Listening 1

(part 1 of 8 from the article The Benefits of Listening)

Why is listening so important?

Music is sound.  Plain and simple.  Music that sounds beautiful comes from musicians who know what beautiful music sounds like!  Learning also happens through sound.  Remember, a baby normally learns the majority of his/her language just by hearing it endlessly in a supportive environment.  The language of music can be learned this way as well.  Students who listen regularly to their repertoire have an easier time learning, memorizing, and retaining the music.  They are also able to become more independent and correct themselves, since their ear knows what the correct sound is and can distinguish between the correct model and an incorrect production by the fingers.  Finally, listening becomes a tool to expand the musician’s style, sensitivity, and musical interpretation skills.