Music as Therapy - Making Melody to Calm the Nerves
Posted: Saturday, October 10, 2009
by Leon Potgieter
Pluck and Play Guitar
The power of music to integrate and cure is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest non-chemical medication These words from famous neurologist and author Dr. Oliver Sacks, underline a fundamental truth often times overlooked by medical science. Music can have a soothing and calming biological effect on a nervous brain and stressed body and today thousands benefit from the therapeutic influence of song and harmony.
The organiser of a recent symposium on the understanding of the human musical experience was quoted as saying: "We may be sitting on one of the most widely available and c ost effective therapeutic modalities that ever existed. Systematically, this could be like taking a pill music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication, in many circumstances.
My wifes sentiments will also be shared by many: I have no musical talent whatsoever, I cannot keep a note let alone hear the difference, but I've learned basic guitar patterns. I cannot play without looking at them, but even with my eyes glued to the music sheet I find my mind quieting and my body relaxing as I play my simple melodies. My 56 year old mother even started playing and using guitar jargon like chords and scales!
Learning a new instrument is by itself a wonderful and refreshing experience, simply because of the fresh perspective and stimulus that accompanies the learning process. And your newly acquired skills can and will help aid in your quest for a more relaxed lifestyle.
If this appeals, you may wonder where to start? I can only comment from personal past experience: Like many children with recognized musical ability I was somewhat forced into musical tuition for a variety of instruments as a young child - today I play guitar, bass guitar, drums and some piano. I have found the piano or guitar a good starting point for prospective musicians. Piano is more difficult to master without live lessons or instruction, but guitar can, in most cases, be learned independently. This instruments composition means that a new player has minimum finger pattern (or chord) memorization and, unlike the piano, you really don't have to do much to start sounding like you know what you're doing.
The only discomfort that accompanies learning the guitar will be the silent cries of your new and awkward fingers. Contrary to what many believe, this passes fairly quickly and by playing four to five times a week, you will develop natural calluses and will quiet the pleas from your fingertips.
My website, http://www.pluckandplayguitar.com/ has a free video based guitar course for absolute beginners. The course assumes you know nothing or close to nothing about your new favourite stringed instrument, so might be a good place to start. You will learn some basic guitar techniques and start playing a few very easy songs.
Leon Potgieter is a musician with many years of performing experience. His website, http://www.pluckandplayguitar.com/ offers free video based tuition for prospective guitar players.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Very interesting and contents are good.
As an RN I have seen music therapy used to great effect various times in my career. We do need to slow down. Thanks for writing this piece. Marijo (Mary Jo - dad was a creative speller)Thanks for the confirmation Marijo
Hi Leon and welcome to searchwarp all my family are music lovers, my brother is a singer on stage and a great one too, and if I didn't get my daily fix of Dean Martin I don't know what I would do. Loved the content of your article and thanks for sharingKacyGreat stuff! Thanks for your kind comments.
I am so convinced by the power music to heal. It is important, though, that you like the music being played. :)So true Jacob, thanks for reading.
Leon, your passion fills this submission, and thanks for sharing it with us. Welcome to Searchwarp (I believe I've welcomed you before, but it doesn't hurt to be welcomed again)Thank you Ronyae
Thank you for a well written factual article. I had a look at your guitar site and may even take you up on your offer to teach me to play even though I am not a young bloke any more. Great stuuf!
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