… Music …

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything
Plato

… A Short Introduction …

Music is an international language, uniting all of us. Today there are so many ways to enjoy music not only by listening to the lyrics, but also feeling the vibration of the musical beats. Projects all over the world provide a lot of people with access to music, including in refugee camps, music for people with disabilities and the elderly.

The variety of music between cultures is gigantic. Foot stomping to hand clapping, high pitched shrills, drum rolls, there are so many ways to create and experience music. Music has different uses: religious, entertainment purposes, communication, ceremonies, celebrations, commemorations, in education and to aid health.

Benefits of Music

Improved mood
Ease of pain
Reduced stress
Reduced anxiety
Improved cognitive function
Generate motivation
Better quality of sleep
Improved concentration
Induce a meditative state: change brain waves
Create new connections and neurons

And the list doesn’t end here

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments can be classified into the following categories: strings, wind, brass, percussion and electronic instruments, there is something for everyone.

Many cultures have their own traditional instruments: in Laos they have the Khaen – a bamboo mouth organ, in Africa drums and the xylophone are very popular (check out the Gyil), castanets originating in the Mediterranean basin, the Conga from Cuba and the Pandero popular in Brazilian Samba and Capoeira.

The Orchestra

An orchestra typically plays classical music. Although in theatres today orchestra pits have been created to accompany productions, for example musicals and the opera. An orchestra is an ensemble of musical instruments. The modern orchestra was born in the XVII century.

Learning a musical instrument can be a great way to help the brain, create new neural pathways and stay healthy.

The Voice

Voice has been used during millennia for expression and communication. The ability to sing comes from our vocal chords. These are flaps of tissue connected to the larynx. By using our muscles and moving air we cause the vocal chords to vibrate and subsequently sounds are produced.

Sing

In singing voices are classified in the following categories: soprano, mezzosoprano, contralto, tenor, countertenor, baritone and bass. The latter four are masculine voices and the first three feminine.

Singing can be a pleasurable activity which creates jolly vibes. Even singing in the shower or bathtub can be a wonderful experience. Alone or in a group singing releases endorphins and gets us feeling good. Check out these benefits.

Among many cultures singing is commonplace in rituals and ceremonies.

Composers

From the classical composers Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Bach, to film composers such as Hans Zimmer, Alexandre Desplat, Klaus Badelt and Nick Cave, there is some extraordinary talent out there bringing entertainment to the human race.

Whether it’s music for film, television, theatre or radio, composition is huge, and with the digital era GarageBand may be our new best friend.

FILL OUR MIND WITH HANS ZIMMER

A LITTLE OF BEETHOVEN

Above and Beyond

It’s not just mainstream music anymore, recent years have seen the explosion of recycled material being used to create sound and music. A plastic bag can be very entertaining, dustbin lids, plastic bottles and cardboard have numerous uses.

Music therapy is also a recognised field.

So let’s go to YouTube, do some research and start creating music!

What could we do with these tin cans?