Playing outside when I was a child, I was always accompanied by music. It wasn’t my music. I did not have any speakers or stereos blasting sweet lullabies. The music came from a megaphone attached above the front door of the church across from my house. Now I can’t remember what the words were or even the beat to most of the songs. Yet, I do remember that it was on every day after I came home from school, playing evangelical music for hours. I used to play outside while the music was on and, according to my mother, I used to ask for some of the songs to be sung to me after they stopped playing. I didn’t sing any of them myself, I’ve never had any talent for singing. I don’t think I even particularly liked the songs that were played from that megaphone. I just loved the sound of the music. However, apart from being a drummer boy in a small marching band in my elementary school, I’ve not wanted to be a part of a band or choir. I have never had the desire to express myself musically. I thought about how strange this was as I’ve come to realize how much I turn to music for many parts of my day.
When I studied in college, I needed music to play in the background because it would help me focus. Without it, I would get distracted by my wandering thoughts. When I work on my computer, music helps me get things done. When exercising, music helps me push myself. It has a significant effect on my moods as well. For example, when I feel down I play upbeat music to try to lift my spirits. Other times music helps me work through the sadness. For whatever mood I am in, I have a playlist to go along with it. For every part of my day, I have a playlist that will help me get a task done. Music just fascinates me. There is certain music that can change my bad days into good ones. Some songs can take me into other worlds.
When I was in college, walking through the campus after the sun had set was a different world when listening to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Jogging around my neighborhood or in the park while listening to fast-paced music makes me feel as if I am about to cross the finish line miles ahead of the competition.
Music helps me escape to a world where I can be anything I want to be. It can help me connect to others and share with them my happiness or melancholy. Without music, I do not know where I would be. I think it has played a big part in my life thus far, more than I probably will ever realize. Music is the most fascinating thing about the human experience. I am glad I have gotten to experience it and I am excited to see what it has to offer in the future.
