Have you been hiding behind a single music genre all your life?Do you have a boring and scarce CD collection?Are you starting to notice that the music that's commercially successful seems to be variations on a single theme?It's possible to offer a new menu of music.Start with Step 1
Step 1: There are Internet radio stations.
Don't listen to standard radio.International, rap, hip hop, electronica, alternative, blues, soundtracks, jazz, and so on are all stations.You can answer e-mails while they play in the background.If you like a song, you should write it down.There are a lot of great sites, but some are better than others.
Step 2: You can find music stores online.
You can listen to samples of all their albums and songs by typing in the band's name.You can check out related artists as well.Shop by genre if you're interested in a song or musician.
Step 3: Ask interesting people what they listen to.
Are you aware of the man on the bus who wears a trench coat, eyeliner, and fingerless gloves?He may have some interesting music playing.The kid has a bag of art supplies and a lip ring.Ask him what he's listening to when you see him bobbing his head.Either you're rude or he'll be happy to share his musical tastes with someone who's actually curious.Ask people questions like "What's the first CD you bought?" instead of asking how they're enjoying the weather.What was the last thing you bought?What song would you pick to summarize your life?Has a song made you cry?What would be on a soundtrack to your life?
Step 4: Listen to all the albums.
A lot of the time, an artist or group puts out one or two singles that are atypical of their work.The jewels of music are buried in albums far away from radio play.Don't be surprised if you like a song, but throw the CD away if the rest of the songs are just as good.
Step 5: You should listen to an album more than once.
If it's a genre you don't normally listen to, listening to an album three times is a good idea.If you're listening to your first heavy metal CD, you will probably spend the first run wrinkling your eyebrows.You might start to feel a little bit of headbanging by the second run.By the third time, you could be singing along with the lyrics.You don't have to listen to an album three times in a row, just make sure you give it the benefit of the doubt.
Step 6: Go underground.
Find out where the local bands play.There are venues that feature independent artists.If you live in a major city, you can listen to great music live.Sometimes listening to music live can make a believer out of you, even if it's a group or performer you've never heard of.
Step 7: You can take a class in music theory.
Understanding how music works can help you appreciate it.It is difficult to enjoy music without knowing the difference between music and noise.Being into cars without knowing what's under the hood is the same thing as listening to music without understanding music theory.
Step 8: You should learn to play an instrument.
Learning to create it yourself is a great way to further your appreciation for musical artists.You can cover your favorite songs.If you're drawn to certain songs and genres because of the emotion it stirs in you, chances are, that emotion will be amplified if you try to play that music yourself.Who knows?You can start making your own music if you discover your inner musician.
Step 9: Go to the library.
The library holds a lot of wealth.What's theirs is yours?All kinds of music are available in the libraries, including rap, country and western, blues, classical, opera, world music, and techno.If your library doesn't have anything, they can order from other libraries.
Step 10: You can identify someone in your life with similar tastes in music.
Some of the music they listen to doesn't fit the niche you've carved for yourself.Even if it takes you out of your musical comfort zone, give it a chance.You'll be surprised at what you actually enjoy when you listen with an open mind.You shouldn't listen to your friend's recommendations if they think you would enjoy them.
Step 11: Artists, connect the dots.
).You can find their collaborations by identifying a few artists that you enjoy.You can listen to other artists on the compilation album that has included the artist.You're likely to discover artists with musical styles similar to your "always-in-your-CD-player" artist, if you find soundtracks which feature their music.