What I Have Learned So Far

 So far, I have learned that music is a very controversial topic, much more so than I thought. If you look at anything related to music, you're likely to find several different opinions and interpretations, this is especially prevalent in topics such as performance ethics, defining music, and composition. Learning about all these things has really changed the way I prepare for performance, I spend much more time thinking about the implied aspects of a piece, studying the history of where this music came from, and the meaning of it. I believe it has really taken my understanding of music to another level.

Here is a picture of a few of the books that have helped me learn about music philosophy. The two things that really demonstrate my new knowledge are the score (the blue book) and my staff paper notebook. Looking through that score, I have found a new appreciation of composers. There is also alot more in my notebook because I've started transcribing songs, which has helped me with understanding what a single musician is doing within a piece.