"Gimme a Beat!"

 

The power of music is one that cannot be denied nor defined. There are multiple varieties of music to fit everyone's taste. Multiple instruments played and vocals that sing melodies that touch our souls. I for one have always been a huge fan of music. I enjoy many different genres of music; including, Rhythm and Blues,  Oldies, Reggae, Salsa, Hip Hop, Classic Rock, Pop, Metal, Blues, and Gospel. Although, I like some country songs, it is my least favorite genre. Classical, Opera, and Jazz would be next in line of my least favorite types of music.

I cannot feel or relate to most Country music songs which may be the reason for my dislike. Classical and Jazz can be felt in ways that influence my moods and allow me to think, which might cause me to avoid listening to them. I enjoy listening to music that gets me out of my head and allows me to feel a level of freedom and momentary joy. I like music with stimulating lyrics and powerful messages. I want to listen to beats that drop hard and make you want to dance without care. 

I do not care to listen to music that cannot take me away from my reality, make me feel joy, enlighten my spirit, make me want to dance or cry because the pain expressed is so relatable. Classical music and Jazz do not offer enough of a distraction for me. Music has always been a sort of crutch of mine. It is a vacation from reality. 

Since my early childhood, our house was always filled with music of all genres. One of the few things my father left behind were his records. Al Green was his favorite. His eclectic record collection included Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Doors, Santana, The Stylistics, and all the old Motown classics and Oldies from the fifties and sixties. We used to play those records and eight tracks so much that they became scratched and warped. 

Me and my sibling used to go to the San Jose Flea Market to buy The East Side Story albums and later cassette tapes of our favorite bands and groups like Prince, New Edition, Teena Marie, and Stacy Lattisaw.  We always had a radio in the bathroom for while we showered, in the living room when we cleaned, in the kitchen while cooking, and of course, in the car. 

To this day,  I am a huge fan of music and listen to it while getting ready and throughout my day. Even as a classroom teacher it is an important part of the learning environment. Music arouses the senses and allows us to use both sides of our brains. It helps us think more critically and creatively. Music has a calming power, as well as an excitement factor. Music is a powerful tool to utilize in classrooms and all workplaces. Lyrics can be analyzed and dissected for meaning. Songs can be written as a means of self expression. Music can be therapeutic and uplifting. Music can inspire and empower. 

Music can have similar effects on humans as drugs; by either calming us down or amping us up, depending on the song. While I take a bath, nap, or while I am writing or studying, I listen to soft slow music to relax. While I am exercising or driving long distances, I listen to loud, upbeat music to stay energized. 

I could not imagine a world without music. If you are blessed with musical talents, by all means, share your gift with the world. If you are like me, continue being a lover of music and play on. Play on to stay inspired. Play on to dance. Play on to get up to face another day. Play on to feel joy. Play on to be empowered. Play on to find hope. Play on to bring peace. Play on to feel love. Play on until your own heartbeat stops beating.