And each singer that night had me from the first note.
It happens nearly every time I sit it the audience of a live performer. The music and energy seem to go through me. The sincerity behind lyrics and the reasons the artist shares why a song was written reminds me of music's ability to move, stir up emotion and when called for, help in healing.
More than fifteen years after I jumped in college with the intent of being a special ed teacher I don't hold a degree as a teacher. Still, through leading survivors of Domestic Violence through songwriting workshops and writing my own very focused lyrics I still get a chance to heal and teach through music.
Even in the cover band I sing with I hear our audience tell me our music brings them back to wherever they were when they heard a certain song on the radio or the artist performing it live. Bringing a listener back to possibly a happier time in their life even just for a few moments, is probably healing as well.
And I am reminded why I love music.
Everybody knows that music is good for relaxation and stress management. Let's take it further.
A description states from the American Music Therapy website:
Music therapy interventions can be designed to:
- promote wellness
- manage stress
- alleviate pain
- express feelings
- enhance memory
- improve communication
- promote physical rehabilitation.
If we are grieving a loss, listen to songs about grieving and healing from loss.
If we're feeling sad, listen to sad songs and if angry, listen to heavy upbeat loud music that either has lyrics and or the "right" groove and feel to help us think about and work through our anger.
Healing by processing our emotions through music.
The article Music Therapy Offers a Wide Range of Health Benefits mentions after WWII the veterans hospital patients who had regular musical visits improved dramatically after doctors implored the hospitals to hire regular musical therapists to aid in the treatment of the injured and sick soldiers. Music therapy has been going on longer than we might think. The first ever music therapy program was founded at Michigan State University in 1944.
Check out these sites to learn more about music therapy:
The Healing Music Organization excellent article on site What is Healing Music?
Music and Your Body: How Music Affects Us and Why Music Therapy Promotes Health
Music Therapy for Troubled Teens
Music Therapy Promotes High Self-Esteem in Domestic Violence Victims**Treatment That's in Tune: A Study of the Healing Power of Music Therapy
Music Therapy For Healing
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