...In Chapter 1 of the text, Kupperman (2006) makes several introductory cases concerning one’s pursuit for the Good Life through the construct of pleasure. The author goes through the lens of Csikszentmihalyi Flow Theory as well as other beliefs such as Buddhism and hedonism to showcase how pleasure can be obtained through different mediums, such as skill acquisition, doing activities that are pleasurable and comforting, or sacrificing personal desires on the behalf of serving others. From this conversation, the author expresses a few ideas that explain why the constant pursuit for pleasure does not always lead to a life of joy, happiness, or fulfillment for several reasons. One of them involves the issue that the negating of moderation of pleasurable...
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...Learning is a lifelong affair. Science draws nearer to unveiling the inner workings of existence and lyrical melodies expand our perceptions of even ourselves. The study of music never ceases; the quest for composition is forever a new journey, even when founded upon old ideas; it is a beautiful interconnection and represents, for me, the journey inward, and at the same time it is when I feel closest to God. The world is full of music; it is the rhythm of the street, and heartbeat of the earth itself. By unlocking these secrets, I can achieve that which is most revered to me; by sharing these secrets with those who seek them, I can help them achieve theirs as well; it is ever the musician’s quest to be heard much like the teachers’. Being accepted as an Emerald Eagle in the College of Music is, for me, a stepping stone. Every time I play a note, every time an audience cheers, every time I am allowed to share my experience with those who desire the same, I draw closer to the truth of my existence and I crave more. Taking what I love and giving it to others is a central theme to my story; it is a lifelong pursuit to enrich the lives of others. The pursuit of knowledge is, to me, as dear as the pursuit of happiness. With every new experience, we gain a bit of valuable insight that may help another along the way. With every obstacle we overcome, we draw nearer to the destiny we work to inherit. Every time an eager student asks a question, the answer may have lifelong ramifications...
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...They say that music is the universal language. Regardless of where you are from or what your background, a good melody is something that everyone can enjoy and understand. There must be something behind that, right? For children, music provides many, many benefits. Experts agree, there are lots of good things about letting your child learn to play an instrument. Here are 10 reasons why your child should put down the remote and pick up a musical instrument. 1. It will boost their brain power  Want to give your child a mental advantage? Music can do that. "More and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievements with children who are exposed to music," says children's music specialist Meredith LeVande of MonkeyMonkeyMusic.com....
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...Learning Styles The Visual (Spatial) Learning Style If you use the visual style, you prefer using images, pictures, colors, and maps to organize information and communicate with others. You can easily visualize objects, plans and outcomes in your mind's eye. You also have a good spatial sense, which gives you a good sense of direction. You can easily find your way around using maps, and you rarely get lost. When you walk out of an elevator, you instinctively know which way to turn. The whiteboard is a best friend (or would be if you had access to one). You love drawing, scribbling and doodling, especially with colors. You typically have a good dress sense and color balance (although not always!). Common pursuits and phrases Some pursuits that make the most use of the visual style are visual art, architecture, photography, video or film, design, planning (especially strategic), and navigation. You may tend to use phrases like these: * Let's look at it differently. * See how this works for you. * I can't quite picture it. * Let's draw a diagram or map. * I'd like to get a different perspective. * I never forget a face. Learning and techniques If you are a visual learner, use images, pictures, color and other visual media to help you learn. Incorporate much imagery into your visualizations. You may find that visualization comes easily to you. This also means that you may have to make your visualizations stand out more. This makes sure new material...
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...Classical Leisure Classical leisure in ancient Greece was a health and knowledge based ideal that promoted virtuous choices and conduct, and in turn led to true happiness and fulfilment. This state of being, known to many as Aristotle’s ‘classical leisure ideal’, was not restricted by work or time and had no ulterior motives. The parallels in contemporary leisure pursuits that can be seen today include studying, poetry, music, games, travel and sport; and are crucial for the preservation of arts, culture and the history of leisure in the 21st century. The classical leisure ideal emerged in Greece in 400-500 BC, where Greek life was based on the city-state, and philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Epicurus and especially Aristotle expressed leisure (schole) as the main goal in life (telos) (Lynch and Veal, 2006). ‘This state of being was contemplative and felicitous, with activity both giving intrinsic pleasure and being undertaken for self-development’, and was completely separate from ‘free time’ - ‘...anybody can have free time. Not everybody can have leisure’ (de Grazia, 1962 as cited in Lynch and Veal 2006 p. 8). Conditions that need to be met for classical leisure to exist include an awareness of the concept, ‘a breakdown in the universal ‘work ethic’’ and an ‘absence of the clock’ (p. 8). Consumerism and narcissism hinder these features and thus prevent some modern societies from adopting a system based on classical leisure. The ideas of freedom and conscious...
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...Woman is Fickle: A Modern Comparison By Jonathon Davis Dr. Michael J. Pendowski Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama November 13th, 2010 Verdi’s “La donna è mobile,” translated into “Woman is fickle”, puts onto display many popular key musical elements of the 19th century that are still very much alive in today’s modern music. Giuseppe Verdi utilizes several trends in music of the day to create the masterpiece that we still recognize today, despite the immense time gap. The piece is written about a woman whose mind constantly changes direction and leaves her admirers constantly pursuing in vain. Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was an Italian world class composer of operas during the height of the Romantic period. This piece is widely considered his most notable work, but considering all of his great operas still performed to this day, to place anything as his “most notable” would be an understatement. His career took off with Nabucco, which he wrote after the death of his children and wife, and was able to write masterpiece after masterpiece, even into his twilight years. Verdi died with twenty-eight operas on his resume, many of which are still performed today. Most of Verdi’s inspiration came from the works of Shakespeare, with the opera Macbeth as an example. Verdi also incorporated political messages into his operas, as Italy was leaving Austrian Hapsburg rule at the time. A chorus of Nabucco is still considered an Italian patriotic theme. The opera that this piece...
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...asking for change just to survive? And why do cross walk signs become life savers? I can tell you what’s wrong with these people, music. Music works wonders for anyone and everyone. There is no way around music. It is everywhere and playing at all times. From people blasting music with twelve inch subwoofers in their car driving past on the street to the proud parents of a newborn playing Beethoven and Mozart as it lies in its crib, you cannot avoid music. Every day I wake up and listen to music and walk out the door with a smile on my face and a rhythm to sooth my mind. As I am typing this paper I am also listening to music. It has engulfed and made a huge impacted on my life at different periods. At times I would be down and out I will listen to music to cheer me up. There are different types and genres of music. One important Genre is Country music. Country music was one of the most influential styles of music in the twentieth century. It had stars such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. These stars represented what the South felt. They understood shotgun weddings, not knowing where the next meal would come from, and fearing the wrath of God while simultaneously loving the sweet and instant satisfaction that sin brings. They took those pains and painted beautiful, harsh, and most importantly real portraits of life. The majority of today’s country music, the country that is played on mainstream radio, has lost its serious feel and replaced it with a more laid back sound which at...
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...Steve Caberto The art of music is craft that can take a lifetime to perfect. Though the pursuit of perfection is never obtain, Songwriter, producer, musician Steve Caberto well ahead of the pack. The musically inclined Miami native has been well acquainted with music since the age of 5 years old when his Uncle bestowed him with a Yamaha keyboard. It was there on, the musical gene began to consume and mold his focus. While most 14 year olds where indecisive on what new video game hit the shelves, Steve was already rooted in his path to conquer the endless melodies of music. Inspired and skilled in Jazz, Classical, Pop, and Hip Hop, Steve uses these various genres as a medium to create works of art that brings out a plethora of emotions to his...
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...Music has always been a big part of my life starting from being an active member of many Chorale groups throughout the years, to learning piano and studying Music Theory. However, it was during my junior year of High School that I gained interest in more than just the subject of Music. I realized that I wanted to be apart of the people who are "behind the scenes", the people that that contribute to bringing certain aspects of entertainment to life through the Business. So its safe to say that I have not only developed a strong interest in music, but also the vast areas of the Music Industry and Entertainment Business. After reviewing the numerous academic opportunities at Pace, I realized that this is the perfect school for me to study the Art and Entertainment business and develop the overall knowledge and skills to be successful in my career. Because my desired career has to do with not only the entertainment business but also the arts, I knew that New York City was the perfect place to study the many aspects of both. I was in search of an urban campus with professional and cultural diversity; also potential resources to help me progress throughout the next four years. Pace University seems to provide a nurturing environment to the students who attend, and as a freshman I am looking for a school that can provide me with the necessary tools I need to be successful in the entertainment and business world. I know that Pace has a lot to offer and I would welcome the honor to attend...
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...THE CASE OF MUSIC IN THE CAPITALIST ERA For more than a decade, the music industry and Music generally have been the core of many debates and controversies. Some are complaining about the mediocrity of today’s musical production or the power of Majors, or even the part of new technologies into the current recording crisis. But all these complains can probably be summarised in Brian Longhurst’s claim (1995), saying that the music industry has corrupted music by transforming it into a commodity, in the pursuit of profit. Indeed it seems impossible to deny the industrialisation of music nowadays. Culture in general didn’t avoid the transition of the world into the capitalism era. A music market appeared, ruled by the same rules than any other commodity market and with the same goal: to maximize profit. According to Timothy Taylor (2007, p 282) music today is made for the purpose of making money, not individual self expression anymore. First seen as an art that involves feelings and creativity, the transformation of music into a product of consumption is not insignificant. Therefore the main question should be: Did the transition of music into a commercial object change the essence of what it was originally? Thus in this essay, I’m going to treat the topic of music in the current capitalist context and the changes that this evolution involved. First of all we can consider that people started to sell music when they’ve been able to record and reproduce it, with...
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...On the other hand, Cyse remarks that is not time to hold back and hide because he is alive and proud to be the person he is. Finally, the last two lines are a sophisticated reference to the song “American Pie” by Don McLean. As stated by history.com "singer Don McLean memorialized Holly, Valens and Richardson in the 1972 No. 1 hit 'American Pie,' which refers to February 3, 1959 as 'the day the music died.' " In the song, driving the all-American Chevy to the levy (a dirt embankment that keeps a river contained in case of flooding, often found along the Mississippi) embodies the essence of American culture, principle, and music. The song reflects Don McLean's sadness to see this era die. Cyse uses this reference to condense the exact same feelings, but not towards the 50/60's rather toward the present and the better world which he once knew as opposed to the on he thinks we find ourselves in - one full of "hurt and...
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...General Purpose: to inform Specific Purpose: I will inform my audience about Will Smith I. Induction A. Willard Smith Jr. has dominated music, television, movies, nearly went bankrupt and is in the Guinness Book of World Records B. Lets learn more about Will Smith by first background, secondly music and finally movies and television. (To begin, we’ll look at his background) II. Background A. He was born in West Philadelphia. 1. Mother, Caroline 2. Father, Willard Smith Sr. 3. Brother, Harry Smith B. He married Shree Zampino in 1992. 1. Son, Willard Smith III 2. Divorced in 1995 C. Smith married Jada Pinkett in 1997 1. Son, Jaden 2. Daughter, Willow According to the Magazine titled “Will Smith changing the World” Will Smith has given $2.5 million to charities of which went to two Christian ministries and other Christian school in 2007. (Next, let’s focus on music) III. Music A. Smith started a hip hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff. 1. Known for humorous radio-friendly music 2. Parents just don’t understand 3. Summertime B. They won their first Grammy in Rap in 1988. 1. Underpaid his income tax 2. IRS wanted $2.8 million According to PEOPLE.com Will Smith has entered the studio with La Mar Edwards who’s worked with other popular rappers, to release a new album. (Finally, we will learn about Television and Movie) IV. Television and Movie A. He nearly went bankrupt in 1990 1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 2...
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...Scientifically, music is defined as any series of sounds that is percieved as pleasant to one’s aural senses. This is a crude answer, however, and ignores the complexity of thought and emotion within the elements of music. Throughout my own life, I have found a deep appreciation and utter infatuation with music, performing, and understanding its technical elements, and I have come to understand it as something more than sound. While the very basis of music to most anyone would be sound, most any self proclaimed music lover knows that it is more than that. It is commonly said by all that music is art, and that music is expression, but even this phrase lacks the depth of what my understanding of music has come to be. From a personal standpoint, music is an expressive device and a language. I often find myself immersed in music, be it listening, reading,...
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...friendship and people who surround me. And other of most important values in human life is family. I think no one can live alone. We have to support each other in our lives. I am now feeling the importance of it. It is that the family always supports me. Without my family’s support, I may different person. And that it gives me power is media industry. It is my second supporter or interesting after the family. I really attracted music and movies. I like to thinking a lot of things or understanding a lot of things while I listening to music. I have loved watching movie and film since I was small. And I have learned various things through movie and films. The influence of the media is great. It can be the cause for people to have various types of emotions such as happiness, sadness, and so on. And my family’s support and media industry helps me have a dream. Right now, my goal that it take step to come true in my dream is going to London. Because I have learned that education is the only tool in my life that I can never get tired of, because the pursuit of knowledge is...
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...Application essay My love for music began when I was around 14 years old, an age when i’m not yet understand every aspects of music like pitch, tone, rhythm, notation, but only the music itself. I was compelled by how music affects our heart and soul, how it can expess feelings words normally can’t. But mostly I’m interested in how to create such music that can moved people just by listening to. My passion in music grows ever stronger. But as much as I love it, pursuing music is not something that can be easily done. It’s a long and rocky road from listening to others’s music to producing our own. So many people have failed before. However, after doing much research about colleges that have a music composition program. I believe that the Contemporary Writing and Production Program in Berklee College of Music is the ideal starting place for me to chase after my music career. Music played a major part in my youth. My father used to play his piano smoothly every night before bed, and I would sit next to him, listening quietly. Every time I listened to his music, i always have such beautiful dreams at night. It really fascinating me how simple melody can deal major impact to our mind. Inspired by my father, i led a small music band later on in high school. We practiced day after day, learned many new techniques from each other. Our small performances at the tea houses, sidewalk, local park, even school concert, give us a lot of fun time and invaluable experiences. We once won...
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