I listened to jazz (I hate jazz) for a week. Here’s what happened

I followed the YouTube trend of “I did ______ for a week. Here’s what happened,” by listening to a genre of music that I least care for (jazz) for 15-20 minutes a day to see what would happen.

We all have a genre of music we least care for. For me, it’s southern gospel, death metal, punk, and above all, jazz. I prefer almost every other music genre.

I listened to jazz for a week. I listened to different types of jazz including, the basic cafe jazz (coffee shop music), women in jazz, jazz fusion and classic jazz standards.

Here is my commentary on a few of the songs I listened to during the week.

“In your own sweet ways” Dave Bruwrick.

I rated this song a 1/10. Like with my assumptions on jazz, this song made me bored. When I heard this song, it reminded me of the film score of a vintage movie.

“That’s the way love goes” Norman Brown

This song was more upbeat, and calming, like a happy calm, I rated this song a 6/10.

Women in jazz: I preferred this sub-genre. This next song is my favorite out of all of them.

“I can’t help it by Esperna Spabling

This song was truly beautiful. I envisioned being in a night club in the 1920s and women in feathered dresses. Rating for this song is a 11/10.

Thoughts

I realized that jazz isn’t as bad as I always thought it was. When I pictured jazz, my mind didn’t go beyond cafe jazz typical at local coffee shops. When I opened myself up to listening jazz, I felt more calm, more relaxed, and just kind of happy. I realized opening up to new things won’t hurt me; if anything. it will open my mind up and see the world differently.

What research says

Exposure therapy is used in many situations, but why music?

Exposing yourself to new music can be good if you are stressed by allowing yourself to try something new without going anywhere. You are introducing yourself to a new world of music, whether it’s country, rock, rap, metal, punk, pop, etc.

Most people just have one playlist they listen to with the same songs over and over again; I am a part of most people.

Studies show that our brain interacts differently with different types of music, and psychologically, different parts of the brain react to different types of music. Scientists have been doing tests for years exposing plants to different types of music, and various plants thrived differently depending on the music played. Whether the music makes you want to dance, makes you sad, makes you happy, or whatever it does to you, it almost always affects your music.

According to these studies, different genres of music can improve personal productivity levels, help you control pain, and anger, your coping skills will improve, increases creativity, and improves your memory.

For those considered “bi musical,” those who are more accepting of different music types, you may be more open-minded on other aspects of life, including openness to interact with more people and put yourself out there. These studies tended to find that those who stick to one genre normally interact with people who also only listen to that genre. When you listen to new music, you tend to relate more to others.

When I first started listening to jazz, I was miserable. I started on Thursday and ended on Friday. I listened to 15 straight minutes, minimum. The more I listened to it, I started realizing that I stereotyped music. We don’t always give music the chance it deserves. We tend to listen to what our friends listen to, and don’t give other music the chance.

Next time you pick up your headphones or turn on your speaker, try the complete opposite of what you normally listen to.