It’s Music to My Ears...

Music has always been an important part our lives and it is no different for me. As a music student, musician, and later a teacher, music has played a central role in my own life. It was no surprise when I first learned of music as therapy, decades ago. It made sense to me then and in my own battles with hep C it has played a huge part in my own coping and healing. It is a universal language we all understand, regardless of the style or genre we prefer.

Music for everyone

For some, it's opera, while others enjoy country music, Jazz, folk, etc. For most of my generation, rock and roll rules! I like almost all music, and I respect the rights of others to like what they like even if it does nothing for me. Music is personal even though we see generational variations on what is popular, or what we call "pop music". Today’s pop music is certainly different than that from 20, 30, 40, or more years ago. Some pop music of the past is referred to as classic or in the language of younger people, “old school” and when I was young, what we often called “old-timer” music. Just like the sayings change, so does the music that is popular.

Music over the years

Cool, Hot, Hip, Sick, Groovy.... whatever words that fit for you, now or in the past, are the ways we described what we like. Things change, and that is a good thing, for the most part. It has always fascinated me how music taste rarely changes much in a person’s lifetime, with some exceptions. If we are not exposed to classical symphonic music when we are young, we may grow to enjoy later in life- this I have witnessed and experienced myself. The same is true with other styles or types of music.

What matters...

What matters most in our preference is that we enjoy the music we like. I like to think of music as speaking to us. Whatever way we define the how or what it is that is appealing in our music, most of us see music as an important part of life. It can transport us to places in our mind and memory; some sad and some happy, and the full range of feelings; take your pick. Whatever mood you are in, there is a song or piece of music to fit. Whether it lifts you up or shares in your sadness, it does have impact. For me, it is my safe place. Sometimes used to escape, and sometimes to engage, either way it is here to stay.