Group 4: Definition and Classification; Option 2
I enjoy listening to various kinds of music and each type of music affects me differently. I
am an avid collector of CDs and have hundreds of them. For me, music is a deep passion and is
something that is in my daily life. To emphasize my need of music, I feel I must tell you that there
was a time during my teenage years when I briefly, for about two weeks, went without listening to
any music at all. I was “down in the dumps” and was not in a happy place at the time. By avoiding
music, I became even more depressed and eventually suicidal. Once I started having music back
in my life I snapped out of this slump. Music is good for my overall wellbeing. Now let me
discuss how different types of music affect my mood.
When I am angry I usually listen to hard rock and heavy metal. I like many different artists
and bands but you must understand that it really isn’t about the band or person singing. It is all
about the drums. I find a good song – one with a really strong, loud drum beat – and crank the
volume up. I can actually feel the drums beating away on each side of my brain, slowly calming
me down. The more irate I am, the heavier the drums must be for me to calm down. Sorry, but
meditation doesn’t work for me.
The times I feel sad, I do not hesitate to grab a CD that is full of ballads/love songs. I
cannot accurately explain how this type of music brightens my spirits. It just does. Maybe the
slow, soulfulness touches my heart. Have you ever heard Elton John’s song “Sad songs say so
much?” I agree with his lyrics. Even if you are in a bad place, hearing someone else sing about
their sadness and loss somehow makes the listener feel better.
This is a little embarrassing to say but, I like to listen to jazz and similar instrumentals
when I am daydreaming. Of course I usually do not have the time in any given day to daydream
but when I do, this is the music to do it to. Kenny G has a few songs I like. I feel calm, relaxed,
and can let my mind wander freely. No worries, no fears. All is calm, all is well.