There are few moments in my day that are experienced in silence. This is due to my ample consumption of music, mostly thanks to a Spotify subscription. I listen to music as I walk to class, as I eat meals, while I do homework, while I exercise and even sometimes as I fall asleep. But I almost never listen to music, simply to listen.

I took a world music appreciation class last year and our professor asked us when the last time we really listened to music was. My first instinct was to say it was just prior to class, as I had my headphones in on the way there.

However, this was not what he meant at all. He advocated for the quiet, uninterrupted intake of music. He said true appreciation of music comes when it is given your full attention. Not when youre doing homework or getting from place to place, but when you can give your whole presence of mind to the music and fully absorb its qualities.

When I considered this, I realized I might not have ever truly listened to music. I couldnt recall a single time when I had listened without distraction or intrusion.

We so rarely focus on individual tasks. Even as Im typing this, Im doing something else at the same time. Were almost never concentrated on one thing at a time. You need to multitask constantly to be truly productive.

While music can be consumed simultaneously, maybe it shouldnt be.

Im not saying you cant appreciate music while youre in the car or studying for your finals, but you should find time to admire it on its own, too.

Listening to music uninterrupted and undistracted is not only therapeutic and relaxing but can also give you a deeper understanding of the music you already appreciate.

This year, I really took some time to set aside parts of my day, every once in awhile, to listen to music I thought I would appreciate. Whether it was Kanye West, John Mayer or a classical romantic symphony, I tried to really listen to music and do what my professor taught us.

I even spent an hour over spring break laying in bed listening to every second of Drakes new album at 1 a.m., the moment it was released.

Listening to albums in their entirety, or even individual songs or pieces, is time consuming but incredibly rewarding. When you listen to music without any other distraction you can truly appreciate the nuances of the sound.

You pick up on things other than the beat and melody and begin to really appreciate the work the artist put into each song individually, and as a whole contribution to the album or the artists other work.

Not only has this more intense style of listening increased my appreciation of music, it has allowed me to become a better listener and consumer of music. I pay more attention to the composition of the work and its easier for me to pick up on the themes and tonality of songs. Truly listening to music allowed me to focus my attention on the purpose of each song and the artists intent.

When you truly listen to music it enhances your experience and leads to a greater appreciation of sound and the artist who produced it.

So next time you find yourself with an hour or two to spare, get your headphones, settle down in a quiet space and revisit an album you already love or want to explore for the first time. Listen to the music and really focus on the sound. Cast your other thoughts away and truly appreciate the work produced for your enjoyment.

arts@dailynebraskan.com

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GLEASON: Take moment to truly appreciate, listen to music - Daily Nebraskan