The Art of Listening to Music

​Why do certain songs make us happy or overwhelmed with emotion?  Why do babies enjoy Mozart?  Why do you want to get up and dance when hearing a particular song?  I can’t personally answer all the scientific know-how behind those questions, but I can give you some insight into the enjoyment of listening to music. 

If you know a few essentials on what to listen for, you may appreciate the next tune you hear in a different light.

The 6 Essential Elements of Music

• Rhythm. Rhythm is what you feel.  It is based on pure mathematics and subdivided into fractions of time. Rhythm is the beat you follow in dance and movement.
• Tempo. The pace and speed music is played; fast, slow, and in-between. 
• Melody. The reoccurring theme or tune of a song or orchestral piece.
• Harmony. Two or more pitches played or sang at the same time.  Some harmonies sound pleasant, while others may be dissonant (unusual in combination or disturbing).
• Dynamics. The different levels of volume throughout the song (from loud to soft).
• Style.  Jazz, classical, rock, pop, folk, blues, zydeco… (the list is never ending). 

​Many people are familiar with the essential elements of music, however, are not aware they are experiencing them.  The next time you hear a tune, pay close attention to the six essentials.  You may be surprised on what you hear. 

As I wrap up this blog, I’ll leave you with the song that always makes me get up dance.  What’s yours?

​“The Art of Listening to Music” author:  Suzy, violinist and founder of Vogue Violin www.vogueviolin.com