Music Appreciation

I love music. I always have. I believe every space is a little better with a melody.
 
Over the last year I have had two experiences that changed the way I listen.
 
The first was a conversation this summer.
 
A good friend was telling me about a wise professor he had when studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He and his classmates had been scoffing at the latest top 40 hit when his professor, an accomplished songwriter and producer, put a halt to the conversation and said, "It's a hit. There is genius somewhere in that song – you want to be musicians… find it!"
 
Life-changing question number one…Where is the genius?
 
The second happened during a game of "Name That Tune"  a few weeks ago.
 
The discussion, centered around generational differences, went to what we can learn about the history and disposition of a time by listening to the lyrics of its music. Art may give us a window to the soul of a time. We shouldn't miss the opportunity to take a look.
 
Life-changing question number two… Is there a story being told?
 
These two questions have resulted in a renewed curiosity when I listen to music. I am hoping it spreads. I am hoping my curiosity extends to the books I read, the movies I watch, the art I see, the conversations I have, the people I meet…
 
We are missing out when we don't take the opportunity to listen curiously. Learning gives life purpose, and every time we open our ears, we dramatically increase the chance we might learn something.
 
Over the next two weeks I hope to find opportunities to listen curiously – find the genius and enjoy the story.