Learning How to Listen with Discovery Orchestra | New Jersey Monthly

Jacqueline Klecak, Associate Editor for New Jersey Monthly notes, "Discovery Orchestra, a classical music-focused program, aims to make centuries-old pieces more accessible and approachable to people of all ages."

“Not everyone can become a virtuoso violinist, guitarist or pianist, but everyone can become a virtuoso listener.” — George Marriner Maull
Photo courtesy of Dan Hedden.

Music is a constant in the background of our lives. While eating, reading and driving we hear melodies, but are we really listening?

“We’ve been trained to not give music our full attention,” says Bedminster resident George Marriner Maull, artistic director of the Discovery Orchestra, a nonprofit dedicated to improving listening skills.

The Warren-based organization was founded as the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey in 1987. After years of performing symphonic concerts, the organization’s mission changed in 2006 when it became the Discovery Orchestra.

Now, the classical music-focused program aims to make centuries-old pieces more accessible and approachable to people of all ages. During interactive music lessons, or Discovery Concerts, Maull, 70, enthusiastically leads musicians on stage as the audience follows along with listening-guide pamphlets. During frequent pauses in the performance, Maull instructs concertgoers to listen for specific instruments and musical elements.

“Not everyone can become a virtuoso violinist, guitarist or pianist,” says Maull, “but everyone can become a virtuoso listener.”...

Music students everywhere can view condensed versions of Maull’s teachings through the Discovery Orchestra Chat videos on YouTube.
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Source: New Jersey Monthly