A two-year-old bangs on pots and pans in the kitchen as her mother cooks dinner. The child is having a blast. The mother is glad her toddler is expressing herself in a healthy way. A teenager comes home upset. He picks up the guitar and strums away the hurt. A twenty-something plays for his bride at their wedding. The bride and guests cry tears of joy as the groom professes his love.
Music has a power in our lives. Music should be fun, fulfilling, and a way to express ourselves. But what if you never learned to play? What if you're not musically inclined? Recreational Music Making may be the answer.
What is Recreational Music Making?
Recreational Music Making (RMM) refers to making music (and learning to make music) in a way that focuses on personal expression, relaxation, and fun. RMM is more about the experience than the outcome. Recreational music making can be done alone or in a group, without the goals of mastery or performance. The camaraderie of a group increases the potential for fun.
Who is RMM for?
Recreational music making is appropriate for all ages, skill levels, and should provide a fun, inclusive musical experience. RMM is for you if you always wanted to play, forgot how to play, or just want to try something new.
RMM offers an alternative to more traditional approaches. RMM proves there is no "right" or "wrong" way to make music. Recreational music makers enjoy the experience of making music without being required to master a song, instrument, or method.
RMM is popular with adults and seniors. You're never too old to learn. Even those with arthritis can play. Arthritic music makers progress at their own pace, doing what they can do comfortably.
Benefits of Recreational Music Making
The goals of recreational music making and traditional music training are very different. RMM cannot compete with traditional music lessons. The purpose of RMM is to explore music, to play for personal satisfaction, not performance. RMM allows even those who never considered themselves "musical" to express themselves through music.
Medical benefits include improved quality of life, health, and happiness. Benefits especially noticeable in senior citizens are; reduced stress, more relaxation, and increased mental stimulation.
The American Music Conference cites even more benefits of RMM. Their list includes 14 benefits, some of which are: the opportunity for interaction and bonding, advanced interpersonal communication, an enhanced self respect, and physical exercise.
Dr. Barry Bittman, CEO/Medical Director of Mind-Body Wellness Center, stated, "I'm convinced that creative expression is one of the principal elements for staying young and healthy. As a physician dedicated to whole person care, I've enjoyed the unique opportunity to observe the fascinating spark that magically returns to our patients who are engaged in the process of making music."
Ninety-eight percent of the American public believes music participation is an activity that can be enjoyed throughout life.
How do I get started?
Are you ready to experience recreational music making for yourself? You'll enjoy this exceptional, personal experience; one where you're given permission to play and the opportunity to really express yourself.
Larger cities - and many smaller ones - offer RMM classes. Find an existing Recreational Music Making program at your local music school, through community education programs, or ask the local instrument shop.
Keynote School of Music now offers Recreational Music Making for the piano. Eight-week programs with small class sizes are available. Many students choose to continue private lessons after the course, but there is no obligation to do so.
Call Keynote School of Music at (715) 524-8989 to register. Or stop in for a FREE tour of the school at 104 West 4th Street in Shawano, Wisconsin.
Visit us at http://www.keynoteschoolofmusic.com.
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