Last week, in my post “The Beautiful Language of Music” (part 1), I introduced you to two of the most influential people in my life. They both played a huge part in bringing more music to my world. When I started writing the article, I didn’t realize just how much I wanted to share and how deeply I care about this subject. But it has turned into this two-part article and will likely be revisited again in the future! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on all of this :)

Now, back to Grade 1 and my fond memories of the funny, feisty, red-headed teacher that many students, in the first days of fall, addressed as “Mom” before they corrected themselves. She would laugh, and in most cases, say “You know, I actually taught your Mom!”

This was one of the biggest reasons a village is so influential in raising a child, esp. ones where generations have lived and raised their families together. It’s comforting to know that the teacher leading you down this path of knowledge, also guided your parent. (You also hope your parent hadn’t made any bad impressions!).

Mrs. Siggelkow appeared in my life again after high school grad. She returned to university in her 60’s and was staying in a basement suite she’d rented from an elderly lady in the city. I was staying nearby in a basement suite with my Aunt and Grandma while attending college. Mrs. Siggelkow and I made the 2-hour trip together several times between our small hometown and the big city. And what fun we had! Her intelligence, her humor and her positive, insightful perspective was so refreshing. It was fascinating to spend time with her as an adult! A whole new dynamic from Grade 1. She had a wonderful way of imparting her wisdom and experience without being condescending, rather, it seemed to come from a motherly friend, an aunt, or the nurturing heart of that same Grade 1 teacher.

She had her own personal struggles in life, health and otherwise, but she didn’t complain or moan about it, just dealt with it, using her ever-present humor and grace.

I so admired her then and now. That time with her was such a gift to me. But above all, her part in my learning music was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.

Music. This beautiful language. One I speak just enough of to enjoy playing a few instruments, to have performed with community choirs in the alto section, and to help my children with their music homework. What this knowledge has done to allow me to participate more fully, to attempt to take part, has brought so much more dimension to my life, all because I was given the opportunity to learn this language. Even the minimum of reading notes and understanding the basics has been enough to lead me with some confidence to take part and learn more. What of the sheer pure joy of bringing music from an inanimate instrument?! It’s incredible! The rudimentary notes of a familiar tune as your memories fill in the rest. It’s so exciting and prompts you to keep trying. Yes, there’s the times of frustration as you don’t get past one plateau or another and keep messing up at the same spot, lose your place or forget the next note, but it’s a lesson in perseverance and the reward is so wonderful.

I strongly believe that we are doing a great disservice to our children when music classes are eliminated from school curriculums. Scientific evidence has proven that children’s brains develop faster with musical training. Learning music expands their brains in ways that enhance their skills in math, reading, language and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together and strengthens memory.

What an incredible gift to give a child.

What a great opening to meet others.

What an amazing way to fill any silence.

In fact, research from John Hopkins Medicine researchers shows that music has massive benefits at any age!

“If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout. Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.” (HopkinsMedicine.Org - see link, above, for full article)

This research also suggests how mixing up what music you expose your brain to, keeps it from getting lazy. Sounds to me like the perfect reason to let everyone have a chance to choose the music your family plays at home, in the car, or buys tickets to hear live. Just imagine the vote of confidence this gives the younger generation! No groans allowed from anyone! Embrace it all and give it a fair chance. You might be surprised at the new discoveries you’ll want to add to your own playlists. I’ve always loved it when my daughter or a friend sends me a song suggestion that made them think of me. I am guilty of groaning and cringing when some genres or artists don’t appeal to me, but I am going to practice taking my own advice and try harder to be more open to these. If for no other reason than to exercise my brain.. and my tolerance! Lol

I experienced an interesting thing about myself not long ago. While doing Reiki as a practitioner, I had my Spotify app playing a Reiki playlist on my phone. It automatically started playing again the next time it paired with the Bluetooth in my vehicle. That is NOT my usual driving music haha! Music, usually with a heavy bass beat and hard on the rock side, is my coffee, my energy, while driving. But I let the Reiki playlist continue to flow it’s gentle Zen inside the cab and I made a surprising discovery. I realized that I wasn’t as tempted or compelled to race around, accelerate as hard or feel as rushed… and the only difference was the music accompanying me. Hmm, maybe this could help me avoid speeding tickets! It will definitely soothe my brain and my nerves. So, I would encourage anyone to try mixing it up! Have some fun exploring new playlists and see how it changes your atmosphere, your mood.

I’d love to hear all about your musical side!!

What is your favorite genre? Have you discovered anything new recently? Did it surprise you to like a song or artist or genre you had never considered before?

How about instruments? Do you play any? When did you learn? Do you still play? If you could play anything, what would it be? How about singing? Have you taken any voice lessons? Performed anywhere? If you could sing with anyone, who would it be?

And what about silence? There’s music there too! How often have you suddenly tuned in to your thoughts only to discover there’s a song playing there? I’ve often woke up to a song in my head! How about you?

Message me, or comment below and fill me in!!

Rock on!!

xo Deena