It’s hard to imagine a world without music. I have been privileged with the opportunity to participate in band for the past nine years, and I’m certain that if those memories were to disappear, I would be a completely different person today. For anyone who has a passion for music and plays an instrument or multiple, their lives would be equally different. Many people constantly have their headphones in, and I doubt they could last a full day without their phone or iPod. Music does so much for us, as individuals and as a culture, and we’ve become so accustomed to it that it’s sometimes taken for granted.
Music is motivational. There’s a genre for every mood and every occasion. There’s a “jam” for working out, for studying, for hanging out with friends. You can even find the right tune to help with getting relaxed at night. And of course, there are songs that motivate us to cry, with the perfect lyrics and melody that pulls at your heartstrings.
Music is universal. It is a language in itself and one that everyone can understand. It transcends national boundaries and can be a symbol of peace and unity. It brings people together in spaces for hearing, performing and producing music where the purpose in each is to simply enjoy a shared love of the art form.
Music is spiritual. It’s a direct line to the soul. It can be healing or troubling, but it’s undeniable that the words or melody and your deepest emotions become connected when you’re open to its influence. When you find a song that fits you perfectly, it becomes your anthem. When you find a song that “gets” you, hold on to those precious lines in reassurance that you’re not alone in your struggles.
Music is inspiring. No matter how seemingly simplistic or complicated a song is, creative attention was put into it, and every song holds a message. When spoken words are no longer enough, a well-written song aimed at a cause can create a gathering that’s more touched and devoted than ever before. An amazing example of this is “We Are the World," originally performed in 1985 by several famous musicians. The proceeds from the song’s distribution went into a charity for struggling African countries. The song was performed again in 2010 as a tribute to the people of Haiti following the earthquake that devastated the country that year. The world truly came together in both instances due to the inspiration that the song evoked to help others in need.
Music is contagious. Unless you’re deaf, it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere without hearing music in a commercial, in movies, even as a ringtone when someone’s phone goes off. You subconsciously tap your foot or at least groove internally when there’s music on in the background, and that’s not something that needs to be hidden.
Music is a celebration of life and a showcase of human creativity, so embrace your inner diva, rock and roll, and feel the music deep within your soul.
