Isaiah Fluharty|December 18, 2018|Column

For hundreds of years now, music has been played into the ears of human beings. Music has taken many forms, but it has always been known by humanity as a series of sounds listened to in order to heighten one’s experiences. It wasn’t until 1860, however, that the first song was recorded. Since then, the world of music has morphed many times. All the way up until 1984, music was more of a group activity, where people could all listen to songs together via a phonograph or record player. After that, music started to become a personal experience. Now, music is exploring a new digital age, and it has become a major part of our society.

Every morning, afternoon and night, I listen to music through headphones connected to my phone. The way that people express their emotions with poetry and beautiful complex sounds is something that has always intrigued me. As somebody who often writes poetry, music is a way for me to draw inspiration from others, and to open my eyes to new experiences, ideas and values that the musically inclined people of the world reflect on. I am exposed to new ideas, words and sounds, and through this exposure I learn about the songs I listen to on a deeper level. But music also teaches me about the world I live in, and it helps me understand myself as well, for music is an emotional experience for the listener.

There have been many times when music has made me feel a certain emotion, one that has made me take time to self reflect. These times of deep thought have become a major aspect of my life. Music has become such a personal experience for me. As I stare into the sea of people wearing headphones in a local coffee shop, or at school, I know that others have had similar experiences. Music is thriving in our society, in every individual person’s life... yet it is so often under appreciated.

So many people will listen to music and fail to recognize its depth, meaning and purpose. They may never get the opportunity to fully understand the work of the world’s most prolific musicians to a full extent. It’s sad to me, because I see how the experience I love and know so well may be unknown to others. However, I am certain that if people took the time to really listen to a song they enjoy, they may discover a new inner passion, and find a new way to cope with the hardships of life. I encourage anybody to pick some music, listen to it without distractions, and simply soak in that musical sound every once in awhile. It may awaken something inside of them that they didn’t know they had.

Music Is Alive

Isaiah Fluharty|December 18, 2018|Column