Cameron Sheldon

Mr. Speciale

Music Appreciation 1, Period 5

9 February 2012

Hearing and Listening

The difference between hearing and listening is simple because hearing takes little to no effort where as listening requires focus. For example, when one hears a sound he or she does not dwell on the meaning or origin of the noise. Listening is different because one will attempt to identify the noise with its meaning and origin. This may require the listener to strain to acquire the meaning or origin. Music, for instance, could require listening if the listener wants to find out if he or she actually likes it. Music may also require hearing if one has no business with it besides merely hearing it’s noise.