Hello and welcome, or welcome back.
Where do I begin? I guess I should start from my childhood. Ever since I was little, music has been woven into the fabric that makes me. My parents did an amazing job of introducing me to a wide variety of genres. In my mind, music was always playing in the home. My mom and I would put on a record, CD or cassette tape, listening while doing whatever we needed to do.
As I grew up and became more independent, I started to develop my own musical preferences. Or at least that is what I though. But the pressures of fitting in and assimilate started to creep into my mind. Around middle school, there was so much bullying in the air, that my response to “What type of music do you like?” was always “TOP 40”. And for a time, I believed what I was saying. I listened to the same songs over and over again, obsessed with the sounds that were being combined to create these songs.
Around the same time my independence started to form, I began to learning how to play some musical instruments. I started out with the violin. I can’t remember how this instrument was chosen, but in the beginning I remember feeling excited. I could not wait to learn how to use the instrument, and finally be able to make music. That feeling soon faded.
I'm not quite sure when or how it started, but the feeling that I was left with, was that of which I didn’t enjoy. The violin was challenging, and I quickly became aware of how sensitive my ears were. If not played with absolute precision, the tuning would be off and my skin would crawl. I wanted to quit. But no matter how much I protested, I still kept playing and taking lessons. For 12 years, I played the violin and once I graduated high school, I said goodbye. It has been well over 5 years since I have even touched my violin, and to be honest, I don’t miss playing or practicing her. (yes my violin is a she). Looking back on this, I wouldn't change a thing. Though I couldn't stand the violin much at the end, I am so thankful I stuck with it. It taught me not only about music, but how to commit to something which I found difficult.
I also have played other instruments. I studied piano for a year, thought myself some guitar, did some percussion, played both alto and soprano recorders, took vocal lessons and participated in my schools orchestra and chorus classes for all 12 years of school. I have subsequently preform recitals, concerts and open mike nights. As you can see, music has been woven into the fabric of my being. To this day, my artistic practice has a connection to music, and quite frankly, so do I.
As I entered my early teen years, I started developing my true musical identity. I began to bridge the gaps between the vast selection of musical tastes of my parents, and the top 40 I felt obligated to know and like. Everything changed when I turned 11, I got my very own iPod. It was green, and had the video camera. Once a week, I was allowed to go online, and download music. This is when I started to do my own research on songs.
I would spend hours listening to clips of random different songs, and carefully select which songs I would add to my iPod. I would then memorize these songs. Their melodies, the harmonies, instruments and of course, the lyrics. Slowly, but surely, I discovered, alternative, punk, EDM, and other genre songs that sounded fresh to my ears. A modern rock group that I remember discovering was The Pretty Reckless. (To give some context, the lead singer played Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl.) I felt such a connection to the group, and to this day, have no shame and will have dance and singalong sessions in my apartment here in Paris, 11 years after discovering them.
Nowadays, I still love music. I will spend hours researching unknown songs, in hopes to find a gem that I will cherish forever. Music is such an integral part of being human. We hear songs everywhere. The sounds of nature, the sounds of machines, the rhythms and beats of life. They all create songs, and insert music inside of us. The sounds of our voice, the rhythm of our hart. I feel so lucky to get to explore such an incredible fasciae of the human experience.
If I am to leave you with anything, it would be this: spend time with music. Learn an instrument! It is so good for the development of the brain. It can be spiritual, it can be educational, it can be relaxing. Don’t be afraid of finding new musical styles you have never heard of, and try and step out of what feels safe and comfortable when it comes to musical tastes. You never know. Your new favorite musical genre or artist could be just around the corner.
Until next time… I hope you have a great day,
Myra
P.S. go check out my Spotify. I am trying to curate playlist for every musical need.
https://open.spotify.com/user/11155956239