Music and You(r Health)

Covid-19 is 2020’s uninvited guest, and looks like it may be extending its stay for a little longer….ugh! Don’t you just hate rude guests? Get the hint, and GET OUT.

Until that fateful day, when this madness ends, we turn to things that bring us joy, one such thing usually being music. Music and Covid-19. An odd, unexpected pair, but a pair that can help cancel the bad with some good.

During our time at home, we have turned to art to keep us sane. Whether it is playing Bach while meeting that deadline for work, or Mooseblood while you’re folding laundry (looking at you, Andrew), music helps bring a sense of normalcy to our lives, and also provides us with some ACTUAL health benefits as well. (As I write this, I am listening to “The Harry James Songbook” – Ray Anthony, give it a listen, it’s oh so sweet!)

Hold up, don’t roll your eyes at the screen! It’s true. That isn’t some mumbo jumbo I’m making up. Music truthfully provides benefits to your mental health, cardiovascular functions, and even athletic performance. Although it doesn’t CURE anything per se, it is extremely beneficial. Therefore, I still recommend taking your vitamins, kids. Or don’t. I’m not your mom, or a doctor, so what do I know?

Getting back on track, music is everywhere and always has been. Whether you are musically inclined or not, you participate and often make music yourself. You sing along to a song, you hum, you snap, you clap your hands – sounds themselves count as music and help enhance your health and overall performance and we will find out why!

One of my favorite quotes describing music and the brain comes from a Harvard Health publishing. It states, “The human brain and nervous system are hard-wired to distinguish music from noise and to respond to rhythm and repetition, tones and tunes,” so whether you think you’re musically inclined or not, you are technically designed to be, at some degree, musical. So, we are all born with music in us, and I think that is absolutely fascinating.

Our brains are designed to perform specific musical functions that allow us to perceive different elements of music, such as pitch, rhythm, and lyrics. I could get in to some heavy science-y talk here, but I’d rather keep it simple. If interested in reading more on the specific parts of the brain and their relation to music, the link for the article is below!

 All human brains can perform these tasks. So, again, we are built to be somewhat musical. Musicians’ brains, however, are more finely attuned to these tasks. It is often said musicians are also great mathematicians. It has been proved in a few studies that music often enhances one’s mathematical performance. (Read about the “Mozart effect” in the link posted below). It’s not completely clear how EXACTLY music enhances mathematical performance, BUT it is speculated that music helps organize the firing of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher functions. Music, more so certain types of music, warms up selected brain cells, helping to process information more efficiently. WHAT! That being said, it could help you be more productive and enjoy your work or chore more. 

Don’t get mad at me if you do not go from zero to hero in your math studies. It’s a speculation and one that affects certain people. If you can relate to this, you can understand how listening to music and math go hand in hand. I, for one, always sang a song to myself while doing my math homework back in school. It is something that helped me focus, and maybe made me better at math? I did well in the subject, so maybe there is some truth to this. Step aside, Einstein!

Music and emotion. A match made in heaven. Music allows musicians to express feelings and the listener to feel them. Music can also bring about different emotions in the listener, outside of the intended one. I’m sure it is second nature to pop on your favorite song when you feel good, or even listen to some music when you’re stressed to help alleviate some of the anxiousness or uneasiness you are feeling. I am 100% guilty of this and always recommend popping on some tunes when your emotions get the best of you. A study was done with a group of people getting surgery. Select people listened to music before, during, and after their operations; the other group went through surgery as normal, but without music. It was reported that those who listened to music were calmer, resulting in a lower blood pressure result and a less strenuous experience. It is important to consider that the tempo is important for your mood: slow, classical music can help you relax, while faster, upbeat rock tempos can cause your body to become aroused and excited (Keep it PG, people). Music is such a convenient and accessible tool to help us accomplish so many things! It is amazing.

As mentioned, music can lift one’s mood or enhance it. It just depends on preference and tempo. Music with faster tempos has been proven to lift the moods of people experiencing depressive illnesses. It was found that music can also help reduce chronic pain and improve the quality of sleep. It might not replace good ol’ Prozac, but it can definitely improve symptoms and overall quality of life. (Ask me, I know!) In addition, music in general can open the door to encourage those with more severe mental disabilities to analyze lyrics, engage in music improvisations and songwriting, and even stabilize mood and behavior, all by simply listening to a song.  

It is no question that music can aide in the overall health and recovery of people struggling with mental or some physical ailments.  There are plenty of medical journals and studies on the topic to look into, I mentioned a few, but that does not even make a dent in the discoveries.

It is important to keep the music alive, especially during these trying times. The Michigan Phil is dedicated to bringing music to you, our dedicated friends, to help lift spirits and bring some happiness. With the rise in depression and anxiety during the pandemic, it seems we need our spirits lifted more than ever. We will get through this and are determined to keep the music going, whether in person or through live-stream videos, for you! After all, we are all in this together.

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/music-and-health

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/The-Impact-of-Music-Therapy-on-Mental-Health#:~:text=Research%20shows%20the%20benefits%20of,for%20anxiety%20or%20for%20dysregulation.

Phil Your Life With Music

Summer is here! But, this summer, as we know, is unlike any other before. Due to the current circumstances, despite businesses starting to open back up, we are forced to find more activities without leaving our homes. We have survived months of keeping ourselves busy, but our current reality revolves around being Covid compliant and social distancing; which includes finding activities to keep us busy at home, whether with your family or by yourself.

We are lucky now that the weather is warmer, so we are able to spend more time outside having cookouts, going on walks, or doing yard work. Although these activities are fun (maybe?) by themselves, adding music or musical elements always brings a greater joy and satisfaction to the day and your life overall (At least I think, anyway).

Music is all around us and a huge part of our lives already, whether we realize it or not. I have compiled a list of musical things and activities you can do, be apart of, or be more aware of; at home, on the go, or outside, these activities will help you have a little fun, become more conscious of your surroundings, and maybe learn a thing, or two, along the way!

1.)    Listen to the music that’s around you. As cheesy as it sounds, there is music everywhere. I’m not talking about that song in the background while you do your housework or the pop song that plays in the grocery store while you’re feeling tomatoes. I’m talking about the sounds of nature: birds chirping, the breeze in the trees, waves crashing along the sand, bees buzzing around you, rain on a rooftop, thunder crashing. These are not your typical “songs” we listen to or think about when we think music, but they are a compilation of sounds, rhythms, and feature their own tempos and dynamics. So, wouldn’t that, by default, make these sounds, a song? One composer by the name of John Cage backed this way of thinking, and frankly, I think it makes for a more interesting, more fulfilling, and a more positive life. Hearing and viewing everything as music brings a certain beauty and happiness to everyday. John Cage regarded not only sounds of nature, but other sonic randomness as music, which may seem unorthodox, but it encouraged his audience to imagine sound phenomena beyond that of a typical composer, using elements sound as pots and pans clanging together, car horns, or even dripping water into something grander than it is. It can be bizarre, but I think the idea is for the audience to create their own mental imagery with the sounds. It truly is something special.
This way of thinking has inspired me to create music out of everyday items. My favorite is using a car’s turn signal. Listen to the constant steady beat it provides. Huh, almost like a metronome…? Music is around you! Listen and get creating!

Link: John Cage's Water Walk

2.)    Sing! Sing in the car, in the shower (the best place to sing to, to be honest), or around the house. This is the most obvious musical thing someone can do. It is an instant mood boost and can make any activity more fun. Think of your favorite song and rock on, Rockstar! The world is your stage!!!!! (This is for singers and non- alike. Do not be afraid, Simon Cowell is not around to judge you!)

3.)    Pick up THAT instrument: Yes, I’m calling you out. You know that instrument that has been sitting over in the corner collecting dust? Or the one you shoved under your bed? Well, pull that bad boy out and get crackin’! There are thousands of how-to videos online to help you learn and get tips from experienced musicians who are polite enough to help a beginner, or someone looking for a little extra guidance for their next musical steps. Not to mention, there are millions upon millions of free sheet music downloads for almost every instrument to help the bored musicians out there! You will thank me one day, I promise (and then you can owe me 😊)

4.)    Buy a new instrument: This one is for those who have yet to learn an instrument or the musicians looking to expand their repertoire. No time like the present to buy that instrument you’ve always been dreaming and thinking about. Half the battle is getting the instrument in hand and when you do, as mentioned above, there are thousands of videos online to help you learn your new instrument and your favorite songs. I hope this is the push you need!

5.)    Learn theory/sight-singing/ear-training: Do you need to learn these skills to learn an instrument? No, not necessarily. Take it from me. I learned to play the clarinet at 10, but did not understand or know what music theory was or is until I was 18, and even then it took me another two years to completely understand the mechanics of it, and LET ME TELL YOU, the world makes a lot more sense when you have that music theory foundation. This step is not as scary as it seems. Whether you are an absolute beginner or looking for a refresher, it can never hurt you. Again, there are so many videos and apps that can help. A piece of advice, most of my apps related toward these topics, were directed for kids. Sometimes you need something spelled out for you a little and the “games” help make the learning process less painful. They simplify lessons. A list of my favorite apps can be found here:

      Link: Music Theory Apps for Kids

If you’re looking for someone to explain things to you, Michael New absolutely saved my life and music career. Without some of his videos I probably would have quit music school. They are lifesaving and life-changing videos!

      Link: Michael New's YouTube Channel

6.)    Learn Solfege symbols: You know, the Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do? Yes, they have a funky, cool name: solfege symbols, and yes, they do serve a musical purpose. Believe it or not, Maria von Trapp was not just singing gibberish to take the kids around town in their play clothes. Nay nay, these symbols serve a purpose: they are a note value, a certain pitch. They aid in sight-singing and they also, come with symbols. Enjoy the guides and videos below:

Link: Solfege PDF

Link: How To: Solfege Hand Signs

Enjoy this Sound of Music clip, just because: 

Link: Do-Re-Mi // Sound of Music

When you know the notes to sing, you can sing most anything!

7.)    Dance Party! Here’s an easy one for when you’re done with your heavy music learning. Have a dance party. Dance your little heart out to all your favorite music. Why? Because it is fun and you’ll burn some calories. You are welcome. Get to it, Dancing Queen!

8.)    Discover New Music: one of my favorites things to do is to take time to discover new music. You know that list of musicians you have or that one song by that one artist you like? Here is the perfect opportunity to look into a new genre or look up more songs by that artist you like. Maybe this is a good rainy-day project, but nonetheless whenever you decide to do it, you will always discover something you like. Pro-tip: ask as many people as you wish to give you a list of 3-5 songs they LOVE. Not only will this help you discover new music, it also tells you a little more about the people you asked. Music SPEAKS.

9.)    Identify Parts of Song: Okay this one is a STRETCH and probably will be another rainy day project. OR if you’re like me and enjoy doing weird music things, and coloring, boy do I have something for you. I learned this activity in one of my classes. It is supposed to teach ear-training and instrument identification. Have a notebook, color pencils, and a sheet of plain white paper handy, and let’s do some song identification!!!!

Here are the steps:

1.)    Pick a song. Any song you like, and listen to it once all the way through.

2.)    Think about the song. What did you hear? What was the feeling of the song? (Was it happy, sad?) What instruments did you hear? How many singers did it have? When was the music loud, when was it soft?  Pay attention to anything you think is significant to the song.

3.)    Match these attributes to colors. Use different colors to express different emotions, instruments, or elements of this song. This could mean using yellow to symbol happy or blue for sad. Or yellow for guitar and blue for trumpet. You decide!

4.)    Draw varying lines to symbolize volumes or dynamics, tempos, or different rhythmic patterns in a song.

                        However you want to do it is up to you! Honestly, this activity helped me a lot to pay attention to different elements and details of a song. So, I did learn something, but I also got to color (which is a stress-reliever). Find your zen, my friend!

                For reference:
                

           

10.) Live-stream your favorite band or orchestra: Because most live performances are being cancelled, many musicians and artists are putting out online content for their fans to enjoy! The Michigan Phil, being the progressive orchestra they are, jumped on the band wagon to offer enjoyable content for all to listen to at home. Some places are starting to offer live music, but it will be a while before normal concerts are held as they once were. So, therefore, The Michigan Phil presents “Phil the Air With Music,” a concert series happening every Friday at various locations. See flyer for more details.

I hope you have enjoyed this list of musical activities to get you going at home. I hope this list has inspired you in some way. Feel free to share will us and Phil Your Life With Music!

References: 

https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Cage