For some time I have considered
(and still am considering) taking a chance to pursue music therapy. What I’ve had
confirmed over and over again is music heals and provides a place of solstice,
of comfort and of peace. Most importantly, it’s more than just plunking at a
piano or blowing through a brass or woodwind instrument. It’s about
communication.
Robert Gupta in his TED presentation “Between
Music & Medicine” talks about
how he was at a crossroads to decide whether or not he wanted to ‘give up’
music (his career for most of his life) to pursue a career in medicine.
It was a crossroads and even daunting decision because he; like other musicians,
understands the power and encouragement, etc music brings to its audience. Moreover,
music was more than just a career it was his life.
This quote by Romantic Composer sums it up best: “To send
light into the darkness of men’s hearts, such is the duty of the artists.” Over
the last 11 years I’ve had the privilege and honor to teach individuals from
various backgrounds, ages and levels of development. And not once has music failed to assist in assisting
individuals to communicate more successfully than through conventional means of
speech, writing, etc. To be direct; the power of music is incredible.
Teaching music has allowed me to see individuals who could
not hear, perform and communicate as though no issues were present. Students
have gained immediate understanding of challenging concepts in other subjects
due to their parallel study of music. Parents of music students have expressed
improvement in speech patterns for students with autism. “He (student of VP Music Studios) has slowed down in
his speech and is more focused since he started lessons” (name of parent and
student are not included for privacy).
When we listen to music our brain is active (fired up) from
the pre-frontal cortex all the way back to the cerebellum. Because of this, the
benefits are substantial. “Music is a neuropsychiatric modality to help
children [and adults] with autism, to help people struggling with stress and
anxiety and depression."
This is certainly not exhaustive but to be succinct – music
heals.
Thanks for reading,
Bryant Belin
Robert Gupta: Between music & medicine
