If you had asked me when I was younger to share something about myself, I probably would have said something like, 'My grandma wrote a song for me when I was born,' or 'My daddy is a musician.' Ever since I was born, music has been what brought my family together, what made me happy and what made me feel things more deeply than I had before.
Recently, I was thinking about all of this, and I realized that you really learn a lot as the daughter of a long line of musicians. I'm really fortunate to have been born into such a musical family, and I'm impressed all over again every single day by my family. So, I thought it would be cool to share five things that I've learned from being in my unique family.
1.) You Don't Have to Love a Certain Song or Artist Just Because Everyone Else Does
This is a hard thing for me to admit, but I don't really like The Beatles. A lot of people I know think that I'm crazy for not being into them, but their music just isn't something that "tickles my fancy". However, I'm not going to go listen to them because other people think I should.
There will always be some artists and songs that I'm just not into. That's why there are so many different kinds of music. Music is a roller coaster ride of emotions that touches each individual person in a different way. That's why it's as incredible as it is. So, it's okay that I don't like The Beatles, just like it's okay if you don't like Taylor Swift or Stevie Wonder.
(Author's Note: Actually, it's definitely not okay if you don't like Stevie Wonder. He's THE man. If you don't like him.......there's no hope for you.)
2.) Just Because It's Old, Doesn't Mean It's Boring or Lame
When I was 9 years old, I had a 1970's themed birthday party. Let me tell you, it was the coolest party I've ever had. My friends and I dressed up in clothes based on the 70's, we made mood rings and said things like 'Groovy' and 'Peace out, dude'.
In the weeks coming up to my birthday, my Mom and I searched all over YouTube, creating a 70's music playlist. My two favorite songs that we found were 'Workin' at the Carwash' and 'You're So Vain'. That birthday party changed everything for me.
Oldies music is, and always will be, the most incredible music in the world, in my opinion. I will always prefer music from the 60's-80's more than any other kind of music. There will never be a boyband as good as The Osmond Brothers were. There will never be a duo that is as mind blowing as Hall and Oates. Richard Marx will always, always, always, be the best singer/songwriter in the world.
Don't believe me?
Go listen for yourself.
3.) Not Everyone Is A Music Geek
Not everyone loves music in the way that some of us do. While that seems like a crime, it's true. Some people just aren't music people, just like some people aren't big fans of anchovies on their pizza. It's as simple as that, and at some point, we're all going to have to accept that.
4.) Sometimes You Are Going to Mess Up
In music, it's very easy to make a mistake. Maybe you accidentally hit the wrong piano key at your Winter recital, or maybe you went sharp when you were trying to hit the high note during your school performance of 'Phantom of the Opera'. Both of those things are okay. You will live. Life goes on.
We all make mistakes at some point in our lives. Being musical has been really beneficial for me when it comes to this, because I know that it's okay to make mistakes. You should work as hard as you can at everything that you do, and if you do mess up, it's okay to feel bad about that. But you still have to continue on. Forgive yourself, work harder next time, and continue. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Mozart messed up occasionally as well.
5.) Music Is For Everyone
This is the most important thing that being in a musical family has taught me. Music is for everyone. Old people, young people, boys, girls, etc. Everyone needs music.
So, don't ever knock someone down because of their love for music. Don't ever tell them that their musical taste is stupid or lame. Let them find their identity in music. It will make the bad days better and the good days even more enjoyable.
4.) Sometimes You Are Going to Mess Up
In music, it's very easy to make a mistake. Maybe you accidentally hit the wrong piano key at your Winter recital, or maybe you went sharp when you were trying to hit the high note during your school performance of 'Phantom of the Opera'. Both of those things are okay. You will live. Life goes on.
We all make mistakes at some point in our lives. Being musical has been really beneficial for me when it comes to this, because I know that it's okay to make mistakes. You should work as hard as you can at everything that you do, and if you do mess up, it's okay to feel bad about that. But you still have to continue on. Forgive yourself, work harder next time, and continue. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Mozart messed up occasionally as well.
5.) Music Is For Everyone
This is the most important thing that being in a musical family has taught me. Music is for everyone. Old people, young people, boys, girls, etc. Everyone needs music.
So, don't ever knock someone down because of their love for music. Don't ever tell them that their musical taste is stupid or lame. Let them find their identity in music. It will make the bad days better and the good days even more enjoyable.
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