In the past few days, we have studied how people from diverse backgrounds hear music in their cultural environments and across different generations and in different places. The most compelling stories generally derive from the listeners.
The focus of this section directs attention toward the community.
These genuine accounts were submitted by readers who live throughout the world to describe their special ways of listening to music. Some are quiet. Some are loud. All are deeply human.
From Our Readers
“The Commute Symphony”- Milan, Italy
Every day on my way to work I listen to Vivaldi then Daft Punk through my tram tram car music player. My daily routine begins with classical music that clears my mind before I switch to electronic tracks for energy.
Giulia, 33
“Porch Listening” - Nashville, USA
During my free time I play my old country records on a portable turntable while relaxing on my porch with a cold drink. Neighbors wave. The music stops briefly when neighbors decide to listen. This practice allows me to move at a slower pace.
Ray, 58
“Sound Bath Sundays” - Cape Town, South Africa
I rest on the floor while listening to Brian Eno or Nils Frahm or Tibetan bowls during my weekly relaxation period that takes place every Sunday evening. It’s my weekly reset.”
Zanele, 27
“Family Karaoke Night” - Manila, Philippines
Each Saturday my family members join me in the living room to sing karaoke. We perform all musical tracks from ABBA to BTS during our karaoke sessions. The event becomes both noisy and disordered while expressing immense affection to all present.
Miguel, 19
“The Memory Album” - Edinburgh, Scotland
I maintain a playlist called 'People I've Loved' for my music collection. Each song on this playlist brings back memories of people who once shared my life including past romantic partners and close friends and my grandparents. I play this playlist during times when I am thinking of those who are no longer with me.
Fiona, 42
What These Stories Show Us
The wide array of music rituals exists because human beings create them in countless ways. These practices enable people to:
- Mark time
- Process emotion
- Connect with others
- Celebrate life
- Music rituals use solitary practice or communal practices to show that music reaches beyond mere sounds since it contains memories and shapes personal identities and adds significance.
Here is a playlist curated for this section:
Part 6 Reader Stories Playlist
- Daft Punk – Digital Love
- Dolly Parton – Jolene
- BTS – Butter
- Vivaldi – Spring (Four Seasons)
- Erykah Badu – On & On
Keep the Diary Going
Even though the series concludes with this post the diary remains active for further entries.
Users can share their music photos and videos on social media by using the hashtag #ListeningRituals.
Thank You for Listening
The musical exploration revealed both musical elements and cultural insights and personal connections throughout this series. We appreciate your attention to this series along with your reading and sharing activities. Wherever you are, however you listen—keep the ritual alive.