on. It's going to take some time for me to transform into this new music thing. Currently, I miss my easy listening styles of the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's to present. But for the time being I'm embracing.... this new thing.