Reflection on the Semester

Learning about new music is always a good thing. It doesn't matter what time period it's from, or what style it is. New music opens up your mind to new possibilities, whether you like the tunes or not. I really enjoyed discovering the history of American popular music this semester, because, without a doubt, the music I know and love today would not be the same. Yeah, it sounds cliche. But it's important to learn about your roots. Just hearing my classmates talk/write about their take on all the styles covered this semester was as enlightening as reading about it in the textbook. It reminded me that there are so many different kinds of music out there than the ones I listen to, and that everyone grows up experiencing music in their own way. Popular music can bring listeners together, but like someone mentioned in the last class, it seems that no two people have exactly the same tastes in music, or all the exact same artists/songs on their ipod. To me, that is what making music is all about. The goal should be to give people something they can relate to, something they'll enjoy. It doesn't matter how talented you are, or what style you enjoy. As long as someone out there will listen to a song and take it how they would like, then music is doing exactly what it's supposed. These are the things I've really learned this past spring.