Music and Family

In terms of music and my family, I have a few different takes on the use and importance of music as it relates to family because I have varied definitions of the word 'family'. In terms of my immediate family, my mother has always been a lover of music--mainly 60's music. She utilizes music when she writes by playing music in the background while she brainstorms. She values music very much--and ascertains that "music is not what is used to be". I do not think that she believes that music brings you closer to the divine, however she does think that music has importance and relevance--and does not enjoy that modern day music is "misused" such as it is. She thinks that music reflects the social climate and is very dismayed when she hears songs that talk about sex and drugs. When my mother listens to music she dances and gets excited. My father values music in so much that it can aid his mood. He does not believe music to be divine or especially poignant; rather the events that he connects with the music in question are of value. A very tomato/tomato situation. For instance, there are some very specific songs that remind him of Vietnam--and he places importance on Vietnam, not on the songs ability to evoke that memory. When my father listens to music he does it very conservatively--there is no dancing.

I consider my friends to be my extended family, and my friends value music very much. My best friend considers music to be divine--something she has learned in her culture (she is Greek). She views music as a vehicle of spirituality. When she listens to music she claps, dances, does anything and everything that the music seems to be moving her to do. When I am with my friends and we listen to music it is usually while we are out, having fun and dancing.

Another group that serves as family would be my coworkers. I spend a great deal of time with them, more than I do anyone else to be fair. We use music to pass the time at work--often times singing to amuse ourselves or creating impromptu songs to reflect what we are doing or our mood. A couple of my coworkers are extremely religious and most-assuradly view music as divine. I attended a funeral for a coworker and music was predominantly featured throughout the funeral and was used as a way in which to rejoice his life and alleviate pain felt by his loved ones and friends.

I would consider my boyfriend part of my family, and he views music as entertainment and a form of motivation. He is an athlete and would use certain songs to get "amped" for a match/game. He loves music and constantly has it on, however he does not view it as divine.

As evidenced by this blog, I am surrounded by different types of people that view all things (not simply music) in varying terms. I believe we are made stronger and more complex by the differences that people bring to our lives--and am thankful to have such a pool of people to learn from and experience.