I believe in the power of music. Bob Dylan had a major influence on many with his music. There were many riots at colleges over his music; this is how powerful music can be. Music has a power over the brain that not many other things do. It can change your mood, help you accomplish tasks, it has a strong connection with memory, and even affect your decisions.
I believe in the power of music because of its influence on my mood. If I am feeling down or depressed, sometimes I only need a certain song or artist to push me out of that hole. I have devoted time to creating playlists on my computer that have the sole purpose of making me and others smile. Everyone suffers from rejection, but I always had a plan to get me out of my depression from being rejected. Every time it happened I would take my iPod and play Boy Crazy by New Found Glory on repeat. Listening to that song worked wonders for me after rejection.
Music or certain songs affects my attitude. If I am trying to get pumped up for the big game or an upcoming competition, some songs can really help me with this. They help me increase my adrenaline and get in the right mind set to compete.
Music also helps me focus when I want to settle my mind, maybe for an important speech or a performance. It helps me calm my thoughts and focus in on only what lies ahead of me.
When I am in a crunch for time, music helps me work hard and fast. Once I had waited till the very last minute to do one of my projects. I was sitting at my desk stressing out and not being able to focus on my project, so I decided to take 5 minutes and make a playlist on my computer to help me out. I went through my music library and picked out my favorite fast paced songs, and even songs that were a little on the hardcore side, and put them all together. Then I went back to my project and played my playlist. I was finally able to focus and plow through my work.
Music also has a great influence on memories, songs can help you to remember things, trigger memories, and sometimes they seem to associate themselves to certain times or places. These, of course, are different for every individual. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beatles always reminds me of the summer of 05. My friend got it stuck in my head for the entire summer. Whenever I listen to that song, I remember all the awesome times I had with my friends during that summer.
Music has the power to inspire. It can cause a spur of the moment decision, or a random idea or cause unpredicted creativity. There have been times where I’ve been with friends and we’re bored out of our minds. We’ll have been listening to music to fill the silence. Instead of just filling the silence, it tends to make us get up and do something.
Music was actually what put me on the career path that I have chosen for my future. I have always been a music fanatic. I wasn’t graced with the ability to play an instrument, but I have always loved music. I pride myself in finding new artists before anyone else and having a large music library where everyone can find something they like. That is why I joined the University Involvement Board. I wanted to get the position that brought the Wednesday entertainment to campus. About a month ago I got that position, and then I ended up going to a national conference where I got to work with countless agencies and performers so I could bring them to our school. While I was there, I realized that I was really passionate about what I was doing and that I could actually do this for the rest of my life and really enjoy it. So I made the decision and I changed my major.
“… Just as Jesus created wine from water, we humans are capable on transmuting emotion into music…” Carlos Santana. Everyone can make a strong connection with music, that is why it is so powerful in its effect on us.