I know young and old people still listen to music, for enjoyment, which is great of course. But, it seems at least from my perspective, that so many music students just won’t put in the time to listen to music for the sake of learning, investigation, inspiration anymore. Even really great students! I will ask them or tell them to check out this or that recording, and when I ask it’s always, I forgot, or I didn’t have the chance, of some other excuse.

I get that students are busy. We all are. 1000%. But you can literally listen to music anywhere now. I had to be in front of a record player, have a tape Walkman, or eventually a CD player when I was a kid! There was no streaming. And I had to buy the music!

Listening to great music is such a significant part of learning to be a great musician, I would say it’s almost impossible to make great expressive music without it. And regardless of the kind of music we make or desire to make, we are all a part of a tradition, a history, and a current community of music, I would suggest that to honor that tradition, we have a certain obligation to listen and know what others great musicians have done and are doing. 

How can we make it a part of our regular routine?

When you’re getting ready in the morning 

When you’re getting ready for bed in the event

During bath/shower

When you’re doing your chores

When you’re doing the dishes (may be a part of your chores of course)

When you’re cooking, dicing, doing food prep

When you’re driving 

When you’re doing yard work 

When you’re working out 

Maybe 10-15 minutes of planned listening time before you go to sleep

I would love to hear your ideas/suggestions! And by the way, if you are looking for music lessons in Olympia or online, we are here for you, and happy to help create some awesome listening lists too!