The Joy of Music

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.

(Article courtesy of PlayPiano)