“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the key to learning.” -Plato.
Are there things we experience through learning and appreciating music that calm our hearts and minds better than any drug or distraction? It relaxes, helps us endure pain, lifts our mood and helps us remember. (It must have helped me remember to proofread).
Martin Luther says music creates “innocent delight, destroying wrath, unchastity, and pride,” and emphasized that we must experience music personally like we experience the salvation of Christ: not just in theory. (Luther on Music Robin Leaver vol XX 2006)
I found that as I learned how to play instruments, sing, and compose, I didn’t depend on a radio to hear music. I also didn’t get frustrated by background noise when I realized I had an ability to control the sound in my head. Developing this skill will give you and others joy if you approach it with the desire to make these sounds better and more delightful every time you come back to them.
Perhaps this is why Plato wanted to start children climbing musical mountains when they are young. They naturally have the innocence and delight in this gift that God gives us, perhaps if we keep our hearts purely thankful to God for his loving gifts through Christ we will not so easily wander off the path of our musical expression and will find ways to bless others who need a healthy way to connect and experience the comfort and joy God makes available through music. But when the trials of life tempt us off the musical path we should be on, there is always the option to just turn back!
Invest in your musical education and experience and become a mountain climber like you were before something spooked you. How will we participate in cultivating a musical community?
Do you have a song to sing, a piece to learn on the keyboard, a favorite scale to experiment with? Learning music will improve your health and inspire others! Step by step your life will be blessed with musical delights.
reference
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/music-and-health
https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/9-health-benefits-of-music/
Doran Music Studio 