The Music That Moves You
“Music…gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato
We’ve all been there before…. You’re just about to leave that party… just about to end that run… just about to put away that project… just about to turn off the car… but then… THAT SONG comes on over those speakers or through those headphones.
It’s absolutely, indescribably, exactly what you craved at that moment.
Maybe it’s a total throw back to “the good old days” of fond memories and bright spots in your mind’s eye.
Maybe it has words of encouragement you needed to hear that day, or the song shows you that you’re not the only one who feels/thinks that way.
Maybe it’s that song that reminds you of someone you love (so, of course, you immediately turn it up, start lipsync-ing, and send them that goofy video).
Maybe it’s a new song with a beat that moves you along with it.
Maybe it’s an all-consuming anthem that somehow empowers you to stand taller, walk with the beat, jump higher, be braver, run faster, smile bigger…
I think it’s absolutely stunning how much music can move us. We can’t deny the effect that music can have on our moods, creating an environment, and in some cases, even giving us health benefits!
There have been studies showing the benefits of music on a number of conditions including improved memory recollection in elderly, improved gait (walking) training in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and improved rehabilitation participation in patients recovering from stroke; others have researched and shown the positive role of music on mood, anxiety, depression, pain control, social participation, eating habits, cancer recovery, and pediatric conditions.
Because music can bring people together, and because it has such a strong influence on us mentally, physically, and emotionally, I thought it might be fun to share with you some of my favorite artists (from A to Z). Feel free to check them out on Spotify, Pandora, NPR tiny desk concerts, Youtube, etc.
You can also use music as another reason to come to a Pilates class–because I will be the first to admit that as teachers, our “chart toppers” often find their way into the class to help us move you!
And as always, please comment below with your favorite artists, make a suggestion to your teacher for a class’s musical theme, and definitely let me know what artists you think I should check out!
Cheers to you!
Taylor
Tay’s Collection (An eclectic blend of Classics, New finds, and Nostalgia)
Adele
Bing Crosby
Birdy
Bon Iver
Boyce Avenue
The Chainsmokers
City and Color
The Civil Wars
Coldplay
Copeland
Ed Sheeran
Ellie Goulding
Frank Sinatra
Hillsong
Iron & Wine
Jack Johnson
James Bay
Johnnyswim
Judah & the Lion
Lily & Madeleine
The Lumineers
Maroon5
Mat Kearney
Michael Buble
NEEDTOBREATHE
OneRepublic
Of Monsters and Men
Passenger
Phil Wickham
Sam Smith
The Shins
Straight No Chaser
The Temptations
U2
Vance Joy
Zerbin
References:
De Dreu, M. J., Van Der Wilk, A. S. D., Poppe, E., Kwakkel, G., & Van Wegen, E. E. H. (2012). Rehabilitation, exercise therapy and music in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis of the effects of music-based movement therapy on walking ability, balance and quality of life. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 18, S114-S119.
Koger, S. M., Chapin, K., & Brotons, M. (1999). Is music therapy an effective intervention for dementia? A meta-analytic review of literature. Journal of Music Therapy, 36(1), 2-15.
Magee, W. L., & Davidson, J. W. (2002). The effect of music therapy on mood states in neurological patients: a pilot study. Journal of Music Therapy, 39(1), 20-29.