Ohhh….. that song always makes me cry

Ohhh,   That song always makes me cry.

Music is a very deep part of our existence.  It is actually found in the deepest, oldest part of our brain.  In every culture there is music that lets us express our common emotions.  It happens in a moving rendition of our national anthems,  in the singing of hymns and praise music,  around campfires, or  late at night listening to romantic music.  Music moves us.

At Yamaha, we know how deep the impact of music is.  Our singing songs have expressive meanings that speak to our children at various stages of their lives.  Our orchestral recordings are amazing, telling stories through excellent arrangements and orchestrations.  I am always touched by the sweet arrangement of Hot Cross Buns.  Yes, Hot Cross Buns: the dad calling up to announce breakfast, the sweet sound of the family sitting down together and singing.  Did I say our arrangements are amazing.  I’m always struck by the faces of the children when the key change comes in Squirrel’s Lullaby.  The children instinctively hear the unsettled baby, and then comes the soothing sound of the mother saying it’s okay.  Amazing arrangement.

Music study is so much more than learning to read notes, it is being touched deeply by sound.  It’s sharing a common feeling:  The excitement of a vigorous tempo and powerful brass leading the parade, the soulful singer mourning a loss,  nostalgia for a time passed, love for another human being.   We all feel it.  We listen to our favorite song over and over again for the rush of feelings it gives.

I remember listening to Sting’s album Soul Cages all year after my dad died.  It was the album he wrote after his dad died.  It gave voice to my sadness and helped me feel a little better.  My children all know it’s Christmas when the Andy Williams’ Christmas album is on.  And think about it, it isn’t really a party until there’s music playing.

Don’t let your children miss out on what truly makes us all human: beautiful music.