Music's Path to Emotions

We all time travel through the use of music. When I hear the Temptations, I’m in high school. Elvis evokes my Uncle Fred, who slicked his hair back just like him. Any 80s music makes me think of my daughter, and the 90s, my son. I have songs that bring memories of old friends and past boyfriends. When my voice students sing Oh What a Beautiful Morning, I’m riding the horse I used to own.

Opera transports me to my vocal concerts at Penn State. With jazz, I’m singing Summertime in the dark bar where I played during my brief foray as a single act. Joan Jett? I’m practicing with my all-girl band, Susie Creamcheese, that never got off the ground.

You listen to music and you’re lost in time and space. A forgotten song evokes tears, joy, or the memory of a long dead relative.

Use music to lighten your load, to laugh and love. Use it to bring peace to your wounded soul. Make it yourself, or listen to records. Music never disappoints. It always evokes a mood and a path. Treat yourself. It’s free.