Why does Listening Theory Matter?

Here at Approaches to Listening, we believe that the way we listen makes an enormous difference. Our unique Four Filters of Listening framework is the basis of what we call listening theory. Whether you don't often listen to music or listen to it every day, listening theory matters. And it extends far beyond just listening to music!

5 Reasons Why Listening Theory Matters

1. Listening theory's model links and balances feeling and thinking. So often these elements are seen as separate, or contradictory, but listening theory shows how feeling and thinking never have to compromise the other to have their full due. In fact, if either side is compromised then both are restricted. I believe this idea applies to music and listening, but I also believe that it applies far more universally than that, but listening gives us the explanation for why that is. 

2. Listening Theory gives you a way to identify where you are in attitude, and presence. 

   I call this temporal perspective–or awareness of where you are in time. Are you in an interview to get a job at the end of the interview? If you are, then it’s useful to know that you might spend too much time thinking about the end of the interview instead of being present in the moment. There are pros and cons to preparing for the future and to being in the moment, but you’ll never be able to take charge of those pros and cons unless you know where you are in time. 

3. Listening theory highlights the importance of choice. A friend once told me, “Agency [or choice] is the first principle of happiness.” I believe he was correct, because there have been too many great experiences in my life that I’ve not fully enjoyed because I wasn't approaching it in the right way. I remember resenting a fantastic Italian meal out as a teen because I wanted Mexican food instead–but if I could have chosen a better approach, then I would have had a better chance at enjoying my meal. The four filters in particular give a great foundation for identifying your approach to any given task or activity, and knowing what you’ve chosen is a great first step in deciding what you’ll choose next. 

4. Listening theory doesn’t have any pre-requisites. You don’t need to take music lessons, love classical music, or even be an adult to appreciate the benefits of listening theory. All you need is some flexibility and a willingness to connect with your feeling and thinking. 

5. Listening Theory offers greater connection to anything you can listen to, and a specific pattern to help you get more from what you hear. Often when we try to engage with something we get stuck in the work of engaging (thinking), or get bogged down in our efforts to connect. Listening theory offers methods that are strengthened through work and practice, but also includes patterns that require you to stop trying to get the greatest benefit from your listening (feeling). When those two approaches work together then you’ll have a strong and self-sustaining model of listening.

Listening theory is simple at its heart, but it's not something that is commonly taught to musicians. Learn more about listening theory by joining our community! You can post your questions and get answers from myself and other participants. Join for free here.