"What Music Means to Me" Lesson

When do you listen to your music. Where/How/Who with?

When: Journeys, waking you up, with friends, relaxation, parties/club
Where: Home, in the bus/car, festivals/concerts, holiday, parties, friends house
How: iPods, TV, CDs, internet, radio
Who with: friends, siblings

Pleasures of listening to music and inspirations for song choices?

The pleasures of listening to music varied from person to person, as everyone gets something different from it. Generally though, patterns begun to emerge. It brought back memories f or lots of people such as childhood experience, holidays etc. People enjoy music for socialising, either singing along, introducing their friends, as a back drop to a party, or to dance to at a club. People also aspired to a lot of the stars, for example guitar heroes, or when they were younger, they aspired to be able to sing and dance as well as dancers in their favourite bands such as 'S Club 7'. There was a big element of 'self-discovery'; people discovering their personal tastes and prefferences, and broadening their tastes from influences they received from family and friends.

Most people drew their inspirations for their track choices from family and friends also, as well as good times, poignant events and memories, interesting music videos, or film soundtracks they enjoyed. Childhood choices for favourite songs were commonly from albums such as 'Now that's what I call music' or Top of the Pops, which have been specifically targetted for a younger market, packaged in bright colours etc., and evidentently their market was successfully targetted.

How is this relevant to the coursework task?

It was crucial for the understanding and recognising of who the audience is and what their prefferences are so that the video can be tailored to suit their needs. It was also helpful in highlighting the importance of an emotional connection to the audience, and the importance of the role of identity, and visuals.