JCFA<\/a>, deciding to simply go, get programs and then leave. Then they could meet the requirement that they prove their attendance at such an event, without having to actually attend.<\/p>\nI can\u2019t imagine anyone not wanting to listen to Vaughan Williams, but a lot of this is a matter of taste. I should also cut the students some slack \u2013 it is exam time, after all. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that exposing oneself to different kinds of music is the same sort of horizon-expanding experience as learning about other cultures. In fact, in one sense, learning to appreciate music that is \u2018not your cup of tea\u2019 IS learning about other cultures.<\/p>\n
When asked why they don\u2019t go to more of these sorts of concerts, I suspect that many students would say \u2018Because classical music sucks\u2019. Yet this statement is patently untrue, just as it would be to say that \u2018Popular music sucks\u2019. Surely no one in the history of the human race could dismiss all<\/em> music, old or new, \u2018high\u2019 or \u2018low\u2019. Sure, there are concerts and performers that \u201csuck\u201d, but they are rare enough and one can quickly learn to avoid them. But when heavy metal fans say \u2018Rap sucks\u2019 or R&B; fans say \u2018Rock sucks\u2019, this is not what is meant. Really all that is being said is \u201cI don\u2019t particularly like this kind of music\u201d, just saying it in a less polite way.<\/p>\nNo one expects students to suddenly fall in love with a new kind of music \u2013 although some do. But being able to appreciate why others enjoy something, even if you don\u2019t enjoy it yourself, it part of becoming a better person. It can also make you a better spouse (surely your significant other will have some interest that you will not share). It can even make you money \u2013 after all, how often have important business connections grown out of a conversation about something else? Being able to listen to a different sort of music, to talk about it, is important. And if you\u2019re talking to someone the least bit educated, being able to explain what you don\u2019t like about a particular genre of music can still lead to a friendly conversation, whereas \u2018The music you like sucks\u2019 is unlikely to lead to a conversation that turns into a friendship, or a million dollar business deal, or anything else constructive.<\/p>\n
And so, students, as this semester ends, my advice to you is to go out there and expose yourselves\u2026to music, art, culture, of all sorts. You won\u2019t like all of it, but I can say with reasonable certainty that even your exposure to and greater understanding of stuff you still don\u2019t listen to for pleasure will benefit you in the long run.<\/p>\n
So here\u2019s one for you to try. It won\u2019t take long. The Lark Ascending<\/a><\/em> (actually, just part of it) by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Give it a try. Push play.<\/p>\n
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