Music and Classical Education

I love music. All kinds of music. I encounter people occasionally who don't. It always astounds me. Surprises me. Neither of my parents play instruments regularly. My mom took lessons, and can pick out a song, has a couple of memorized pieces from lessons. My dad has a beautiful voice, we've all sung in church for years, collectively in congregational singing. 4 part harmony. acapella. My brother can pick out any tune/play by ear/write/compose. On piano & guitar. He took lessons for years, music theory, and LOVES music. and ironically our piano teacher said 'he'd always struggle and never amount to much of a musician.' So when my mother sent an article from the newspaper including a snapshot of him playing the piano at his highschool graduation, I'm sure there was much head scratching. 
So there's the background.
But anymore, I realize that being completely fluent in reading music & playing music isn't as important as exposure to good music. Exposure leads to further investigation. Further enrichment.
Edie mentioned in her post today, David Hicks from I believe Norms and Nobility, about 'drinking deep from the cisterns so deep they are untainted'.
Trendy pop music is just the opposite. Shallow unable to reach the soul. Only the superficial emotions. And in momentary ways. They can consume someone, if it's the only thing they 'drink from' or 'produce/write'. But its not soul nourishing. and often it includes a fair share of profane content. less than noble content.
I have mentioned before I listen to all music. I love Jason Aldean, when he sings about 'fly-over states'. I love Elton John songs, I enjoy the newest hip songs and their wild beat.  During childhood we awoke to one of the following 8-track on our intercom system: Elton John, Stevie Wonder, The Beach Boys, James Taylor, but of course on Sundays-- The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In junior high I became familiar with the never forgetable 'Back in Black' among other less desirable tunes. (thankyou Mr. Mooney, my civics teacher) Blue grass is a favorite, Rice, Douglas, Kraus, Timinsky. All rich beyond the ability to price. Cajun music that gets your foot to tapping and your fanny to swaying.
But inevitably, when I need to strengthen my mind I put on classical.
And after listening to Corelli this morning, the world is opened  anew to notes that are familiar, in one of his most popular pieces--the Christmas Concerto. I didn't realize I had this CD. What a find.
Move over Bach. It's now my go to listen.

 

Listen for the end. The Pastorelle portion that sounds so familiar. It's beautiful.

Baroque. Deep waters worth swimming.