Music-The beat of my heart

Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture.

The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of music vary on the basis of culture and social context. Music can be divided into genres and subgenres. Within the arts, music may be classified as a performing art, a fine art, and auditory art. It may also be divided among art music and folk music. There is also a strong connection between music and mathematics. Music may be played and heard live, may be part of a dramatic work or film, or may be recorded.

Many people with profound autism may generally be very introverted but initiate thematic ideas and rhythms when using a piano or other instrument with a musician. A child who uses verbalizations but no recognizable words may pick up sounds and patterns which complement their speech therapy and encourage both verbal communication and interaction with others. I have met many children and adults with special needs who sing very obscure intervals and melodies to themselves which others would find very difficult! These are often repeated as well so there is certainly an involved understanding in how the relationships between sounds are felt by that person as they are able to consistently pitch such obscure intervals.

To many people in many cultures, music is an important part of their way of life. The Chinese philosopher Confucius said long ago “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” Ancient Greek and Indian philosophers defined music as tones ordered horizontally as melodies and vertically as harmonies. Common sayings such as "the harmony of the spheres" and "it is music to my ears" point to the notion that music is often pleasant to listen to.

There are different types of musical instruments like accordion, drums, flute, guitar, piano etc. with different ways of playing them. Playing instruments also has some benefits like:
o Increase the capacity of memory & sharpening the concentration power
o Refines time management & organizational skills
o Boosts team & listening skills
o Teaches perseverance, discipline
o Enhances co-ordination
o Improves mathematical skills
o Improves reading & comprehension skills
o Creates a sense of responsibility & achievement
o Exposure to cultural history
o Fosters self-expression & relives stress
o Elevates performance skills & reduces stage fright
o Enhances respiratory system
o Promotes happiness in your life & those around you

The most important aspect of studying any musical instrument is enjoyment and interest. When one is young, it sometimes takes a little while to find this. I know from my experience that it took a year or so for the inspiration to play piano to kick in but when it did, it never went away. However, the inspiration does not always come from the teacher.When practicing, singing what one is playing is often a great way to develop the connection between the mechanical aspect of playing and the ear. Due to the vertical nature of piano playing, it is easy when less experienced, to forget that the sound must be 'horizontal', a continuous song. This is why it is good to listen to singers and string players as well to encourage one's ear to desire more singing qualities from the piano.
Charlie Parker once said “Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn.”

 

Filed Under: Music Piano Keyboard