I think the difference between the two is the level of engagement. We are always hearing (we can’t close our ears) but in day to day life truly actively listening can be difficult.
I find myself often drifting between sounds becoming background to other sounds or thoughts, and conciously thinking about or noticing or being made aware of a particular sound. Perhaps this is the grey area between hearing and listening, hearing can provoke listening but can the subconscious listen?
At a live performance you don’t just hear, but you feel the vibrations, you sense the space, you see the actions and interactions on stage, you perceive the emotion of the performer and audience, you sing, dance, clap etc. Listening is responsive, a holistic sesory experience of energy.
Listening alone whether to a piece or in an excersise is different as you are more with your thoughts, your mind is left to wonder. Perhaps you go as far as analysing it or even just passing judgement. Listening is informed.
In the Sound of Silence (which became stuck in my head during the lecture – was I listening?), Paul Simon equates hearing and listening to talking and speaking. The active multi sensory notion again, the idea that we always talk but when are we actually saying something. I guess this implies listening holds a lot more meaning. In the same way you could say hearing without listening is like eating without tasting. There is a process and emotion to listening. Or like seeing without watching – listening is attentive. Even being without living.