Over spring break, I had lots of time to hang out with my family and friends, whom I don't get to see very often because I'm at school, just like the rest of us. I have always been super close to my dad and loved the kinds of music he plays, so he was perfect to interview. I gave him 12 questions of the ones we came up with in class, and these are his responses. My dad's name is Mark, and he is 49 years old. He is also a doctor who works with older people with memory issues or who are admitted to the hospital,
Me: What is your favorite type of music?
Mark: My favorite types of music are hard rock and classic rock.
Me: Why do you like that type of music?
Mark: I enjoy this music most because, as a child, I grew up in the 1980s when heavy metal and hard rock were very popular.
Me: Who's your favorite artist?
Mark: My favorite artist is Bon Jovi.
Me: Do you have a favorite song? Why?
Mark: My favorite song of all time is “Jump” by Van Halen. This is ironic as my favorite song did not come from my favorite band.
Me: How have your musical tastes changed over the course of your life?
Mark: My musical tastes have certainly expanded as I have gotten older. Right now, I enjoy all types of music, primarily classic rock, jazz, piano, and country.
Me: Did you play any instruments or sing when you were younger?
Mark: I did play the drums briefly as a young child but never officially performed in any capacity.
Me: How has music impacted you throughout your life?
Mark: Music has always been a part of my life, mainly because my older brother played the electric guitar. I was heavily influenced by the musical selections that he played. I always played music to get me energized for any sporting events that I was involved in as an athlete.
Me: What did your parents think of your music?
Mark: My parents, at the time, honestly did not pay much attention to what I was listening to. As I look back, I’m sure some of my musical selections weren’t in my best interest, but they did not influence my behavior as I got older.
Me: What do you think of the music today's young listen to?
Mark: I’m not a big fan of today’s music. Primarily hip-hop and rap do not appeal to me. I know this is a large market. There are a lot of young kids that enjoy this type of music and are heavily influenced by it. It is just not my preference.
Me: Have you been to any live concerts? Who was it? What were the concerts like?
Mark: I’ve been to many concerts over the years, including Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Phil Collins, Don Henley, kiss, Def Leppard, foreigner, and Journey, just to name a few.
Me: What is music for?
Mark: I think music has many purposes. Obviously, there is the entertainment purpose for which the majority of people enjoy. However, music can also be used therapeutically for young children if they are anxious, as well as in the geriatric population, specifically in dementia and memory care units, where it is helpful for sometimes calming agitated residents.
Me: Do you like my music?
Mark: I like some of the music that you listen to, primarily country. As I stated in a previous question, I’m not a particular fan of hip-hop or rap music.
Here is my dad's favorite song, "Jump," if you have never heard it.
