My Music Autobiography

            The majority of my experiences with non-Western Art music have occurred in my hometown, Hollywood, South Carolina. The earliest memory I have of non-Western Art music is of my mother singing to me in Spanish. My grandmother sang her these same songs when she was growing up in Panama. Some of the songs had very strange English translations. My mom further exposed my family to this music by singing “Happy Birthday” in English and Spanish until I was about six. I never thought that it was strange that my mother was singing in another language. I will possibly even teach my children how to sing “Happy Birthday” in Spanish.

            The family that lives next door is from Mexico and enjoys having parties. These celebrations usually consist of blaring Mariachi music until very late at night. A lot of this music sounds very similar and has a steady bass that provides the pulse. I am indifferent to this style of non-Western Art music, but my dogs are not very fond of it.

             A few Christmases ago, my dad’s friend asked my brothers and me to play a few songs for a party he was having. We ended up providing background music because the guests took more interest in their food than in what we were playing. A folk band played later that evening. I had never seen this style of music performed live. There was an assortment of instruments being played including guitars, washboards, and fiddles. Most of the guests were overjoyed to participate in this music. Many people began dancing, singing, and adding their own musical talent to the ensemble. It was fascinating to watch so many people enthusiastically take part in a style of music that I had never considered enjoyable to listen to.

            My most recent experience with non-Western Art music was during this past Christmas vacation. I wanted to buy my dad a CD, but I was not sure what kind of music he enjoyed listening to the most, as he has an expansive taste in music. I noticed a CD in the world music section with a picture of a Buddhist monk on the front cover. My dad converted to Buddhism when I was little; the teachings my dad listened to helped make me accustomed to the sound of chanting.  Out of curiosity, I took a look on the back cover and discovered that a man recorded the Tibetan monk chanting and added an accompaniment to it. I bought this CD for my dad, and both of us have really enjoyed listening to it because it is tranquil and seems full of emotion. I would really like to learn more about the significance of chanting other than for religious purposes.