I recently read a chapter of a book in where a man describes his musical cultural background to be that of Western European classical music. And while he grew up with it, he has distaste for it. What’s more interesting is that this person was actually born in the 20th Century in London – which is certainly not the classical era of music.
This got me thinking, “can a person’s musical culture be that of what is not going around them,” and “is this culturally appropriate to say?”
For example: if you are Polish and were born to Polish parents, but spent your youth listening to music from Kenya, is this African music you cultural background?
For me, this is where it gets tough. While I cannot deny the individual with their personal experience to what they grew up listening to, it is difficult to define it as “cultural” because the definition refers to a group of people. Also, in this example, the listener is isolated from the culture of people that made the music.
On the other hand, music is a form of expression and communication used the share costumes across cultures. So there are arguments for either side.
Just thinking out loud.
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Author: Bryan M. Waring
Bryan Waring is a graduate of USM's School of Music with a B.M. in Performance – Composition and is now attending Belmont University for a M.M. in Commercial Media – Composition & Arranging.
During his time at USM, he studied violin with Dino Liva and composition with Dr. Daniel Sonenberg, as well as has premiered several pieces during the semiannual Composer's Ensemble concert series. In 2017, Bryan was a writer for the original musical theater work of "Molded By The Flow," directed by Paul Dresher and Rinde Eckert.
Outside of school, Bryan has been involved with writing music for videogame developers at Portland's CI2 Lab, collaborating with the King Tide Party, and studying with Larry Groupé (Straw Dogs) in San Diego.
Now living in Nashville.
Along with composing, Bryan teaches music to children, receiving the Master Teacher Award for his work at ESF Camps; and does audio engineering for live ensembles.
Besides talents in music, Bryan is a team-player in any competitive work environment; equipped with skills in leadership, organization, mathematics, creativity, communication, and managing.
On the side, Bryan has worked as a model for several skilled artists in the New England area. Among his other accomplishments include obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout in April 2013 with a project of building a side parking area with guide rails for Webb Mountain Park in Monroe, CT.
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Daily Music Writing Tips - Blog by Bryan M. Waring 