Olivia Jaynes
Guest Writer
February 27, 2024
Discovering serenity through every note - Rachel Anderson finds her peace within the exhilarating sound of the vinyl on the record player, the soothing sound of strumming the guitar, and the melody of the piano keys.
In a world that is filled with chaos and uncertainty, there are many people who find peace in music. Whether it’s the captivating lyrics, the complex sound of the guitar, or the beat of the drums, music has the ability to touch the soul and offer a sense of serenity. For some, music is more than just pure enjoyment but therapy that can heal their soul.
During the pandemic, Margo Murphy, a singer, found peace in music, which greatly helped her through her journey.
“When I moved here and COVID happened and I didn’t have anybody, I would listen to music,” Murphy said. “Whether that be in my room, car, or just listening through headphones.” Through the hardships of the pandemic, she learned that music would be her “escape.”
Through all the chaos that the pandemic has caused and her moving from city to city, music lessened her worries with the sounds of “R&B and Bon Iver.” She started developing a passion for creating music, and her talent brought her peace.
“I would definitely say performing, singing especially, brings me joy and peace. It feels like I’m creating in a different way and I’m expressing in a way that shows people my artistic ability,” Murphy said.
Murphy is not alone in her experience of finding peace in music. Natalie Brunner, a woman who was fighting for her life from the struggles of cancer, said that it was the song “Violin” by Amos Lee that brought her comfort amidst her times of darkness.
“When I found out that I was sick but I didn’t know what the outcome was, I remember being in the hospital all by myself and it was so peaceful,” Brunner said. “I was able to clear my mind and not worry.”
The specific genres that brought her peace during this time were “Folk, Rock, and Soul.”
“It’s the combination of soft instruments and a very smooth voice. The pace is very slow,” Brunner said.
Brunner realizes the impact of musicians and how they promote messages of peace.
“They are so powerful. They have one of the most universal platform, it doesn’t matter what country you come from, what race you are, music is for everyone,” Brunner said. “Music transcends all of life’s barriers and all the things we put in our world.”
Lastly, Andrew Jaynes, a man who has lost people in his life due to divorce or death, reminisces about how music brought him deep peace.
“I don’t listen to a lot of music, and one of the reasons is that it does touch my soul deeply. So deeply that a lot of times I don’t want to listen to it because it generates emotions that I don’t want to have,” Jaynes said. “A lot of music I listened to while growing up leads me down a path of memories, sometimes sadness, especially if it reminds me of my parents or my past marriage.” While seeking solace in music during his hard times, he discovered instrumental music or songs with no lyrics. One song in particular would be, “Cliffs of Dover” by Eric Johnson, helps him to unwind.
Each one of their stories shows the power of music in therapy and each individual uses music as a tool for self-expression and healing but perhaps the most beautiful thing about music therapy is that it has universalism. Regardless of anyone's age, background, or what they are going through, anyone can benefit from it.
“All music was developed out of a need for people to gather, and to celebrate their likenesses. I believe almost every genre of music was inspired by someone or a group that helped them through a period of their life that ultimately led to some form of peace,” Jaynes said.