Author of Blog - Abdullah SOUND (1)
03
Apr
Apr
Focusing on even the simplest exercise like a C major scale can be a powerful stress reliever
We are now at a moment in history when our access to information is
24/7. Although I don't think this is always a good thing. Our culture
doesn't often reward behavior that focuses on slowing things down,
though I think this is exactly what needs to happen to lower stress
levels. Whether you are singing into a microphone, plucking the strings
of a guitar with your fingers, or stomping on a bass drum pedal with
your foot, you will see the difference in your stress levels once you
start playing a musical instrument.
According to Science of People
“...casual music-making can short-circuit the stress response system
and keep it from recurring or becoming chronic.” Beyond the physical
aspects of playing an instrument, there are also the mental aspects to
consider. I had a friend who was a psychologist whose job was incredibly
stressful. She worked at a practice that was understaffed, increasing
the demands on her time, and often leading to multiple double shifts per
week. Looking for ways to reduce stress I suggested she take piano
lessons. Like most people she initially felt she didn't have the time. I
told her that everybody has the time to improve the quality of their
life!
From my experience deep breathing was only one way to lower stress.
If you have ever been to the gym you will know what I'm talking about.
It is easy to feel the difference in your stress levels after a rigorous
physical workout. Playing the drums uses muscles in your legs, arms,
hands, wrists, back, and shoulders. It is literally hitting wood
(drumsticks) against synthetic plastic (drum skins) and metal (cymbals).
This is a tremendous way to relieve stress!
Initially, I was doing these exercises to become a better singer. In a
short amount of time, I realized how this was positively affecting my
mental health. From then on I began my daily practice session with this
breathing exercise to calm my mind.
Something happened that was unintentionally life-changing on my first
singing lesson. The singing teacher said “I want you to take a very
large breath in and fill your lungs with air. Then gradually let the air
out through your mouth making an 's' sound similar to a snake.” As soon
as I did this everything slowed down. I realized many of us go through
the whole day without doing any real deep breathing. Instantly I felt
calm and less stressed out.
I was determined to learn how to sing backing vocals to increase my
value as a musician. Although I felt I had a decent voice, I had a
previous negative experience that derailed my confidence. When I was a
teenager I was singing in my bedroom. My older brother who was also a
musician gently knocked on my door. He said “Was that you singing?” I
said “Yes!” eagerly awaiting a compliment. Then he said “Oh, I thought
someone was drowning a cat in here.” Needless to say, I was a little
self-conscious of my voice after that.
The drums and my self-esteem both took a good beating at those
auditions. Instead of wondering why I wasn't getting those bookings, I
simply asked the bandleader. He quite casually told me it was because
the other drummer sings backing vocals. He then explained that when a
band goes on tour, it would save the record company money if they hire
musicians who could sing. This meant they wouldn't have to hire separate
backing singers. Using this system, a lot of money was saved on fees,
plane tickets, and hotel rooms.
When I was just starting my career as a musician, I remember
auditioning for a lot of bands. I would learn the drum parts
meticulously so they would sound exactly like the tape (I'm an old guy,
we didn't have MP3s back in the day). There was a period where I saw
another drummer at every audition I attended. I would listen to him play
outside in the waiting room. Although stylistically we sounded very
similar, nine times out of ten he got the gig.Within weeks of learning the piano, she told me she could see the
difference in her stress levels. Having to focus on even the simplest
exercise like a C major scale, allowed her to be fully present in that
moment in time. When this practice occurs it is virtually impossible to
be overwhelmed by your problems because your focus is on what music you
are making. According to The American Psychological Association "...hormones that create stress are reduced by playing music."
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