 |
| Headphones |
I remember that some months ago, we did this meme about the things that make us happy. My list was not arranged in order of preference but more of a haphazard listing of the first thing that comes to mind. Somewhere down the end of the list is music and playing the guitar.
We all know that music affects people in various ways. It changes our moods, reminds us of distant memories, pleasant or otherwise or sometimes, it simply makes us want to dance to the beat. Personally, I find that music is an integral part of my life. For the life of me, I could not imagine a world without a melody or a song. It just isn't possible for me.
Listening to music can be therapeutic. I'm sure you have already heard of those sound played in spas and lounges where people relax. But you know what? I think playing a musical instrument gives one even more additional advantages over those who simply listen and appreciate music. All musicians must know that. It gives one a form of self expression, an emotional release that is also therapeutic by probably a few degrees more. Have you ever felt like simply getting lost in the melody? It's like channeling out your inner being, your soul or whatever you want to call it.
Personally, listening to good music makes me feel good. And that helps a lot with stress management right? But making music with my guitar gives me a different high. It's something I can't quite explain in words, but just look at those performers in concertos who seem to be lost in the moment and existing in a different plane and you'll get a gist of what I'm trying to describe here.
But don't just take my word. Check out what studies say about the effects of playing a musical instrument does to our health. Here are some useful links:
- 18 Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument
- Learn a Musical Instrument for Your Health
- Musicians' Brains Might Have An Edge on Aging
 |
| Playing guitar |
And if you want to see an immediate effect on some middle aged men, check out the PianoGuys. That is actually what I've been raving about since the first time I got to watch them. And I just said to myself, that is what having fun with music is like. I love these guys. They simply remind me to touch base with my inner child and just enjoy the moment. To me, that is happiness.
And happiness, as we all know, is good for our health.
sad, i don't know how to play any musical instruments, my dad, brother and boyfriend plays guitar so well
ReplyDeleteExactly. Happiness is always the right answer for everything sis. Very well said :) I remember watching some movies and their answers to grief is playing a guitar, singing, piano or whatever instrument. For as long as it's music. Sound of music peg? hehehe! Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post Aileen. So nice that it really hits home.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true. If you are happy, your heart is healthy. And music is good for our minds, body and soul. Thank you for this post sis. I should really listen to music often. :)
ReplyDeleteMommy Maye
www.momaye.com
Music brings positivity! And true ha, every galaw of mine has a soundtrack.
ReplyDeleteVery true this one. I'd play the guitar and the piano when I am stressed! hahaha I love PianoGuys, too.
ReplyDeleteOne of my frustrations is playing an instrument, guitar or piano will do. We bought keybord for Matt last Christmas and hopefully he will learn how to play it, at least he will be the one to continue my dream of playing instrument.
ReplyDeleteYou can always learn :-) But if now a musical instrument, I'm sure you can sing, right?
ReplyDeleteMusic does affect my mood. I play the piano now with the kids.. it does help make me feel better at times
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to learn how to play the piano...but I ended up with guitars. It's not too late to learn :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Music does have a lot of benefits. Unfortunately, I can't play any instrument, so I only try to "sing." :D
ReplyDeleteFinally, the Disqus form displayed.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to play any instrument. But I agree that music affects people just like how wild music turns people wild and unruly during band concerts. While soothing music relaxes one mind. There is one country which plays instrumental music in train stations to lower the suicide cases. They believe that these kind of music cure depression.
this is true.. sometimes when i want to feel relaxed i listen to the sound of natures, especially the rain sound. haha yun mga pangspa na sounds.. i have it on my phone. hahaha
ReplyDeleteI agree with this post. Playing any musical instrument relieves the tensions away, it gives you also a sense of fulfillment esp after learning by heart every note of a new piece. I too know how to play the piano. I almost studied the guitar too coz my friends were into it but when I learned that my fingers will have callous i backed out, lol!
ReplyDelete-farida
But the callous is actually a welcome thing...sort of a protection for the delicate fingertips. But if you want very nice fingers like that of January, guitar is out of the question lol! You can't grow nails long also because it will get tangled up with the strings. That goes for violin, cello, harp and the likes. So piano it is for you. :-)
ReplyDeletePlaying and listening to music can be very relaxing indeed not to mention the satisfaction of being able to play a musical instrument. - Jellybelly
ReplyDeletehaving a sweet music makes my mood calm down. I just don't like a karaoke playing still playing in the middle of the night.
ReplyDeletei play the guitar and i want to play the piano too.. i was thinking of signing up but i think i'm too old for it..
ReplyDeleteOh..you play guitar Sis? That's good. That is my one great dream that never happens (lol). Wala akong talent sa music. That's why I support na lang my daughter as she loves playing guitar. But I love listening to music. :)
ReplyDeleteTrue! Whenever I am tired and stressed, I just want to lay down in bed and listen to love songs.
ReplyDeleteYou're never too old to learn to play an instrument sis. I have not given up on that dream. Given the right opportunities and availability of instruments, I have a line up in mind...piano, violin, harp...but I want to master guitar first. Re-learning it actually. Strumming and plucking, been doing that for ages. I want to learn how to do tabs this time.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I remember you mentioning about your daughter's interest in guitar. Keep encouraging her sis. You get the benefit of listening to her make lovely music if you can't learn the instrument hehehe.
ReplyDeleteIt would be more fun if you learn together.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! I could just imagine....
ReplyDeleteReally raving over this guys. Nakakatuwa kasi...they're simply having fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's true sis...sometimes in grief, you can't express it enough with words...either you cry it out or drown yourself in music....just don't bang the guitar or piano keyboards hehehe.
ReplyDeleteI want to learn to play a musical instrument. That's in my life list (or bucket list). I have always been fascinated by the violin. But my hubby likes listening to flute. :-)
ReplyDeleteFlute was my next choice after guitar. I figured I can carry it around and play whenever I like to. Problem is, I had to stop learning flute because I always get light headed. Wind instruments are not for me hehehe.
ReplyDeleteI really like to sing but singing just doesn't seem to like me back. hahaha! My son sometimes play the guitar, aside from his dancing abilities, and he's good at it. It makes me even proud that he's always so passionate in his God given talents. :-)
ReplyDeleteGusto ko ng violin hihi. parang haunting or senti ang dating
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child, I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, the violin, and the piano. I'm tone deaf though and can't carry a tune. I can memorize the sequence of piano keys but really can't name a tune even if my life depended on it. :P I still love listening to music though.
ReplyDeletetrue, although I dont know to play any mucical instrument i feel relax whenever i heard someone playing a guitar or just listening to my favorite music-Rosemarie/Gven-Rose
ReplyDeleteI tried playing guitar before but I really don't have the talent even simple strumming was very difficult for me. :(
ReplyDeleteI love the piano guys!! I wanted to learn how to play the piano and practiced pachelbel canon for a month and then I stopped. I got distracted.
ReplyDeleteplaying an instrument also creates that discipline that you can apply in one's life. i should have stuck to playing the guitar. ha ha
ReplyDeleteI am more of the TV person than a music person! Seems so unhealthy because TV also suggests stationary lifestyle....
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate people who know how to use at least one musical instrument. I remember we also had piano lessons for years as a kid but I think I was resigned to thinking I wasn't really talented in that line... I can read notes but I don't remember any piece at all!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely on the right track because you play the guitar sis! Ako di na nakapag guitar since my baby girl.but our cecilia got me interested in a site called sound cloud where you can share acoustic covers. I might try that.
ReplyDeleteI'll settle hearing the instrumental music because I do not know how to play any instruments. Sadyang walang talent. :(
ReplyDeleteYes, music does make me feel good. But I didn't realize until now that listening to them is therapeutic. It all makes sense now. Haha. No wonder I feel different once I hit play. Now, this made me more eager to learn to play at least one instrument.
ReplyDeleteAy nakakatuwa talaga yang mga PianoGuys! haha :) I miss playing instruments. I know how to play the guitar and the piano but I haven't touched any in a long time. Must make them part of my life again. :)
ReplyDeleteWell simply listening to music is different from playing. the thrill and feeling is exotic especially if you truly master the instrument.
ReplyDeleteMusic is good for so much and so i loved this post on healing too... I'm a big music fan.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I forgot to login. Music is good for so much and so i loved this post on healing too... I'm a big music fan.
ReplyDeleteI play the trumpets and a bit of bass guitar. Miss the days when I actively play them :) Thanks for sharing the info above.
ReplyDeleteI think this is because music is a medium where we express our deepest thoughts, feelings that are sometimes suppressed that we can only relate through music
ReplyDelete-Chan
That's actually part of my goals this year to learn something new, particularly to play an instrument. I used to play a guitar but forgot the keys and all, I concentrated on singing. True, music does bring a lot of good benefits to our well-being. :)
ReplyDeleteI used to play the piano, i guess i shouldstart again
ReplyDelete