No matter what you like, there is no denying that music has extraordinary power of us.

No matter what styles or music genres, music has a power over our lives and a unique effect on us. Its power can amplify our mood if we choose, or it can change our mood from anger to mellow, from despair to jubilation, from indifference to romance, from lethargic to energized. It can quiet our jangled nerves or generate a pounding head rush.

Classical, Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Country, Rhythm and Blues, Latin, Rock and hip-hop represent just a few of many music genres that are available. For a comprehensive list of styles, try this: List of music styles, Wikipedia  (last visited Oct. 11, 2008).

Today we often use music as a quick fix for our problems -- we use it to drown out the cacophony of people around us -- or we use it to build an impenetrable wall of sound around us locking out thoughts and ideas that we find troubling and unsettling. Some times we use it as camouflage to blend in with others and appear not to be different. Some of us even use it to intimidate and irritate -- putting it "out there" or in everyone's face. We do every thing but enjoy it.

And it's a shame. Because music is unique in the opportunity for appreciation and enjoyment it offers. In its highest form music is produced at the intersection of three different forms of perfection. First, you have the talent and creativity of the composer or lyricist who created the work to be played. Second, you have the talent and artistry of the musician or vocalist who performs the work. And finally, you have the skill and craftsmanship of the one who built the instrument upon which the music is played, be it an artisan or vocal mentor. When the music is played as part of an orchestra, band or ensemble then you add to the forms of perfection the quality of the blended sounds and the precision of the rhythm and harmony of the musicians. All this is achieved through a great deal of work, dedication, and practice.

Appreciation grows with knowledge. You can improve your ability to enjoy music genres of all types by learning about the origins, learning about the artists, and learning how each is constructed. The structure and development of different music genres may have different beginnings and originate from different roots and circumstances. They may have different purposes and different messages. Learning about them can only add to your enjoyment.

Another way to gain an appreciation for the music and for the talent and skills of those involved is to try it yourself. Try learning the piano, guitar, or drums. Try writing lyrics. Try writing a melody or creating a composition. Join a choir. In this way you'll gain an appreciation of the energy, dedication, and work involved in becoming a skilled musician.

Try it yourself. It will greatly enhance the WOW factor you feel when you hear a  well-played composition.

-Jake