In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I decided to write about the true love of my life: Music.
I have a range of musical tastes that matches my interests and emotions. My parents passed down their love of classic rock to me from a young age. I’ve been dancing to artists like Journey, Kansas and Bon Jovi since grade school.
I’ve also grown to love pop music, country and alternative bands. You can probably catch me lip synching to everything from Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood to Panic! at the Disco.
I grew up with Disney movies, so of course those songs have their very own playlist in my heart and Spotify. Whenever I want a reminder of my simple childhood, I turn on the classic Disney tunes, and many of the newer songs give off a great vibe as well.
Some Broadway favorites have also found their way to my daily playlists. The soundtracks to “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen” have helped me get through some tough times.
Most recently, I have gained an appreciation for yacht rock. It’s not only great from ‘70s and ‘80s themed cruises, but it is the perfect poolside music in the summer.
I have a playlist for almost every situation. I have my “workout jams” for when I actually decide to make it to the gym. I also have a playlist of instrumentals for when I’m studying or relaxing.
Music is often the first thing I listen to in the morning and the last thing I hear before I sleep. It is an everyday constant for me. I can’t live without it. I’m even listening to music right now as I’m writing this column.
I know I am not the only person with this passion for music because everyone has their favorite genres and artists.
Just imagine a world without music: that’s a world I don’t want to live in. Silent workouts, hollow movies and TV shows and a life without musical expression.
One of the best ways to work through your feelings is to put on songs that express those emotions and pretend you are in a music video or giving an exclusive shower concert.
Connections can be made because of similar affinities for a band or music in general. Some of my best friendships have come from liking the same band or a bond formed from being in band.
I met some of my best high school friends in marching band freshman year. We were making our own music together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I was also in jazz band and percussion ensemble, so music was always on my brain.
If it wasn’t for music and my passion for it, my high school journey would have been completely different.
Although I do miss playing my instruments, I know my love for music will never fade away. Sometimes a song can express the way I’m feeling better than my own words can.
Music is what makes the crescendos and decrescendos of life a little more bearable, and it makes the accents that much more magical.
Every moment can be transformed into a note in the soundtrack to your life, and each note has the ability to resonate inside you.
Music gives life meaning and a meaning to life.
