Music’s Power

For over 20 years, I was a music teacher and so I never missed the Grammy Awards on TV. Times have changed for me, but the Grammy’s aired again Sunday night, for the 63rd time.

Music is the universal language. It is a powerful communication tool, memory provider, relaxation technique, mood creator and even medicine.

Scientists tell us that music is hardwired into our brain. It’s components like rhythm and melody echoes in our physiology, our functioning and our being. It has prominent effects on our body.

Before we go any further, because I hope you too are a music lover, let’s do an exercise. You can do it there where you are, but I would love to hear your responses, so please, please consider leaving a comment when you come to the end of this blog today, please?

THINK ABOUT THE YEAR 2020. WHAT SONG WOULD YOU PICK TO BEST REPRESENT IT?

THNIK ABOUT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS. WHAT SONG BEST DESCRIBES THOSE YEARS? (If you aren’t in HS yet, think about your middle school years and choose a song)

Lastly, THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE. WHAT SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO BEST REPRESENT YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE?

Music is entertaining of course, but it is more than that. It is powerful and it’s ability to help in the healing processes are still being discovered and understood.

Because of the close association of music with memories, doctors are telling us that it could be helpful with Alzheimer’s patients. Other doctors have told us listening to hip hop music is of great benefit to those with mental disorders. Pediatricians have concluded that infants remain calmer with music rather than speech.

Chances are you may have music playing right now, somewhere around you. If not now, you probably have recently or will in the near future. Music has become the soundtrack of our life. Silence is uncomfortable for many and therefore gets filled with music and other noise.

The power of music is undeniable.

Music stimulates more parts of your brain than any other human function. “Melodic intonation Therapy” coaxes parts of the brain to take over damaged parts, and that may even help patients regain the ability to speak. For stroke patients who have lost speech, music may stimulate those functions.

Music has been proven to reduce pain and anxiety, according to Brunel University in UK. After testing over 7,000 patients who had undergone surgery, playing music during their recovery (music of their choosing is even more powerful) reduced pain.

“… if music was a drug, it would be marketable… music is a non evasive, safe, cheap intervention that should be available to everyone undergoing surgery.”

Medical News Today 2015; Brunel University, UK

A Denmark study in 2014 has found that music may be beneficial for fibromyalgia patients.

“calm, relaxing, self-chosen music reduced the pain and increased functional mobility.”

Denmark study 3/14

Listening to music triggers opiods in the brain; they are the bodies natural pain killers. Listening to music also increases dopamine in the brain.

So… the music you choose to fill your home, car and brain with has power. Power to relieve your stress, strengthen your body and brain and even heal your mind and body. Pump it up, play it on repeat, and allow music to bring to you the peace and strength that The Creator intended.

Sit back, pump it up, close your eyes, (pour a glass of wine), and soak in music’s power of healing and strength. ENJOY.

Cheers to you.

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR SONGS IN THE COMMENT SECTION.

My 2020 song – Avenue of Broken Dreams – Green Day

My high school song – I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone – Johnny Nash

My future song – Waymaker – Sinach