I'm not exactly sure why, but I have always bought scarves that seem to reflect how I feel or want to feel inside: happy, beautiful, vibrant, and special. Certain ones seem to be so perfect year after year for those formal important things like job interviews or weddings. But, I also like to wear particular scarves for fun, casual things, like apple picking in October or going to a surprise birthday party. Wearing a scarf is uplifting for you and sometimes even for the people you are with!
It's not that different for me when it comes to music. I listen to music that reflects how I feel or want to feel inside. So what I like in music is pretty distinct and diverse. I am crazy about:
- "Early" music from these periods:
-
- Baroque (1600 – 1750), which includes the work of these composers: Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi
- Classical (1750 – 1825) which includes the work of these composers: Beethoven, Hayden and Mozart
- Romantic (1825 – 1900) which includes the work of theses composers: Brahms, Chopin, Mahler, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky
- Beautifully structured rock. There are too many groups to name. But it starts with early 1960s material (like the Beatles) and even continues through today (Lady Gaga!)
Music in particular is so powerful when it comes to being able to affect how you feel. I can have the most draining day at work. But on the way home, if I listen to a piece of music that is hopeful, energetic, and/or positive, I'm just about guaranteed to be heading in that direction by the time the song finishes.
My dad studied music at Boston University, both voice and instrument (clarinet). He taught music in public schools to children for many years in Massachusetts and Maine. Although I learned to play flute and piccolo in the 1970s (and here I am in this concert photo- the flautist in the striped shirt), I have minimal skill.
My sister Sharon sings and directs choral music and teaches music to elementary school children at a private school in New Jersey. She went to Westminster Choir College, has sung at Carnegie Hall a couple times and sounds like Jessye Norman. It's such a gift! The next generation of children in my family could yield a couple musicians.
And if not, we'll make sure they will know how to enjoy and use music as much as their parents do.