Comments on: How Dissonance Moves Music, Voice and Life Forward

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 21:34:25 +0000

Sue your feedback means the world – glad it gave you some ponder points! At the end of the day, there's nothing like a sweet 1 chord… especially if it's spread out 1-5-10 🙂 xoxo

By: Sue Painter

Sue Painter — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 16:57:57 +0000

I don't much like dissonant music, but I so agree that dissonance is always the awakening to something else that brings harmony to the forefront.

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 13:31:37 +0000

Elizabeth, you have made my day. This is EXACTLY what I hoped the response would be… I wanted it to inspire and reassure that even chaos can be used for the good. Bless you for staying engaged. The world needs you!

By: Elizabeth H. Cottrell

Elizabeth H. Cottrell — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 13:26:55 +0000

Judy, this is a remarkable and uplifting article from someone who really appreciates that it’s not a “dumbing down” or oversimplification of a fascinating and complex subject. I studied piano through college, even though as a biology major, I was in labs so much that sometimes the only time I got in front of a piano was the hour of my lesson each week. But I was particularly drawn to your compelling argument about the value of dissonance because I have found myself hating the current cultural and political dissonance and wanting to withdraw from it all instead of staying engaged. You have inspired me to reframe my reaction and value dissonance as a tool for moving towards a more satisfying end. Thank you so much for this very thorough and thoughtful piece.

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:18:55 +0000

I really appreciate your feedback, glad this made sense to you! I do hope this post causes some deeper curiosity out there and awareness that we all need to do critical thinking in every realm to make the world a better place. Thanks again!

By: Unknown

Unknown — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:15:10 +0000

Great article Judy! You pretty much nailed it. Dissonance makes us take notice, and can make us long to move to the resolution, or we can rebel against it (shut out the dissonant elements) and stay stuck. When we listen to, or play/sing music that has dissonant elements, our brain wants the music to move to the resolution…it's the same for non-musical (cognitive)dissonance. It causes a need to be curious and open about what we're thinking. Then we can either choose to move toward resolution, or shut it down.

By: Judy Rodman

Judy Rodman — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 11:09:52 +0000

Catherine, thank you for taking the time to let me know. It did take some time to write; I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

By: Catherine Nemec

Catherine Nemec — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 01:28:47 +0000

Thank you, Judy, for such a thoughtful and thought-provoking article.