The Influence of Parents on My Music Taste

The relationship between my parents and my perception of music has been a fascinating exploration of influence and independence. My parents' musical legacy has been instrumental in shaping my own taste, but over time, I developed my unique preferences, often diverging from theirs.

My Mother's Musical Beginnings

My mother, who came from a household where music was always present, began her musical journey when she was in the womb. She would often put a tape recorder on her tummy while she slept, subconsciously planting the seeds of musical fascination within me. This early exposure laid the foundation for my lifelong love of music.

My Father's Musical Influences

My father was another significant figure in my musical upbringing. He had a natural talent for playing the piano and guitar, and his repertoire encompassed a range of classical compositions, from Bach to Debussy. I still recall the first time I heard Bartók's 'Four Dirges' while he played the piano. This exposure to classical music contributed to my current taste in 90/10 ratio, with classical accounting for 10% of my listening habits.

Listen and Learn

In contrast to my deliberate musical journey, my parents never tried to dictate my musical preferences. Their approach to music appreciation was more about shared enjoyment and learning through exposure. For instance, my mother's love for opera and oratorio significantly influenced me, as I heard Handel, Mozart, Claire de Lune, and Wagner from a young age. Like her, I have maintained an enduring interest in Wagnerian opera.

Educational Musical Backgrounds

My siblings also received extensive musical instruction. My sister started piano lessons at the age of five and developed into a skilled performer, although not of professional quality. My brother, on the other hand, is a natural musician who has won music competitions and taught himself to play multiple instruments. Despite his extraordinary talent, his music taste is often described as 'abysmal,' but he performs with impressive skill.

My Own Musical Journey

My personal musical journey was not entirely intentional. With the availability of musical instruction, I received early exposure to various instruments, including the viola, piano, and several woodwinds. Despite this, my musical abilities vary, and I possess only a moderate level of natural talent, characterized by a good ear for relative pitch and a decent musical memory. My playing is merely adequate rather than exceptional.

Parental Support and Encouragement

While I was exposed to a wide range of music, the influence of my parents extended beyond mere listening. They took me to performances, thereby enriching my understanding of music beyond the home. My parents praised the music I enjoyed, such as Schnberg and Messiaen, reinforcing my independent musical preferences. My father's quiet, contemplative listening was a silent endorsement of my choices.

Reflections and Conclusions

In summary, my parents played a significant role in my musical education and taste through exposure, instruction, and encouragement. Their influence is evident in my current preferences, which, while different from theirs, share some common threads with my father's taste, albeit with some eccentric additions unique to my own journey.