Listening to an unfamiliar piece of music can be pleasurable, baffling or even annoying. Here are some steps to consider making it a deeper experience.
- Who is this artist? A who, what, where, when, why question about the performer.
- Who is the composer? Same questions come to mind.
- What instruments are performing?
- What style is the music? Baroque, Hip-hop, Classical, early jazz, Rock, Heavy metal, Grunge, experimental, etc. If you are not sure dig in and do some research.
- If there are lyrics, consider transcribing them by ear and writing them down. This is an illuminating experience if the music is in a style you do not normally listen to. Or never listen to.
- Now let us go deeper into the piece. Can you pick up the form? If it is classical is it in Sonata form, Rondo, etc. If pop is it: intro, verse, verse, chorus, verse chorus, bridge, chorus and out. If jazz is it in 32 bar AABA or blues form?
- If it is modern pop, does it have a four-chord cycling progression?
- If it is classical, what is the time signature?
- Is there improvisation?
- Is there a score available online? If so, you might try your hand at it.
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