Life without the ability to hear music is one of the greatest tragedies. I had the opportunity to watch and listen to a musical play in our county this past week which left me pondering about how wonderful music is in our lives.
Challenges are in everyone’s life yet music makes a difference. Music does a lot for your spirit whether for good or evil. It has a remarkable effect on people without them ever knowing. I love the words of Dr. Oliver Sacks, a neurologist in New York City who wrote the book “Awakenings.” From an article written in the Parade Magazine, March 31, 2002, (“When Music Heals Body and Soul”), Dr Sacks said he knew what affects music had in a person’s life but didn’t feel the need to listen to music until he fell and damaged the nerves and muscles of one leg. As he lay in the hospital, he couldn’t get any music on the radio so a friend brought him a tape recorder and tape of his favorite music. That music helped him find his rhythm in walking on that leg and he credits his fast healing to the music he listened to. It is truly amazing what soothing, inspirational music can do.
Whether the supermarket, department store, or church, great pains are taken to find music enjoyable to everyone’s ears. As I stroll through the mall, some stores play the lousiest, most obnoxious music; I don’t even want to go into the store. It’s usually the kind of store where teenagers shop. Supermarket music on the other hand is usually soothing and is so much a part of the background, I don’t usually notice.
Music plays a big part in setting the mood for movies, plays, funerals, or weddings. What would Christmas or Hanukkah be like without any music? Summer camp wouldn’t be the same without any singing. My sympathy for those who cannot hear is magnified when I think about all the wonderful music they are missing. Personally, I sometimes communicate my feelings better in terms of a song rather than just talking. Words and music to a song can communicate much more than I can say. Some movies and even TV commercials have brought me to tears by the emotion of the music. There is something about a great piece of music that fills the despairing soul which can lift your spirit.
At times when we were in a dancing mood at home, I would put on energetic music and dance around the house with my family. According to Connie Tomaino, Director of the Institute of Music and Neurologic Function, “The best music to listen to when you’re feeling stressed is music that consistently gives you pleasure.”
Playing music for children is also effective in getting them to do chores or use their energies in a positive way. Play energetic music and children start to dance. They have a natural rhythm with music. Remember Mary Poppins? Just ask any grade school teacher the effects of singing and music in the classroom. They know how it helps to calm and motivate children to learn better.
Music affects everyone differently. What grates upon the nerves of some might be calming to others. What is offensive to some is not to others. Religious music is very inspiring to many which cross over religious beliefs and ideals. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), I know how the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has helped uplift and give solace to many people. From the First Presidency of the LDS Church in Salt Lake City back in 1985, President Spencer W. Kimball, prophet of the church and his counselors Marion G. Romney and Gordon B. Hinckley wrote these words on the preface of the church’s hymnbook: “Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel. Latter-Day Saints should fill their homes with the sound of worthy music.”
There are so many sources for music besides CD’s, radio or television. I listen to Pandora.com which is based on the Music Genome Project. This organization is the most sophisticated taxonomy of musical information ever collected. For over eight years this Music Genome Project had a team of musicologists researching the effects of music on each individual. They believe that everyone has their own unique relationship with music. I set up my account online and then picked exactly what music I liked to listen to while using my computer. It’s like having your own personal radio station right online.
The internet has broadened everyone’s horizons of music on “Youtube”, “Jango”, “Grooveshark” or “I-Tunes”and many other websites promoting the opportunity to listen to any kind of music available much of which will help all families to feel uplifted and closer to their Father in Heaven.
Music is much a part of our lives, from the grocery store to church; it will always be here. Dick Clark said it perfectly: “Music is the sound track of your life.” So the next time your family is feeling glum, argumentative or not in the mood to do anything, play some happy, uplifting, energetic music and watch the mood change.
Valerie Steimle has been writing as a family advocate for over 25 years. As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she promotes Christian living in her writings and is the mother of nine children and grandmother to twelve. Mrs. Steimle authored six books and is a contributing writer to several online websites. To her, time is the most precious commodity we have and knows we should spend it wisely.
To read more of Valerie's work, visit her at her website, The Blessings of Family Life.
