Blog Post # 2: Connected Through Sound

Have you ever felt the power of a message delivered through music?

From ancient tribal drumming to modern genre-bending tracks, music has been used as a form of communication throughout the history of human culture. It has been used to record stories and living memory, to call people to worship through chants and hymns, and to coordinate physical labor through work songs and sea shanties. It has long been used as a vehicle for dissent, as seen through 1960s protest anthems and spirituals sung by enslaved people. It has been used both to divide and connect people; at once a call to arms and the voice of peace. 

I first began to learn about the potential of music to connect me with others when I gave my first performance on the stage, aged eleven. I had carefully prepared my selections and practiced stage deportment with my teacher. I had no idea what to expect and my introverted self was extremely nervous. I had one goal: to get through the performance as quickly and painlessly as possible. However, as I began to play and I noticed how intently the audience was paying attention to my performance, I started to become more excited than nervous. I realized that the music gave me a voice and a story to tell. I noticed that I was able to connect with my audience and that they understood the message I was relating through music. I no longer tried to hurry through the performance, but instead began to enjoy the moment. Of course, this was just the beginning for me of a lifelong obsession with the communication, community, and connection that sharing music with others represents.

Just as we all have the capacity to receive messages delivered through music, I believe that we each have a voice to express through music as well. Maybe, like me, you’ve been surprised by the voice that music gives you. Dow Street Community Music School accepts students of any age and level of learning because of a core belief that music is for everyone and music lessons are made as accessible and affordable as possible for this reason.

I sometimes hear people say “I don’t have a musical bone in my body”, to which I respond, “are you sure?” You don’t have a favorite song that you like to listen to, or a type of music that you resonate with? Have you never inadvertently started dancing to a groovy bop or tapping your foot along with a marching band? I think music is a common thread that resonates within us all. Perhaps you don’t have a long history of playing an instrument or singing, but your musical voice has a story to tell nonetheless. Whether you’re playing a concerto with an orchestra or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for your family and friends, or perhaps just playing for yourself at home, the message of giving voice to music is the same. Music really IS for everyone, and that includes you!