Music is a powerful tool that can affect our emotions and moods. It can also be used to help us concentrate and focus on tasks.
To listen effectively, it requires quiet and focus. This is a skill that musicians need to develop, and it can help you to better understand the musical elements of music.
1. Listen actively
Rather than just pushing play and enjoying a tune, try listening actively. It will strengthen your musicality in a different way.
For example, if you really like a song’s drumbeat, zero in on the kick, snare and hi-hat patterns and their effect on the overall feeling of the beat. You can also use active listening to figure out why you like or dislike a piece, which will be valuable information for your own songwriting.
You can also learn about genres and styles you don’t normally listen to, which will broaden your horizons. Try experimenting with different genres and paying attention to how they fit into a common structure, such as a verse, chorus, and bridge. You can even look for recurring phrases, repetition, and variations.
2. Listen with headphones
A great pair of headphones allows you to listen to your music in complete privacy. They can also reduce ambient noise and help you focus.
Headphones are an essential tool for enjoying immersive audio, especially when it comes to video content and virtual reality. High-quality headphones provide clear and detailed sound. They can even reveal more details of your favorite songs and make them sound better at lower volumes.
Loud listening can damage your hearing and can cause conditions like tinnitus. As a rule, you should never listen to your music at more than 60 percent of the maximum volume. Many devices allow you to set a permanent limit on the maximum volume. This will prevent you from accidentally cranking your volume past safe levels.
3. Listen in a group
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a number of services that allow people to enjoy music together, no matter where they are in the world. One of the best is Spotify’s Group Session, launched in 2020, which allows premium users to generate a shareable link that can be scanned or shared and that lets them listen to the same song or podcast at the same time with up to five friends (all must have Spotify Premium).
Another option is JQBX, which works with Spotify and can be used on desktop and mobile devices. It allows people to cheer for songs they love and boo those they dislike, helping long-distance friends connect on their current musical tastes. It also has a discovery page to help people discover new music.
4. Listen to a variety of genres
You may love a certain genre, but it is important to explore other types of music. Doing so will help you define your musical style and open up new possibilities for creativity.
For example, try listening to downtempo music, like smooth jazz or nature sounds such as waterfalls and thunder. This kind of music can trigger alpha brain waves, which are associated with a relaxed state. It can be very soothing, especially when combined with a nod of the head or tapping of the foot.
Have you ever found yourself singing along to a song, even though you didn’t know all the lyrics? That is a form of active listening, which has been shown to improve your ability to memorize words. Listening to music can also be helpful for re-learning verbal information, which has been used to help stroke victims regain speech.
5. Listen to live performances
This is a great way to hear all the details that make up a piece of music. It can also help you to really connect with a song. Sing along! You may not be able to sing with the same precision as a professional musician, but singing along is a fun way to get really connected.
Mood enhancement
Listening to music is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world. Whether it’s jamming to your favorite songs while driving or listening to soothing tunes while studying, most people find that music enhances the mood and enjoyment of many activities. However, it’s important to note that if you find yourself listening to music in inappropriate circumstances, it can have a negative impact on your life.
