“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” —Plato
The origin of music is unknown as it occurred prior to recorded history. No one knows for sure why music was created but most theorists agree that it was likely created because it brings people together and generates a feeling of well being. Music has the power to alter our mood and create overwhelming feelings of joy. This is why music is such a gift.
The year 2020 has certainly been filled with heightened uncertainty, anxiety, fear and stress. Many things feel like they are outside of our control and we are all emotionally drained. It has been challenging to keep a positive mindset during this difficult year, yet mindset is key to navigating through difficult times. Music is the perfect tool to help steer us.
Most live music venues closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Live concerts have been cited by health experts as among one of the riskiest activities for spreading and contracting the virus. Both artists and fans spew aerosols and droplets while singing and shouting. Figuring out how to safely social distance and maintain good air circulation became imperative to keeping music alive. Venues began experimenting with pandemic-appropriate shows. Drive-in concerts became a summertime trend. With cold weather at our doorsteps, musicians have moved indoors. Many venues have implemented a rigorous set of safety protocols for attendees, artists, and employees. Most offer socially distanced dinner/music shows where you are safely seated at a table six feet from other patrons and far from the stage. Live streaming technology is another wonderful way for high risk people to enjoy the benefits of music. Local live music is sparse, but not extinct. It’s out there – just different!
Some people choose distress and worry as a tool to cope. Perhaps it makes them feel like they have more control over uncertain circumstances? But what if putting energy into the things that we can control during this time is more effective? Choosing tools such as music to manage our mindsets. We have been given such a great gift in this tool. None of us can control the spread of the coronavirus or the recovery of the economy, but we can control how we embrace our new normal.
History has shown us that music has been used to sooth the soul since the beginning of time. During the war music was used as a way to help soldiers cope and deal with the traumas, stress and issues brought on by war. Music and dancing made people forget the hardships of daily life during the great depression. Music is used to relieve pain during hospice care. It only makes sense to enrich our lives by incorporating more music into our daily lives.