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By Marilyn Delk |
Making Music Matters
Make Music Day began on the longest day of the year in 1982 when France celebrated the “Fete de la Musique” on June 21. More than forty years later, “Make Music Day” has spread around the world and is now officially celebrated on the first day of summer in 150 cities and counties across the United States with more than 5,000 free music-making events. Although in the past, Darke County Center for the Arts has coordinated a “Make Music Day” celebration in our community, no events are planned this year due in part to the current lack of an Executive Director for the organization. However, I see no reason to let the summer solstice go by without recognizing the value of music to our lives; ergo, this column.
Music has been scientifically proven to be good for you. Suveys taken by prestigious universities as well as AARP show that those who listen to music score higher for physical health and mental well-being than those who don’t. Active musical engagement is clearly associated with higher rates of happiness and good cognitive function.
Music has been shown to activate just about all of the brain; this is important because brain pathways are strengthened by use and weakened when they are not used. Not surprisingly, music activates the auditory cortex in the temporal lobes close to your ears, but also a variety of memory regions. The parts of the brain involved in emotion are not only turned on by music, but they are also synchronized. And music triggers the motor system, allowing us to pick up the beat of the music even before we start tapping our feet to it.
But stimulating brain activity is just one advantage of the total brain workout offered through music. Music’s repetitive nature helps our brains form patterns that actually improve memory. Use it or lose it becomes a truism in the vital area where neurons are used for something other than keeping a brain pathway that is seldom used strong. (Think of that foreign language you learned years ago but seldom use; this demonstrates the truth of not using an ability ultimately leading to the loss of it.) Creating music provides a way to express and process emotions, and can help alleviate depression. And whether or not you ever took music lessons, incorporating music into your daily life is not at all hard to do.
Music can lift your spirits, so if you are feeling down, listen to a happy tune. Combining music with activities ranging from aerobics to housework to worship has been proven to be beneficial. Upbeat music can actually give you energy, soothing music can heal mind and soul. Listening to music lowers stress hormone levels, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Listening to relaxing music has been shown to help lower heart rate and blood pressure, and to help manage both acute and chronic pain.
Music breaks down barriers, fostering a sense of community, even among people from diverse backgrounds. DCCA’s upcoming “Barbecue and Blues” event which brings hundreds of people to the Greenville Public Library lawn offers a prime example of the truth of this fact; if you have ever been among those gathered to share in the deep pleasures of this highly anticipated and fondly remembered annual event, you understand how differences dissolve, troubles vanish, and for a shining moment in time, all is well with the world while you and others share in the music.
So, on the first day of summer, take time to celebrate the joy and comfort of music. If you can play an instrument, play something. If you have a voice, you can sing—so sing something. If there’s a musical event happening near you, attend–and listen to the music. Music is good for you; it makes the world a better place for all of us. Help make Make Music Day sing in Darke County and all around the world!
