Having taught piano for over 25 years, I’m still amazed at how many of my students don’t listen to music. With all the ways to purchase and stream their favourite tunes, you’d think students would listen to their favourite artists nonstop. So, as a music student, why is it important to listen to a variety of styles of music? In this article, we’ll explore why expanding the music you listen to is essential.
Exploration and discovery can be fun; you never know when you’ll encounter a new gem of a song you never knew existed. One of the best ways to learn about new genres and styles of music is to listen to them, not by playing them as background music to an activity, although that’s a start; pull up a chair, shut your eyes, and listen to the new song, giving it your full attention. You may be surprised by the variety of music you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
Another reason to start listening to more music is to become a better musician by hearing different versions of the same song by other artists, listening carefully to how songs and pieces within various genres are constructed, and using a song as a reference on how to play a particular song or piece you’re working on.
Let’s not forget the most common reason to listen to music: for the straightforward enjoyment and satisfaction of listening to a piece of music from an artist that speaks to your current mood or the mood you want to be in—feeling excited about an upcoming event? Pump some high-energy tunes to get you revved up for the occasion or some classical music for those elegant dinner parties to add that additional touch of class to the evening.
Regardless of why you listen to the music you listen to, keep listening and developing your knowledge and taste. This will give you a more extensive range of genres and the chance for them to win your attention. If you can, take some time to think about what you like or dislike about the music you’re listening to, try exploring, and, most of all, have fun on the adventure.
Some streaming services where you can listen to music:
