This is a survey for a group project presentation in English 347: Young Adult Literature. My group and I are presenting on Music and the effects/impact is has on people from their middle school years to college (and beyond, if you like). Names, if provided, will be kept private, but please keep in mind this is for a presentation. Please explain your answers/give examples as much as you feel necessary. Thank you for participating! If you would like to respond without leaving it in a comment, please email me at whitmam2@students.wwu.edu with "Survey" in the subject.
- In general, what kind of effect does music have on you?
- In middle or high school, what were some of the genres, bands, or artists you listened to?
- Did you ever feel any pressure about the kind of music you liked in middle and high school? Does that pressure still exist now?
- Was music ever a key factor in how you spent your free time?
- Did music ever dictate the people you surrounded yourself with? If yes, what kind of atmosphere did this generate?
- Did your musical tastes align with that of your parent, guardian, or someone outside of your age group? If so, did you view this positively or negatively?
- Did you ever view music or music culture as a form of rebellion or identity?
- Do you have any other stories or memories involving music which you think are pertinent?
We acknowledge that there are many generalizations and stereotypes surrounding music and the effect it has on people. If you believe that this survey perpetuates these stereotypes, we would greatly appreciate being refuted! Please share thoughts, anecdotes, banter, and witticisms.
1. I find music motivational/inspiration especially when it comes to physical activity (such as exercise or cleaning) or mental activity (such as writing). Sometimes I also find music calming/relaxing. It depends on the type of music I'm listening to (upbeat versus mellow) and if I am listening to it with friends or alone.
ReplyDelete2. I didn't listen to music a lot in middle school. In high school I bought my first CD--Sting's Brand New Day--and apart from that I mostly listened to the radio--some oldies, some country, some techno, some musicals--a fairly eclectic mix.
3. I felt a ton of pressure toward the end of the middle school/throughout high school about the kind of music I listened to. That pressure still exists now. Whenever I meet someone and they ask me what kind of music I listen to I feel anxious about telling them because I think they'll judge me. I remember hiding my CDs when people came over because I didn't want them to see what country artists I listen to. I remember an ice-breaker exercise in one of my college classes that involved sharing what type of music we listened to and the moment I said musicals someone made a derogatory remark. So, yes, that pressure definitely still exists.
4. Music was never that big of a key factor in how I spent my free time, except, I guess, during middle school when my friends and I would play a lot of DDR--or as a 21+-year-old going out dancing with friends.
5. Music never dictated the kind of people I surrounded myself with. Maybe vice versus. When I was younger I tended to listen to what my friends listened to, especially before I really started developing musical taste of my own. When I was really young I listened exclusively to Disney soundtracks or what my older brothers/dad listened to (oldies/rock).
6. I don't really discuss music with people (due to aforementioned pressure to conform to certain kinds of musical taste). I don't remember ever having a significant experience either positively or negatively with someone outside of my age group re: music.
7. No. Especially because one of the main genres I listen to (country) is counter to every aspect of my identity (liberal queer anti-war woman). My identity has never been connected to what I listen to.
8. This one time in art class this boy told me to have more confidence in my own musical taste. I really appreciate that advice. I feel like I have wasted a lot of time apologizing for my musical taste to other people and wish I hadn't but it's a hard habit to break in our culture.
1. Whatever effect I am trying for. Calm I listen to something on the mellow side. Up and at it some rock and roll. I listen to whatever mood I am in or trying to get in.
ReplyDelete2.Rolling Stones, Lots of old blues, Jefferson Airplane, Greatful Dead, Yardbirds, etc.
3.No
4. Music is a factor in how I spend my time always was and still is.
5. Yes, I was a hippy in the 60's and music very much inspired who I hung out with.
6.Not really.
7.Yes, I think most of my era did.
8.My first concert was Elvis Presley on his first national tour. I was 12 and my mother and aunts took me to see him. I have seen 100.s of concerts and each one is a great memory. Music is pretty much my greatest entertainment.