The Music Tag

A few weeks ago, Erin tagged me for the Music Tag. Music has been a big part of my life for a long time, but mostly as music I play. I don't listen to a lot of music via mp3, CD, etc, because I find it hard to find artists I like. So, my answers to this tag will be regarding what I play, not what I listen to.

Anyway, the rules of the tag:

1. Thank the person who tagged you. (Thanks again, Erin!)
2. Answer the questions.
3. Tag others.
4. Add you own question to the tag for your nominees to answer.
5. Include the rules in your post.

Now, the questions:

Do you play any instruments?

Yes, I play violin and piano - although I prefer to say I'm learning violin and piano. (At what point does one transition from learning to playing, by the way?) I can also get some chords, or squeaks, or screeches, out of a few other instruments, which I would like to improve on if I had time and funds.


What is your favourite music genre?

I enjoy playing music from a few different genres: folk, Celtic, Jewish, Baroque, Romantic, traditional, hymns, etc. Mostly, if something is dramatic with plenty of key changes, haunting, or in a minor key (or all three), I will like it. My favourite is soulful music; the stuff that gets into your heart, and squeezes it.

Is there a music genre you absolutely cannot stand?

I think I could safely say I can't stand jazz. I also don't like music with a lot of dissonance, repetition, or music that seems shallow (to me at least.)

What is your favourite way to listen to music? (CD, vinyl, MP3, radio, etc)

The very best is being part of an orchestra where you're playing, and  music is happening around you, and the whole thing works together to create amazing sounds. But I like playing with small groups, or one or two others, and by myself too. :)

What/who are your three favourite bands/singers?

As I mentioned, I have a hard time finding music that I really like, to listen to. (I hope that doesn't sound like I'm a stuck-up snob who never stoops to listen to anyone else's work. I honestly do consider a lot of music, I just rarely find some that really resonates with me.) Mostly, I listen to one or two tracks from here and there, so I don't really have any favourite artists.

What are your three favourite chords?

This is an excellent question, if you wanted my opinion. It's a pity that tag didn't also ask about favourite and least favourite notes, because low C sharp on the violin is my least favourite note. Anyway, my three favourite chords (well, keys actually) at present are: F minor, D flat major, and probably C minor. I have to agree with Erin's sentiment here, "Go minor, or go home."

And Erin's question:

If you had to pick one song to sum up your entire life, your very essence, the core of your being, which song would you pick?

Aside from a couple of instrumental pieces I've played, I come back to this song. It kind of got to me when I first heard it, and it's stayed a favourite ever since. It's sad but hopeful, and ultimately encourages me that yes, I might lose my way, but God is always there, and if I stick to His hope and truth, I'll find the way.


 I tag: Maggie, Julia, Clara, Victoria, Morning, Autumn, Bonnie, Emily, and Clare. And my question is:

What do you think is the purpose of music?

That's a question I've been pondering recently, especially as I consider what I play and listen to. Am I listening for entertainment, as a way to hear my emotions expressed, or to worship God? What is my motivation? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts about it. :)

So tell me, how do you define your music taste? What's one song that sums up your life? Do you have a favourite chord, or note, or key?