The Joy of Music: 'Sound' Therapy for
Everyday Life
Leonard Bernstein, the great pianist and conductor,
wrote a book back in 1959 titled "The Joy Of Music" that got me so excited about
music that the excitement has lasted for a lifetime and shows no sign of slowing
down. And I am just one of millions who feel that joy as I play my piano or
listen to another musician play a haunting phrase.
And music brings not only joy, but sanity and peace in a
busy and tumultuous world. Is it time for music to sound forth and restore your sanity? Does the joy of
music bring a simple joy to your everyday life?
Maybe it's been a tough day at work and you need to unwind. Maybe the kids
have been hyperactive and you finally have them settled.
Maybe that traffic jam had your mind, and your car, going in circles.
As soon as you can, stop; sit; and listen to music. It is time for those
personal favorite sounds of yours to calm you down. The joy of music is one of
life's bonuses that we can easily access.
Music enjoyment is a pleasure that we come by naturally. From an early age,
catchy melodies get our attention. We toe-tap, finger snap, and slap backs when
we here our favorite song. Music lifts our spirits, or at least consoles them
when we're sad.
There are many ways we can appreciate music. We can sit alone in our room and
listen as our mind savors melodies and harmonies. We can sit with a group of
friends and family and discuss favorite tunes as they play.
We can go to live performances and witness before us the creative talents of
musicians. There is nothing as exhilarating as watching a symphony or jazz
orchestra, or rock or country band strut their particular stuff. Even a solo
artist alone on stage singing into a microphone or sitting at a grand piano can
dazzle us. We have the benefit of sight as well as sound as these artists
perform.
There is another way we can experience the joy of music.
We can play music of
our own by learning an instrument. Whether it's the piano or something else, we
can learn to create. We can appreciate music through our own musical creations.
What is it about music that enthralls and engages us? It's the fact that we
can enjoy it without it demanding much in return from us. All that music asks
for is our attention.
Of course, if we choose to play music it demands our attention and physical
effort as well. Here, playing music and listening to what we're playing is its
own reward. If you ever feel the urge to take a music lesson, or even self-teach
yourself, do it. The act of performing music on your own is a thrill. It becomes
even more so as you develop your skills. With patience and determination, it
will enhance your joy of music.
Music allows us to contemplate life against a beautiful aural background.
There's something wonderful about a fine composition wafting through the air as
we view nice scenery. There's something peaceful about sitting in a deck chair
in a backyard with headphones on. Those long vacation drives with a box full of
CDs at your side is pure utopia.
Music is the icing added to the cake of life experiences.
Can you imagine a wedding without music? Would you enjoy a parade with only
the sound of feet on pavement as an accompaniment? Would a birthday party be the
same if we didn't sing a song? Imagine Christmas without traditional tunes and
hymns.
Its apparent life would be mundane without music to whistle, hum, or play air
guitar to.
The next time you're down and you need a lift, listen to, or play some music.
The next time you're elated, and you want to celebrate, listen to, or play some
music. All the other times in-between, make time to listen to, or play some
music. It can make an ordinary day extraordinary.
Experience the joy of music any time you're ready for 'sound' therapy.
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