Reconsidering the concept of the "trained listener" in music

This article revisits the concept of the "trained listener" in contemporary music, focusing on the aesthetic and psychological perception of dissonant intervals. Drawing on both theoretical perspectives and the author’s experience as a composer and sound engineer, it distinguishes between the "tolerance" and "perception" of dissonance, arguing that true musical refinement lies in conscious awareness, analysis, and the deliberate selection of sonic elements based on their emotional and spiritual effects. The study challenges conventional views of ear training and proposes a broader framework for developing musical sensitivity and understanding that integrates aesthetic, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of music.