If 2020 taught us anything, life is uncertain. We need to make time for things that matter – family, friends, religion for some, and even music. Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Music has a fantastic ability to captivate our hearts and minds in ways we never knew. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that music can improve brain and body function. Scientists have learned that music activates both the right and left sides of the brain at the same time, maximizing learning and enhancing memory. Music can ease stress, reduce anxiety, boost cognitive performance, improve focus, aid in memory retrieval, and even cure pain! How incredible is that?
If you’ve ever met someone who loves music, you learn very quickly how passionate they are about it – especially if they sing or play an instrument. Take a pianist, for example. Even though the piano produces the sound, it’s clear that the piano player is the one making the music. You can see it in the way their fingers dance across the ivory keys. They become completely enthralled with their music, even if they’re new and concentrating. Whether it’s just a hobby to them or a lifelong dream, music holds a special place in their heart. That is especially true for our friend, Anna.
Anna is going to be a high school senior this fall. Like many people, she isn’t sure what she wants to do, but does anyone really know? But, Anna does know she loves music, especially playing the piano. We had a unique opportunity to hear Anna play the piano and get to take pictures in a breath-taking recital hall! Even though Anna was a little shy initially, it was a beautiful thing to see her get comfortable, smile, and have fun! Anna, if there’s any advice we could give you for your senior year, it would be this: take the time to enjoy the things that matter to you. Embrace music and anything else that makes you smile because you have a beautiful smile, and the world should see more of it. Graduating high school is always a great accomplishment, and you deserve to celebrate it. Congratulations Anna! We can’t wait to see all of the wonderful things you do!
