"Why waste money on psychotherapy when you can listen to the B Minor Mass?"--Michael Torke
Thursday, July 2, 2009
~ there has never been a day that music hasn't been in my life.. I find a spiritual connection in most music... with music in the background ~ I laugh, I cry, I feel excited, I feel sexy, I remember...my life has been scored -
Every morning I wake up a listen to "You're The One That I Want" from Grease and "Good Day Sunshine" by the Beatles and more often then not, I can have a smooth and joyous morning.
It effects my mood. Music is more powerful then any issue or feeling that I have. It's like what God is to some people.
Honestly I don't look as music as being some mythical medicinal thing but I have felt "sad" or "depressed" and been able to turn on a good, up beat tune and it always helps. I would say if anything music has this ability to take you away from what is wrong. For instance, if I had a horrible day instead of sitting in silence rehashing the events that left me with my salty disposition I can play some music and be taken away from said events. Thus, music as medicine unlikely but music as a away to escape...plausible....=]
Man I never even really listened to music when I was younger.... Until I got an iPod. Lol now ever since then music has been a main installment in my life. Whether it be heart break, anger, joy, infatuation, love, even if I'm horny. And of course just chillin. Layin in bed music is a great remedy for everything. Most people don't know about Christian music but the positive vibes it gives off are very inspiring and interesting I reccomend u give it a shot try relient K or something like audio adrenaline and then let me know what you think of it.
Much love
Taylor
Music was always my first love. From the first time that I heard something that made me want to dance to the times where I was belting out Mariah Carey songs and truly understanding what it meant to be still believing in the idea of a love that was deemed lost. I have been in a long-term relationship with music from the very first time that I tried to do the moonwalk to the times where I have sobbed uncontrollably over loss and death, and the times that I will never forget with friends where I have laughed and danced and exuded happiness. Music is my happiness. Music is my love. It is always there for me even if nobody else can be or will be. Music is eternally relateable and relevant and reliable. Shakespeare famously said, "If music be the food of love, play on" and play we shall...even when times are tough and happiness seems out of our reach--one listen to one happy song and our mood is brightened and our souls are reset.
music has gotten me through some really rough places over the years. it has been there when no one else would bother. my walkman allowed me to escape during a 'family' trip with a stepmonster that made my stomach turn with some foresight that i didn't understand until after the trip. music has helped me vent anger, get all sexified for a date, made me laugh hysterically when i needed it, deal with loss, spur me on...and music never judges me...
For as long as I can remember, music has been a major part of my life. My Dad, made sure that my sister and me were pretty well rounded musically. When remembering past experiences, I tie it to songs or bands that I was listening to at the time. Music no matter how much or how little you listen to it, will help shape your thoughts and person.
When words fail, music speaks.
(First) Essay for Orchestra, Op. 12 by Samuel Barber. This is seriously the most beautiful piece ever written. It makes me cry every time I hear it.
Music has always been the most present and most constant thing in my life. I can't remember a time where I wasn't listening to my mother hum a song, or play the guitar. I can't remember a time growing up when I didn't hear music blaring through my house for any occasion. It is the most healing thing I can possibly imagine. It is my comfort and the only thing I've ever truly counted on to get me through anything. As a singer myself, and an aspiring musical theatre performer, music will continue to make me happy and bring me the most joy and happiness.
@john77752 The artists are stereotypical because they have to present a certain image. The people that listen to them don't always present the same image.
I think that music, like most other forms of art, tells a story. When listening to a good piece of music, you can connect with the characters, the lyrics strike an emotional chord within you, and the song carries you through a journey that you can easily relate to or perhaps lead you through a fantasy that, through music, you feel like you're living.
Just saw "The Simpsons" episode with Michael Jackson as a guest. The song he sings, "Lisa, it's your birthday. Happy birthday, Lisa." Feels like medicine. I always feel better when I hear that song.
MJ, you made some incredible songs, music, medicine. I miss you already.
G.
Music lyrics provide the words that my emotions cannot spell out.
Music connects us with the divine and unknowable because it is intangible. It is its etherial and intangible quality that automatically draws out heart into the experience. Viva la Vita from Coldplay brings me directly to a state of joy because the artists involved were truly connected to the experience of bringinf it to life... at least that's what I think. :)
At the moment the one piece of music that does me a world of good is "Mad Rush" by Philip Glass. I always feel something when I hear this piece. It's great for lying in the sun and watching the clouds. Sometimes it gives me the chills. It's just one of those pieces. :)
I carry my ipod and/or phone with me everywhere I go so I will always have music. I have different music for all my moods, whatever the situation I have music for it. :P It helps me to relax at night; it helps me to see the world in all its beauty; it helps me remember moments, movies and books; it allows me feel. I think I'd be infinitely more stressed and broken if it weren't for music.
Music moves me. A familiar song can trigger a wonderful memory and make me smile and even laugh. As a dancer, music is medicinal as a backdrop for my dancing. I could be angry, sad, happy, ecstatic... music pulls those feelings out of me and allows my body to express those feelings by dancing.
I would be painfully lost without music, I think.
I think the power of music, especially classical, comes from its ability to juxtapose many emotions together in a narrative-like arrangement: each emotion evoked by a particular motif or movement becomes more powerful because of its context, the parts that came before, and will come after it. It's arranged like a great story, but it's completely abstract.
Considering how great music like Beethoven is, most people won't go out of their way to experience it at all because it requires your full attention. They prefer music they could put on in the background, like everything you can hear on the radio's Top 40 stations, and forget about because it offers them instant gratification, and doesn't take much for the listener to commit to.
With that said, we should support higher art and not "products" that the music industry produces to deafen and numb ourselves with.
I use music literally, as medicine. I'm still learning the ways, but it's very effective. For instance, if I'm feeling depressed and I can get myself to do it, I try to sing (even though I'm not a particularly good singer) it always makes me feel better. Of course, the song matters, you don't want to sing some depressing pop song. But even just humming helps. Also, if I'm feeling impatient or disjointed, I play a drum with intent to be rhythmic. You can't maintain rhythm if you're impatient and after a while I relax into it. Mind you, I'm not particularly a musician, singer or a drummer, I have a simple little hand held drum and mallet and I just play. Always feel better after. Or, if I'm feeling depressed or some sort of negativity, I might play the didj (also I should note, I'm not great at it). But, not only does the vibration have a physically releasing tension type of effect, it requires a different breathing pattern than normal, which shifts you biologically into a calmer state. I've worked with Peruvian Shaman who use music to heal. They call upon various allies in song and also sing to strengthen your "pattern", which they see. They also sing various qualities "into you". For instance they may sing strength into your body or happiness into your mind or love into your heart. Likewise, they use various instruments for various effects. Bells clear the mind and bring inspiration, rattles break up energy and bring you back into your body, for instance. Since I've started paying attention to the "medicine of music" and it's power, I find that I'm much more selective about what I listen to because I can more easily and noticeably recognize the effects of music that doesn't feel good and isn't supporting my health (mostly mental/emotional).
I think there is a real spiritual connection that music brings out that not only makes me feel more connected to those around me but also to God. Especially music that is raw and honest. Singers and songwriters who open up and tell us how they see the world- good bad or otherwise- show me more of God than a lot of sermons I have heard (and I am a seminary student). It's really amazing the way God shows up in gut-honest music.
If Steven Tyler can get certified as a psychotherapist, you get the best of both worlds. Nothing like an hour of primal screaming to high-colonic your psyche.
Music feeds us. The trick is understanding what the "junk food" of music is. Not that there's anything wrong with it. Junk food has it's place in the world just don't over do.
Music opens the mind, if you let it. I often play something and just close my eyes. It will take you away if you allow. Like a good book, it can be the best of escapes. You can dream of places and people far away. Wonder what life may bring your way. However, (and here's the tricky part) if all you induldge in is the junk food the soul becomes fat and slow.
So, expand. Explore. Get out there and hear it. And remember that you're feeding your self.
I think music can serve as a tool in some people's lives. Others may need professional therapy in addition to music as a source of healing. However, there are those instances when certain life events do warrant the use of professional counseling rather than just music or any art form as therapy.
I, personally, have gained more from one artist, Josh Clayton-Felt, in the past year than I ever have from therapy. His music has so much meaning and spiritual insight. I have never had such a strong sourse of encouragment, inspiration, or hope as I've had with Josh's music.
If you would like to check out Josh's music, visit his site at www.joshclayton.com. Josh died back in 2000 at the age of 32. His story, found in the media section of his page, is sad yet inspiring.
Music is great, but it is not therapy. Imagine if someone was beaten by his father as a kid. He can listen to loud and aggressivve music, he can listen to sad music, he can do mind-altering drugs too. None of this will make the connection to the trauma and help to heal it. A T once said to me: "You cannot swerve to the right of it nor to the left of it - you have to go smack dab through the middle." That means that the trauma has to be addressed.
@Writer17 like myself you are a person who can swap between groups easily because you can relate to anybody about any music.
and the stereotypeing is not pretty but its true, fact.
you can stereotype people because of the music, music is what defines us, ives us individuality.
when have you seen a punk without piercings? when have you seen a rapper without 'bling'? when have you seen a rocker without long hair?
does 50 cent have long hair?
does jonny rotten have lots fo 'bling'?
does jimi hendrix have his face pierced?
Music is the one thing that some can relate to. If you find the perfect song or melody or play what brings out those emotions you don't feel so alone.
When I think of all the pain and suffering and treacherous things that go on in the world my heart aches. There has to be something that is there that connects us to each other and allows us to relate. There are so many different cultures and societies.
When I listen to music, when I feel it. It reminds me of a purpose. One that is even greater than I can imagine. It brings me to the same page as someone else. It allows me to meet somebody were they are at and for a second understand their story. We all have different stories, and different pain.
Music brings you to a place were you are neutral. It eases your soul. You can stop searching for that short moment.
I feel found.
i can float on the strings of a violin and rise above my trivial nonsense...did you ever listen to a spanish guitar and not feel lifted out of yourself? thanks, now i know what i need to do-some good old fashioned sound therapy.
When I want inspiration while I am creating my jewelry I put on my iPod and listen to some celtic music. It inspires me and keeps me in a happy place where the creative ideas are free to flow.
Its inspiring me to allow life to express itself through me. Show all my colors and enjoy
Music is more than a tool but a different view of life for me. It helps me learn through someone else's point of view. A song plays the role of one chapter in this endless book (depending if the band stays, Ha). Music can take you places (that effect your emotion). Besides that whole factor, music helps me function basically. If I'm not with music, my foot/fingers are tapping away.
It's not a habit, it's cool, I feel aliiive,
If you don't have it, you're on the other side;
I'm not an addict.
Maybe that's a lie.
music. it is me. i am it. there is no differentiating between us.
it is my employer, employee, colleague, friend, and lover. i work with it on a regular basis. it hangs out with me when i'm playing couch potato. it massages my very core. we lean on each other in times of need and boost each other when times are high. we are extremely compatible and we plan on growing old together though we are not monogamous. we willingly, and encouragingly, share ourselves with others. free love, baby.
for real though... i work with local bands regularly to help promote them and, surprisingly, they will ask for my input. (i think it's because i know what i like and never play the "yes man" role) i volunteer for a local, independent radio station that is actually in the process of going national as i type this (set up shop in new york and chicago so far). when i am done with my schooling, and into my day job "career", i will also be volunteering my time helping local bands record their music in an affordable studio. i know someone who owns one and is willing to teach me the ropes when i'm ready. sometimes i pseudo-produce and a friend of mine is currently teaching me what he knows about music theory and composition... but mostly it's a feeling and i refuse to sit and argue with pretentious know-it-alls.
Sometimes music helps me deal with reality, sometimes it takes me away from it, sometimes I dont even notice it because there is too much on my mind. I hate when that happens. Music helps me say some of the things I cant find the words to say on my own. What i value most about music is that it gives me something to relate to. I'm amazed how often I can relate to the feelings, expressions, and experiences found in lyrics. LOVE it!
It helps me to get out what I'm feeling, it helps me chill out when I get anxious, it helps me to keep focused, it challenges me, and overall it gives me something to live for.
it helps me get away. it helps me think. it helps me relax. it helps. a lot.
It helps me to manage, understand, interpret my thoughts and emotions. It soothes, excites, inspires, energizes, motivates, expresses, explains, entrances me.
@john77752 You can't stereotype people based off of the music they listen to. It works to a certain extent, with some people, but take myself for an example. I like jazz, rock, classical, pop, R&B, country.... pretty much everything. So what would you stereotype me as?
Music to me helps remind my spirit that there are other people out there with problems or fears. Mix with the same emotions that I am having and they elevate me to a position of understanding. Also writing out music, to express and hearing what others think, or that they connect with it helps me maintain the fact that we are all human beings. That is it. We are all humans living life and we should be connected.
music, for me, can be intensly theraputic. however, it has to be sung with a certain passion behind it. i have to feel that artist/singer feeling the same thing i do. what i feel it does for me, in most cases, is take me out of self pity. when bad things happen to me i spend so much time thinking "im the only one...no one knows how i feel....why me" stuff like that but when that song comes along that puts the emotions that you can't even begin to express into words is liberating and sooo comforting. i can know that there is someone out there thats been there and i can have hope that i'll survive just like them.
music is something that defines us and liberates us, we use it everyday without noticing.
what type of music you listen to defines how you dress and your actions, a hardcore 'gangsta' rapper will usualy wear jewlery, a mosher will probably have long hair and so on.
i mean no offence when i say these things these are meer sterotypes that people have.
music lets us be ourselves, we can chose what we listen to and it helps us convey emotions and feelings that we may have trouble with expressing.
everything is to do with music, armies had marching drums. shops use music to help us relax and feel comfortable.
wether you are aware or not music is all around, wether it be bands playing live or just you clock ticking away in crotchets in the time signature 4
4
I definitely think music is an awesome thing and can be used as therapy. If I'm going through something, it helps put me in a different place and helps me not to think about things for a while. Also, being part of a choir adds the amazing element of community and helps me gain perspective on a shared goal.
Music is something I wear everyday. It affects everything about me from my appetite to my clothes and everything in between. I make a playlist for myself every morning that is influenced my my initial wake up mood, but carefully selected to help dictate the way I want to feel for the rest of the day. Music makes head vacations possible even when your sitting at your desk at a job you hate or while stranded on the 101 with traffic as far as the eye can see.
I see a therapist and we always start our sessions with " I am listening to____right now because it makes me feel_____.
Sometimes I have to remind myself it's only music.
music is my way of escaping, but it's also my way of meditating about different things.
music is what gets me up those days when one feels useless and just wants to stay in bed the whole day :)
1) absolutely definitely: music serves as an agent of change and healing in my life. it can disturb me into action or it can slow my heartbeat to a still, small tempo; it is unendingly fascinating with it's ability to connect memories together and revive details once thought lost. after all, it is creating the soundtrack of our journeys.
b) also quite fascinating, it is clearly one of the oldest forms of both public and private artistic expressions within the human race - and believers in jesus even understand music to be existing in the new heaven and new earth: that is, forever.
I find that music is a direct reflection of my mood, direction, motivation, and state of mind.
When I'm happy - rock and reggae fill my days. When I'm sad - anything acoustic muddles in the background. When I'm feeling creative - I find new music. When I'm falling for someone - I find I mostly listen to women musicians. When I'm stuck in a rut - music seems to take a back seat.
I think music for most people is a product of their life. In other words, they listen to certain types of music to change their mood or pump themselves up for something exciting about to happen. But for me I think it's more of a direct reflection of who I am at that moment.
For instance right now I am feeling nostalgic and Warren Zevon and Bob Dylan are trading time on the stage inside my ipod. The two tracks that were playing during this particular visit to soulpancake - Tangled in Blue and My Ride's Here.
Music gives me energy and even motivation. It fuels all my cleaning efforts! Especially doing dishes.
Listening to music helps me to think, to reflect and to celebrate. Music also seems to always be there for me when I am love sick, melancholy or feeling lonely.
"But don't forget the songs
That made you cry
And the songs that saved your life
Yes, you're older now
And you're a clever swine
But they were the only ones
Who ever stood by you"
"Rubber Ring", The Smiths
Listening to music is modern an socially acceptable meditation.
When stuck in the mundane, whether it is driving to work, walking to class, or going for a jog, it has the ability to take us temporarily out of routine. It's sad to think, but there is much to the modern American life that could be done entirely involuntarily. However, I think that portable music players have really allowed people to take advantage of these situations, whether it is using that time genuinely listening to the notes being played or simply using the songs as a method of phasing out the rest of the world so we can focus a bit more and think.
Music is a great way to express emotion. Just by hearing a song, our mood can change drastically.
I think music is a great way to express your feelings. personally I enjoy playing the guitar, it's been a while since I haven't played though... I also think that listen to music is a great way to get things of my mind. I have playlist on my iTunes for each mood
I am a sound guy at an Irish pub. The majority of bands that I work with are either bluegrass or celtic. I don't know what I would do without my weekly dose of bluegrass that I get on Friday nights. Bluegrass is like every human emotion all at once, often times one is hiding in the guise of another. The subject matter is also remarkably close to Rumi.
After a night of Irish tunes, I usually listen to metal while I'm tearing down the system. Something that I know really well like In Flames or Dark Tranquillity. People may think it is odd, but it helps me get my work done and it is also a really effective reset mechanism.
I've started making Pandora Stations for moods. Well, one mood. Happy Radio. It's peppy and upbeat. Can't help but smile at it.
(Here you go: http://is.gd/1lBwI )
I'm pretty tone deaf, but I just love sad songs, too. I'm going to work on Sad Radio at some point.
Also, Michael Giacchino probably is king of swelling music that just nails a scene. It's totally true that good music just underscores the entire emotion of a scene.
What I hate, though, are iPod soundtracks, like Garden State or Juno. They really just kill movies.
it's difficult to imagine how life would be without music-not a day in my life passes without it-it helps me get through many unpleasant situations, relax and feel better-for example, when i'm on my way to somewhere-car or bus- i have to listen to music, otherwise i feel like i've lost my time-in music i see a reason to live-but not only as an end, but a means as well-listening to music (and playing even more-i guess) is a kind of spiritual experience-in a magical way it can give you answers and relief you from stress and worries
Music represents one of the most important things in my life. It's like my muse when i need it and definitely has the power to calm me when I'm upset or depressed.I dont know anybody who doesn't like any kind of music...
Music is my everything. I feel like I put my whole heart into music and it won't ever let me down. It makes me feel incredible. A good song can provide so much for me. When I first heard Fleet Foxes' White Winter Hymnal I felt like I could fly. Good music gives me so much and I wish that everyone would be able to that way about their music.
Music is everything to me. I am a musician and an artist, and I don't create anything without an accompaniment soundtrack that sounds like the mood I'm in. If I'm sad, mad upset or depressed, I listen to music. I think that music makes me feel less alone and more in tune with humanity. And I don't think that I would get through hard times without it. Although some people aren't in to art or other art forms, everyone loves music, and I think music is what connects the human race. Music is my life line.
when i was in 2nd grade, i had a project for the science fair i had to do. i had to blast different types of music at two of the same species of plant (yes i know plants aren't humans but hear me out). I played two seemingly opposite types of music, Metallica, and Mozart. the heavy metal plant grew almost twice as fast as the classical plant, so maybe since humans are more complicated, if someone played heavy metal for a few decades nonstop, people might grow a little bigger than they might otherwise...
I tend to find songs that speak for the situation I'm in and a song that speaks to me in the situation I'm in. If I feel I need to cry, but I just can't bring the tears forward I put on some music and that always helps.
I just feel better after listening to music. It's amazing.
Rock and Roll Saved my Soul...
Music is my outlet and the way I rid stress in my life, singing for my alt rock band, The Naked Owls. If I didn't have this in my life I would be unbalanced and definitely need therapy or medication!
Proof is shown that kids do better in schools when they have been involved in a music program, Save the Music is a great cause.
Painting a canvas, while drinking wine and listening to Chopin combined are one of my best outlets for venting stress and feeling centered. If I didn't have the music with that combination it wouldn't work.
Rock!
music is one of the first things i go to when im going thru a tough situation. There are so many songs that have helped me get over my lowest points in life. if it wasnt for music i honestly dont know what i would to to express myself besides write.
DISCUSSION TOOLSET
Music has been a gift to me. It has healed me. It has spoken to me. It has been a great tool in my life. Playing music helps. Listening to music helps. Whether it's Mahler, Beethoven, Bach, or Coltrane, Miles, CCR, ANYTHING, it is good. It's the universal language! It stimulates the brain. I think the book "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" would probably explain it best for me. I can't think of a time where music (on the whole) would ever hurt in the long run, unless you're a struggling musician or composer, but then it is a GREAT labor of love.