How to Listen to Music: Secret Of Maximum Enjoyment

How can we listen to music for maximum effect? This is a seemingly simple question. Yet so many music fans never even think about. We’re so used to just hitting the play button and consuming music passively, regardless of what we’re doing. Sure we still enjoy it, but not nearly as fully, and definitely not as much as we could be.

Look how easily accessible music is. How it’s almost devalued nowadays. Because of this we often don’t give music attention it deserves. The good thing though is that we can fix this easy.

To enjoy music to the fullest, pause and set aside other distractions. Dedicate time solely to the music you’re about to listen. This is even more important when you listen to something for the first time. Allow yourself to relax for a bit, and you will enjoy and experience music 100 times better!

In a world where everything competes for our attention, we often forget how amazing music can be. It’s up to us to overcome our short attention span, and really immerse ourselves in the experience of music.

Passive and Active Listening

The process of listening to something, music included, can be divided into two different categories – Passive and Active listing. To put it simple:

• Passive Listening: You hear the music but don’t pay much attention to it. It’s like background noise while you’re doing other things. You de follow the rhythm and melody, but not constantly.
• Active Listening: You focus on the music, which lets you notice details like lyrics, instruments, and emotions. It’s the main activity, not just background noise.

Passive listening is so common today because we’re often multitasking. I mean our schedules have never been busier. We have constant distractions from phones, work, social media. So music often ends up being background noise. We still enjoy it of course. But almost always we have it on while doing other things, rather than giving it our full attention.

Active listening is way more rewarding. It allows us to fully experience and appreciate the music. If you have any doubts – try it right now. You will catch all the details and nuances of the songs. It will make the music more enjoyable and meaningful.

First Time Listening

Active, focused listening is especially beneficial when hearing something for the first time. Concentrating on the music lets you fully experience and appreciate it. You’ll understand if you truly like it right away.

With passive listening, where music is just in the background, you will most likely need multiple listens to decide if it’s for you. And I don’t know about you, but personally I hate when I have something I don’t really like playing on the background while I don’t even realize it. When I finally notice and realize it’s something I don’t like, it leaves a bad aftertaste.

Setting up the Environment

If you want to enjoy your music to the maximum, it’s actually easy to do. You just need some time and the right environment. By the right environment I mean a quiet and comfortable space where nothing and no one will distract you. It’s as simple as that.

Then simply use good quality headphones or speakers, and allow yourself to relax. A proper state of mind makes a big difference. I recommend not having any expectations. Treat it like a blank page, let music speak for itself.

Make yourself as comfortable as you can. Dim the lights if that’s what you like. Sit in your favorite chair. Just create a cozy atmosphere to help you fully immerse yourself in the music.

It’s not a rocket science as you can see. But trust me, this simple steps are 1000% worth it.

Appreciating Music

With how common music is today, we often forget how great it is. I believe we should appreciate it more. Why? Because it makes life better. It can lift our mood, charge us with good energy, help us relax, let us vent negative emotions. Music can even bring us closer to others. It’s one of those common interests that can easily make yo new friends. Plus, it’s just fun to listen to!

It’s one of the main reasons I actually created this website. I wanted to share great songs that I enjoy so much with other people. And if I can help you enjoy music more and maybe find new appreciation for melodies you never heard before, I can consider my mission a success.

Speaking of music appreciation, I have made multiple playlists of different genres and musical styles. Visit Best Songs & Playlists or Music Discoveries, or even Song of the Day section to check them out.

And to end this post on a good note, I’ll leave you in capable hands of awesome Royal Bliss and their acoustic version of Drink My Stupid Away:

Conclusion

If you really want to have the best time when listening to music, all you need to do it so actually listen to it. Not just have it playing on the background when your attention is elsewhere. No, you should give it the time it deserves.

Just pause, stop your other activities and reward yourself with extra 5 minutes devoted solely to a song. Or maybe an hour if you are about to check the entire album.

Make yourself comfortable, don’t think about anything, forget about expectations and just immerse yourself into the sound. With good music, you’ll be rewarded generously.