How to Become A Music Buff

Music... If you're like me there isn't anything better than listening to an album from iTunes or a local music store. But if you're also like me it's important that you broaden your musical horizons, so that you're able to appreciate all types of music, from Classic Rock to Electronica to even Rap. Here are some simple tips so that you can be a well rounded listener in the history of music.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open mind for new, musical possibilities
• Possibly an iTunes account
• A passion for music

1. 
    
   This is Sinatra at his best.

   One of the hardest things to do when tackling a new genre is finding out who are the big bands, the hard hitters, and the overall best of that genre. It's important do to research on a genre before beginning to listen to it and finding who were the most popular and affluent.
   
   If you're going to be listening to 40's and 50's swing and vocals, start with the Rat Pack. People such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford and others. If you're interested in Progressive Rock take a listen from bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, and Talking Heads. It's important to know the history of the music your listening to and the affect that the music had on a generation. I suggest using websites, like Wikipedia or Mp3.com, that give you reviews of the music you're listening to and the background of the album.

2. 
    
   It's an awesome book and Tom Moone really has a passion for music criticism.

   If you still do not know where to start then I highly suggest buying the book "1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die." I have used this book a lot when I'm tackling a new genre. The book is by Tom Moone and it is just fabulous. Containing everyone from Brahms and Mozart to The Gorillaz and Kanye West. It contains essential operas, milestone rock albums, an education in the blues, and the world of classical music. What I usually find myself doing is just flipping through the pages, marking off the ones I have listened to and bookmarking the ones I should listen to or ones that interest me.

3. 
    
   This is the Sound Exchange, a used record store in Florida that I go to all the time.

   Buy CD's and LP's. I understand that music is not the cheapest hobby in the world. In my opinion the best place to go for music is a used record/music store. If you have a sound or music exchange in your area then head over there and search the boxes and shelves for interesting music. They usually offer 100's of albums that are used, but they're just as good. If you have a record player, used music stores usually has a $.99 bin that contain less than perfect records, but may contain a lost treasure. If you see something that interests you, go ahead and pick it up. It's a dollar out of your pocket for something that you may really enjoy. I have found many albums from the discount bin that are amazingly good, and under appreciated.

4. 
    

   Discuss music with others. I get a lot of information from my friends and abroad about what music other people are listening to. Learn what other people enjoy and see if you can get a copy of it from them. This will really broaden your horizons and knowledge of all things music. Talking about your opinions of albums and songs is a great way to learn about music or gain a perspective on a song that you have never heard before or thought about.

5. 
    
   School of Rock for real!

   Join a music appreciation class at a community college or elsewhere. This may not apply to everyone, but in my college there is actually a semester long course on the History of Rock and Roll. What better way to learn that from a teacher who is paid to give you knowledge about music? Nobody that's who.
   
   There are also tons of documentaries and shows dedicated to music. I highly suggest watching VH1 classic. Not only do they provide history of albums, generations of music, and the drug years, but they also provide a decent music concert every once in awhile.
   
   I really hope this helps in your guide to become a music buff. Happy listening!

Tips & Warnings

• Rate my article and please feel free to critique my writing or my opinions in this article. I'm always open to criticism and will appreciate any and all that you have.
• A good, innovative, and new way to listen to music would be Rhapsody, this program allows you to listen to all the music that you want for a nominal fee monthly. Think of it as netflix, but with music.

[gpaul12]

on 7/11/2009 Thanks alot for this information. I seriously don't change music tastes as much as I should, and I really appreciate the book recommendation. I think I will check it out 5*****