“It’s a smile; it’s a kiss,
It’s a sip of wine.
It’s Summertime…”
Its Summertime! Time to plan a vacation, attend a music festival, go to a concert, and even go to the symphony. Turn up your radio, kick off your shoes, and play your favorite songs!
What is it about Summer that makes us want to listen to music?
It could be because we have longer days, sunshine, and summer vacations. These things help remind us to escape, relax, play, and enjoy life. And this is where music comes into our lives. It reminds us to play, dance and sing, as well as learn how to "check out" and to be able to "check-in."
Summer is the season of simplicity. So one of pop's most genuine pleasures is the Summer Song - be it a hit that dominates the Top 40 and every backyard cookout or a sweet ode to the season itself.
Summer inspires many songwriters to write incredible songs that convey a sense of freedom and joy, like "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding or "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. And we cannot forget the favorite by Seals and Crofts, "Summer Breeze." Summer inspires us to make music.
So, why does music help us to escape? What do sound and rhythm do? What does it do to our nervous systems?
We hear, touch, taste, smell, and feel; with all those available senses, music activates all these. Musical tone helps us understand and organize our feelings. For example, a slow, steady ballad helps us to relax our minds, while a big strong rock anthem such as "We Will Rock You" by Queen inspires us.
Music brings joy and even activates physical memories from years ago. In addition, research has shown that music helps you heal. Disorders like PTSD, anxiety attacks, and overall depression can be lifted and managed with music.
Music has also been shown to reduce pain and even positively affect symptoms of stroke and dementia. And for patients with Alzheimer's, the benefits may be that singing and listening to music improves mood, helps retrieve old memories, and even enhances general thought processes.
And guess what? Playing a musical instrument amplifies this unique healing dynamic in a two-fold way. Not only are you hearing the music, but you are also engaged in listening and learning how to control the sound. And that is cool!!
While summertime is an excellent opportunity for families to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors, it is a time to try new things. In addition to being a favorite time for relaxation, summer can also be a time for learning music lessons. For children, summer break provide a chance to explore new interests, attend music camps, and develop new musical skills.
So jumpstart your Summer with Music lessons. Learn to strum a guitar, bang on the drums, or sing your favorite song! Make this your "Summer of Love and Music."