21 September, 2016

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?

26 comments:

  1. HEY! I play violin too! I am trying to get more into Irish music. It sounds so wonderful on the violin and it's just fun to listen too! You have a wide taste in music! I like it.

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    1. Really?! That's great! Yes, Irish music does sound good on violin, now that you mention it. I'll have to find some to play!

      Thanks for reading and commenting! I appreciate it. :)

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  2. This is great! Thanks for the tag!!<3

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    1. Thank-you! I'm looking forward to reading your answers! :)

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  3. This was such a fun tag! Thank you for participating (so I could read your awesome answers) and tagging me (so I can answer them too!).
    That song by Andrew Peterson is such a nice relaxing one. :)

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    1. Oh, thanks! I'll be looking forward to seeing what answers you come up with! And I'm glad you liked that song. :)

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  4. This is a lovely tag! Thank you for the nomination. :)

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  5. This was such fun! It's always neat to see everybody's different musical likes.
    It can be so hard to define music taste...classically speaking my favorite is definitely romantic. Sometimes I like the music you described, haunting and dramatic -- Warsaw Concerto is one of my absolute favorites, and one that's more modern and a bit melancholy is Remember by Harry Nilsson. Outside of that I like ragtime, ballads, Big Band, and the simple western tunes.
    I've come across a few people now that can't stand jazz :) If all I'm doing is listening, I don't like jazz either, but I do rather find it relaxing as background, if it's the right kind -- French jazz particularly.
    I like your "life song" and how it builds. It's hard these days to find songs with lyrics that are just as good as the music. You've set me on a quest to look for mine! I'll definitely be paying more attention to the songs I listen too now :)
    -Mary

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    1. Oh yes, Romantic is my favourite too, although there's something about Baroque too - it's kind of so complex yet relaxing at the same time.. Those pieces you mentioned sound really interesting; I will check them out. :) And yes, sometimes the simple pieces and ballads can be so pretty. It sounds like you have have good taste. :)

      Anyway, I'm glad you found this interesting to read, Mary! Thanks so much for sharing, and do let me know when you discover a song that sums up your life! :) xx

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  6. Honestly, I'm not much of a music person. Well, that's not true. I often enjoy listening to music, but I'm not skilled at singing or playing any instruments. That said, I enjoyed reading your tag. X) Thanks.

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    1. Well, I think if you appreciate listening to music, then you're a musical person! ;) I'm glad you liked this anyway - thanks a lot for your comment!

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  7. I love playing my violin!
    Music is a basicly a stress reliever. That's why I love it so much! You can just flow with it.

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    1. That's great! It's nice to hear of fellow musicians! Yes, music can be really relaxing.. I like that aspect of it too. :) Thanks for reading and commenting, Paige!

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  8. Whoa, you tagged ME! Well, this is exciting! Music is wonderfuuul. Love the part where you said you like music that gets in your heart and squeezes it. :D

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    1. I certainly did! I'm looking forward to reading (or hearing) your answers too. :) Yes, music is wonderful. Thanks a lot for your comment!

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  9. That was a different post, but it was fun to read :)

    Haha that song you always come back to is a good song. I still think Andrew Peterson is one of the best artists, and he has been blessed with an amazing voice.

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    1. I'm glad it was still interesting to read. I was a bit worried it might be a not-so-good different when I posted it.. :)

      Yes, Andrew Peterson's voice is nice. I like the way he tells stories through his songs too. Do you have a favourite of his songs?

      Thanks for always staying around here and leaving comments. It means a lot. :)

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  10. very interesting. I always find it interesting when people dont have a favorite artist. thats still pretty cool though.

    Im a new follower, and I just wanted to stop by and say Im looking forward to reading more from you <3

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    1. Haha, sometimes I think it would be easier if I had a favourite artist. I can't pick favourites of anything, actually. Do you have a favourite artist or artists?

      Thanks for taking the time to comment, and for following! I hope this blog can be a blessing to you. xx

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  11. HI!! Oh wow, I feel like I haven't commented on here in a long time. ACH. I read almost all of your posts, I just never get around to commenting. THAT SHALL CHANGE. (Also in your last post [?] your dictionary is so awesome! IT'S SO BIG :) I loved reading this post! My music style is different too...I personally don't really listen to a lot of secular music, but I've definitely also learned that slapping "Christian" onto a song doesn't make it Christian. :) I'll have to go check out that song you linked.
    I play the violin too actually! I'm starting to learn the piano as well.
    Thank you for tagging me :) I might not end up doing this, just because a lot of these I wouldn't even know my answer for :P...BUT I AM BEYOND GRATEFUL THAT YOU TAGGED ME <3 (I literally don't even know my chords on the violin. xD I bet I've played them, I just don't even KNOW THEM.)

    -autumn

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    1. Hello! :D It's nice to hear from you! But don't feel bad about not commenting, because I get so behind on commenting too.. We're in the same boat.

      I had a hard time answering this tag, so I know what you mean. Although, I'm curious to see how you would answer the questions! :) Yes! I've found the same thing - not all Christian music is equal. Do you have an favourite artist or group?

      And you play violin and piano too?! That's great! Do you prefer one over the over? Yes, chords on the violin - I didn't really learn chords until I started piano, so I know what you mean there too.

      Anyway, excuse this extensive reply, and thanks again for your comment, Autumn! :)

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  12. We're violin and panino buddies!
    I love this!
    oxox

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    1. Yay! There's a lot more fellow musicians out there than I realized!

      Thanks for commenting, Elissa. :) xx

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  13. Thank you so much for the tag, Jessica! I'll get around to it (eventually...). And that's awesome that you play both the piano and the violin! I think anyone who plays more than one instrument is incredibly talented. *applauds*

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    1. You're welcome! I'm looking forward to reading your answers. :) And thank-you. :)

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