| Having played what is commonly called "New Age | | | | also quite relaxing and soothing as well. Is it the |
| Piano" for the last 16 years, you'd think I'd be | | | | artists themselves who play this music? Maybe, |
| qualified to define it. But I'll be perfectly honest | | | | but speaking personally, I can tell you that I don't |
| with you and say I haven't the slightest clue! | | | | practice a "new age" religion - whatever that is |
| Here's what I know. I know the music is more | | | | and I don't believe in much of what is espoused |
| consonant than dissonant. I know that the | | | | as "new age" philosophy. As a matter of fact, I |
| harmonies are mostly major but can be minor | | | | don't even know what "new age" philosophy is |
| and that chord choice leans towards a "clean" | | | | but I'm guessing that it's anything besides what |
| sound. As far as melody goes, it can be anything | | | | mainstream religion/philosophy is. |
| from an ambient melange with no discernible | | | | So what makes New Age music New Age? I |
| direction to a simple folk spun line a child could | | | | don't really know. I can only tell you that when it |
| follow. | | | | came time to market these CDs to the world, |
| Now that the basic elements of music are out of | | | | executives in marketing realized the music would |
| the way, I really couldn't tell you what makes | | | | sell better if it were under a different umbrella |
| New Age Piano "new age." | | | | than say, jazz or classical. I imagine they came up |
| Is it the relaxing aspect of this music that makes | | | | with the term New Age for the soothing qualities |
| it "new age?" Perhaps, but then classical music is | | | | much of this music has. Which is fine by me. |