How to listen

[Phil]

I was wondering how you listen to music. I realize that the brain absorbs a lot of musical knowledge just by listening to music, but do you predominantly listen consciously to music? Or do you listen while doing the dishes while your mind wanders off to other things…

I myself almost exclusively listen to music while being busy doing other stuff, like typing this forum post

[ruiner54]

For me it depends what im doing...there are times when i specifically listen to music to analyze...in fact most of the time that ends up happening. I am personally more apt to actively listen to music without vocals whether intentionally...but with singing...not as much....thats dishes and driving music.

Lately i started taking a huge interest in music video performances so i can see what they are doing...especially with jazz.

[JonnyPac]

I critically listen most of the time. I have a 30 min drive on a windy country road to work and back every day- great for digging my ears in. I try to listen to a steady diet of music that I want to influence my playing and aesthetic tastes. At home, the same thing- over 1500 albums to get lost in. It's tough to turn off the analytical side of my mind when it comes to music- It takes new age music, sigur ros, or mouse on mars to relax me in that regard.

While I'm at work in the guitar store customers (and broke-ass punk kids) are constantly demoing gear and spoiling any kind of ambient or intelligent music I put on- I get a mix of Crazy Train, Stairway, Blackbird and my given jazz selection all at once. It's painful, really. Sometimes I put on Cecil Taylor or 20th cent atonal music just to add to the mess. lol I hate sounds in general by the time I turn off the open light... Then once I hit the road, my world begins again... Beauty is resilient.

[Buster Loaf]

Most peak musical listens have all been etheogenic but some have been connected to transportation.

[Jazzpunk]

Originally Posted by JonnyPac

I critically listen most of the time. I have a 30 min drive on a windy country road to work and back every day- great for digging my ears in. I try to listen to a steady diet of music that I want to influence my playing and aesthetic tastes.

I'm with you Jonny. Critical listening most of the time for me as well.

[raylinds]

Mt other hobby, besides playing guitar, is collecting vinyl records and high quality tube audio equipment. I have a very extensive collection of jazz LPs, mainly Blue Note, and spend several evenings a week doing nothing but focused listening to the music, often with my girlfriend. Relax, dim the lights, pour a glass of wine or martini, and just enjoy the music.

IMHO too many people just have music as a background thing. I do that on occasion, but think it is essential to do some careful listening. I think it helps my playing.

[Kman]

I often set to repeat and listen to the same song over and over, especially when I am working on something or found a new recording I really like. Lots of carefull listening, but fun. Listening to different things every time. I sort of wear songs out and then go look for more.

[cosmic gumbo]

Listening to jazz is very serious work, and if you are enjoying yourself, you're doing something wrong...