"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo.¹ When I was studying at a university in the United States, I took a music appreciation course which I enjoyed very much even though I was not as musically minded as some other people. It was the first time I really appreciated music since I stopped piano lessons that were conducted under a system which I found regimental and boring where I had to practice everyday. Please don't get me wrong. It's important to practice daily in order to play an instrument well. However, at that time, I felt having to practice daily was more like a duty to make the teacher happy, and not for the purpose of improving myself. My teacher said I was not ready for my piano exam because I couldn't play an non examination piece well. Actually, I did not practise that piece because I hated it. It was not melodious to me. Perhaps, if I had taken the music appreciation course at that time, I would have a different attitudes towards the piece. There was not much of encouragement at all. I know I am not an expert in music, and therefore, my words carry less weight. However, I am speaking as someone who had experienced it myself. If I have a child who is learning to play a musical instrument, I will say to him or her, "Child, I enjoy your playing, but if you continue to practise every day, you will soon be able to play a larger variety of pieces, and enjoy making music more. You might have attended a music appreciation course yourself, and remembered the wonderful experience you had during the lectures, and concerts. This page is especially design for you so that you can more easily look for information that help you to continue to appreciate music as much as you can. Even if you have not attended any music appreciation classes before, you as a lover of music will find this page full of useful information. From the music appreciation course, I learned why a certain piece was played in a specific way. When I was having piano lessons when I was a kid, I was taught how to play but was not told why I had to play in the way as I was told to.

¹"Famous Quotes and Quotations, "http://www.famous-quotes-and-quotations.com/music-quote.html.

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