 A couple of days ago I wrote about how I thought it would be a good idea
to Write Something Everyday,
well, after thinking about it some more, I also thought
it would
be a good idea to play music everyday. Now, I don't mean that you have to go
out and buy a musical instrument if you have never played one before (although
that might not be a bad idea), but I do mean that you should spend some time,
everyday, to get a groove on.
Play
an
instrument if you can, but if find that you can't at the time, try clapping
your hands, tapping your feet, nodding your head to a beat or song, snapping
your fingers, slapping your desk or leg, whistling, or
even ringing the doorbell. Just play for a while. I know it will make you feel
better. And if you have children, I strongly encourage you to get them started
with music today. I remember hating my mandatory piano lessons when
I was growing up but now consider it one of the greatest things my parents
ever forced me to do. Are you not sure yet if it is a good idea, check out
this long
list of benefits to learning to play music.
Have you ever heard of the "Mozart Effect?" This is an entire area
of study about how listening to music can do a lot more than just make you
feel better. The Mozart Effect "is an inclusive term signifying the transformational
powers
of music in
health, education, and well-being. It represents the general use of music to
reduce
stress, depression, or anxiety; induce relaxation or sleep; activate the
body; and improve memory or awareness. Innovative and experimental uses of
music
and sound can improve listening disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder,
autism, and other mental and physical disorders and injuries." (http://www.mozarteffect.com/MoreOnTME/FAQ.html)
In case you think you are musically challenged or have not yet begun to explore
your musical abilities, here are some thing that may help get you started.
Play Mary Had a Little Lamp on your phone:
Just dial these numbers to the
tune of that song: 6545666555666654566655654.
Remember to hang up after you've
dialed! You don't want to inadvertently call
China or something :)
Got any other phone songs to play? If so, please
send it to me. I'd love to hear it.
How to whistle
http://www.ehow.com/how_4839_whistle.html
http://homepage1.nifty.com/yubibue/en/how.htm
National Association for Music Education
Great Music Resource
for those interested in learning or getting their children to learn how to
play a musical instrument
Their mission:
To advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by
all.
http://www.menc.org/
Cool Music Site for Kids
http://www.playmusic.org/
Support Music
A Public Service of the Music Education Coalition
http://supportmusic.com/
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