On Music

Isn’t it amazing how human beings respond to music? It is a conscious and unconscious thing. Our brains are hardwired to piece one sound together with another, finding rhythm and movement, creating color and meaning. It is the “Universal Language” as every people group around the world is known to have music. It helps us store memories and assists in breathing and speaking. Music, with its assumed melody, phrasing, and structure can help recreate neural pathways in the brain. It is why music therapists work with patients on speech and physical rehabilitation. 

In my work, I have seen people make extraordinary progress with music alone. Their bodies move in ways they haven’t been able to move, and people working on speech have been heard making sounds they haven’t made since before having a stroke. Walking becomes second nature while legs gain strength. While singing, people do not try to recall the words – they just sing. People suffering with dementia can sing entire songs without thinking about the words. Lyrics come out effortlessly, as do family’s tears after witnessing the astounding event. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Social Experiment 

Let’s do a social experiment together. The next time you are in a public place where there is music playing, take account of the music. What does it sound like? Can you feel a beat? Is it calming? Notice the people around you and discreetly observe them. Can you tell that they are listening to or subconsciously hearing the music? Are they swaying to the rhythm, tapping their feet to the beat, or patting out the melody with their hands? Are they bobbing their head, mouthing the words, or singing aloud? And how about you? You must be attuned to the music at this point. How do you feel? Are you sitting deep into the back of your chair or are you at the edge of your seat like you’re about to get up? Can you feel your toes wiggling with the music? Is the melody racing through your mind or the harmony humming behind your lips? Is the song familiar? What does this song mean to you, and how is it impacting your day?

Finding meaning out of sound is part of our purpose on this earth.

Music is truly inspiring, and finding meaning out of sound, I believe, is part of our purpose on this earth. No other animal on this planet can make music with emotion attached to it. We are unique in what we have and how our brains process the intricacies of sound waves, feelings, and memories. Human beings are spectacular, and the way we use, process, and experience music is so special.