You don't need an instrument for this one. Take 10 minutes today and listen to a piece of music you've never really listened to before. But this time, don't try to analyze it. Just listen. Then answer these three questions: 1. What did you FEEL? 2. What caught your attention? 3. What would you remember about the piece tomorrow? That's it. No music theory test. No terminology. No "correct" answer. Just listen. Then come back and tell us what you heard. You might be surprised by how much you can notice when you stop worrying about whether you're listening "correctly."

So this is a little off topic of the community. But, as some of you know, I teach a lot of young beginner students, I am a Music Merit badge counselor with the Scouts and my own son is in the scouts. This time of year is when scouts are out trying to raise money for their outdoor programs and summer camp by selling popcorn. You might have seen them in front of Walmart in the states or knocking on doors in small communities. I am a huge advocate for youth programs that support the healthy development of our children, plus I am an Eagle scout myself. I told my son that I would help him in anyway I can to help him earn his way to summer camp this year. So I am sharing his personal "store" link across all my communities in that attempt. When you click the link, it'll take you straight to his store and you can also share it if you feel so inclined. For everything bought, he keeps 60% in his scout account to help pay for various outdoor activities. This way you can have the products shipped directly to your address. If you feel so inclined to support youth programs this year, I will leave his link here and he and I thank you in advance. https://trails-end.com/store/scout/2FRSKJUL

Forget the charts. Forget what's supposed to be popular. What are YOU actually listening to right now? It can be anything. Classical Jazz Rock Hip-hop Country Film music Video game music Broadway Electronic Marching band Sacred music Something nobody else has heard of... Drop one song, artist, composer, album, or soundtrack you're enjoying right now. And here's the challenge: Don't just name it. Tell us what you like about it. Maybe it's the melody. Maybe it's the groove. Maybe it's the harmony. Maybe it's the sound. Maybe it's simply the feeling it gives you. Let's hear it..

What's something you were taught about music that you later discovered wasn't actually true—or at least wasn't the whole story? Maybe someone told you: "You're either musical or you're not." "Classical music is the only serious music." "You have to read music to be a real musician." "You need perfect pitch." "You have to practice for hours every day." "You have to understand ALL the theory before you can create music." "You can't play that instrument because you're too old." Or maybe it was something completely different. Finish this sentence: "I used to think _________ about music, but now I think _________." Let's see what experiences people have had.

Let's have some fun today. I'll give you a choice: Would you rather... A. Have perfect pitch OR B. Be able to instantly play anything you hear? You only get ONE. Which one are you choosing? And more importantly... WHY? There isn't necessarily a "right" answer here. I'm interested in seeing how musicians think differently about the same problem. Pick A or B and defend your choice.