Recreational Music-Making: Mind-Body-Spirit
and Wellness
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Source: Excerpted from ©2001 Barry Bittman, MD all rights reserved
http://www.healthy.net
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It's hard to imagine living without music.
Yet while listening to music is our nation's
favorite pastime, active music-making isn't typically perceived
to be within most people's grasp.
When you ask individuals if they're musical,
many offer statements like, "I used to be," or "not
according to my 4th grade music teacher." Some acknowledge
they'd like to take up an instrument but simply haven't found
time in their busy schedules. Others simply look at you as
if you’re kidding.
| Such responses
aren't surprising when you consider the relative paucity
of adults who play instruments these days. I wonder how
many old flutes, saxophones and guitars are gathering
dust in basements and attics. Add to it the number of
pianos that haven't been played or tuned in years and
the picture of active music participation in our country
becomes clear.
Music-making, at least in the traditional
sense, seems to be reserved for a limited number of individuals
who have dedicated considerable time and practice to their
endeavor. It's a fact that very few people actually earn
a living performing, writing, or recording music. Recently
I've learned the odds are better for becoming a professional
athlete than a Rock Star. |
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In years past families gathered together and
entertained themselves. Cultural diversity abounded from performances
in formal music parlors to hootenannies in the Appalachian
Mountains. Music-making seemed to be an integral part of everyday
life.
Today with time at a premium especially for
two-earner households, get-togethers have given way to email
and chat rooms. Practice sessions have been replaced by channel
and net surfing. Countless other activities that seemingly
require far less commitment and dedication are in competition
for our precious time.
Yet there's a new musical approach that's rapidly
gaining momentum throughout the world. It's called "Recreational
Music-Making," based upon the Latin word, "recreatio," which
means to restore health. Rather than focusing on performance,
Recreational Music-Making is centered on wellness along with
exercise, nutrition and stress reduction. Anyone can participate
and share in the enjoyment regardless of experience or skill
level.
Recreational Music-Making promotes self-expression,
camaraderie, nurturing, exercise and creativity. Years of music
instruction and steep learning curves are unnecessary. Participants
are simply asked to bring their enthusiasm, love of music and
a willingness to share the rhythms of their soul.
The extraordinary gains are worth the investment
of time and energy.
Participants develop a renewed sense of balance,
heightened self-esteem and an incredible sense of having contributed
to the symphony of life. Newcomers are often surprised by their
ability to make music in a manner never imagined possible before.
You might be wondering where Recreational Music-Making
opportunities exist.
Actually they're more commonplace than you might
imagine. You can find them in hospitals, clinics, wellness
centers, long-term care facilities and support groups. They're
also springing up in the corporate world at worksites and during
weekend executive retreats. Music stores are also taking the
lead with specialized keyboard programs designed with a unique
focus on wellness for seniors.
Who are the facilitators?
While some have formal music backgrounds, others
do not. You're bound to find music therapists and educators
along with a myriad of unique representatives and evangelists
from various fields. Many are experts in their respective arenas.
Facilitator training programs vary considerably and are readily
available from multiple sources.
 What
does the future hold?
As we progressively become a more health conscious
society, new Recreational Music Making opportunities are evolving
each day. Through expansion of the wellness movement and a
renewed focus on self-expression, socialization, nurturing
and group support, people are discovering the extraordinary
value of making music together.
During her tour of Asia, Christine Stevens,
MT-BC, Director of HealthRhythms for Remo Drums, Inc., experienced
that although a language barrier did exist between the participants
and their facilitator, the drummers didn't experience the slightest
difficulty following their guide.
According to Christine, "Their rhythms
were unique but their expressions were not. The joy of making
music together was reflected in our energy and smiles. Seemingly
two different worlds came together as one in sound and spirit.
Whether in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei or Seoul, drumming proved
to be a social elixir, creating a sense of cohesion and excitement
despite language differences."
Perhaps it's time for you to join in. Feel free
to drop me a line if you'd like more information. May your
quest for wellness begin on a joyful note - Mind Over Matter!
About MINES & Associates
For over 25 years MINES & Associates has
been a nationally recognized business psychology firm that
provides a variety of services to corporate employers including
employee assistance programs (EAP), managed mental healthcare,
organizational development and psychology services, wellness
programs, behavioral risk management, disease management, PPO
services, and a number of other technology based services.
MINES & Associates is divided into two main divisions,
Organizational Psychology and Health Psychology, and currently
serves a diverse portfolio of clients in all 50 states, Canada,
Mexico, and the UK.
Please log on to http://www.minesandassociates.com for
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