Inside Perspective – Music, the Moral Law

Sarah Holub Schrom.

In my last blog, I talked about the many benefits of creating art. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the importance and value that music brings to our lives.

I started piano lessons with a local church pianist when I was 8 years old and continued them for a few years until I surpassed my instructor’s abilities. When I hit my teenage years, I began to rebel and stopped lessons, but continued to play piano and composed my own music. I am 42 now and still composing and playing my own music. I released an EP in 2015 and am getting ready to release my first full length album. My music has helped me through many difficult times in my life.

Playing an instrument isn’t the only way that music is therapeutic. Music has a way of transporting us to different times and emotions. Music has power. In the midst of these uncertain times, music is still carrying us through. I have read multiple stories of people singing in unison through their open windows. Music lifts our spirits and singing together brings about a sense of solidarity during these difficult times.

Research has shown that music reduces stress and promotes happiness. Music gives us a way to process emotions. People often turn to music they can relate to because it helps them deal with stress. Music also improves study skills when students listen to it while they are working on their schoolwork. Listening to soothing music can decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels. In patients with dementia, music helps them reconnect with memories. Music therapy also helps these patients be less withdrawn and happier overall. Music is infinitely powerful and has benefits for us all.

I will end this post with one of my favorite quotes from Plato that really summarizes the power and benefits well and gives you some food for thought.

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything; It is the essence of order and lends to all that is good, just, and beautiful.”