EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Sandy Steele Living Your Life . . . in Music
“Music is moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato
W
hat inspires you to bring music to life, to energize and enliven music making with your students? Is it methodology? Is it
activities? What brings you to the classroom every day, ready to guide your students with new ideas, concepts, and techniques? I’m pretty certain it has to do with your personal relationship with music. Famed scientist Albert Einstein said:
'If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I oſten think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
Take a look inward. Is there music in your life? Is there music in your dreams? How does music play a role in your life beyond your classroom? Let’s take a look at music that has nothing to do with your ensembles or classroom. I’m sure you’ve read the research. You know that listening to music makes people feel better . . . calmer . . . happier . . . more motivated . . . all depending on the type and style you’re hearing. A myriad of benefits have been linked to music, including the release of dopamine – the pleasure chemical.
I recently read that people regularly list music as one of the top five things that is most pleasurable to them. We include music in nearly every milestone event in our lives – from birthdays, to weddings, to funerals. And, or course, we’re engaged in music all day, every day. Back to the topic, what can music do for you outside the classroom?
Here’s what experts say music can offer you: reduce your stress, lower anxiety, keep you mindful and in the moment, increase motivation, reduce pain, and even improve your general wellness. However, with your busy lives, listening to music is often something that gets pushed to the side. Online blogger Marelisa Fabrega outlined
creative ways to incorporate more music listening into your life . . . let’s make some playlists! 14 Wake Up to Music
Studies have shown that a beeping or buzzing alarm, sets a negative tone (pardon the pun) for the day’s start. Instead, why not wake up to music? Luckily, there’s an app for that – the Alarm Clock Xtreme app lets you choose any music as your alarm tone. The volume slowly increases until you have no option but to get up. Not sure what song to choose for your morning alarm? Here are some uplifting options for your “wake up” playlist: “Apres un Reve” by Fauré, “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay, or “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
Music and Your Morning Routine To boost your energy for the day ahead, music can be your friendly and familiar start. Choose about 20 songs – we’ll call it your “believe it” playlist. You can use your songs like a timer – four songs to shower, one song to brush your teeth, two songs to make coffee and prepare breakfast – everything accomplished with a good feeling, and a little dancing may be in order.
Play Music During Your Drive to work Even if your drive is short, it stands to reason that making it more pleasant will go a long way toward making you happier. Listen to music that you love, or tune in to your preferred station. Remember the
research that shows that listening to music
increases happiness? Why not be in a better mood to start and end your working day?
Make Routine Chores Fun Who enjoys household chores? Does anyone want to do the laundry or put away the groceries? It’s time to make your “stop procrastinating” list. Choose a few songs that you love and tell yourself that you can only listen to them as you clean the kitchen, make the bed, or wash and fold your laundry. Everything will get done, and you can have fun doing it. Feel free to dance here, too.
Play Music at Work Yes, really. Demonstrate to your students that you listen for
Continued on page 15 Wyoming Windsong
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