Have you ever wondered if there is a magical passageway near you? A hidden realm where enchantment and wonder exist, waiting to be discovered? Well, believe it or not, there might be. Often, in our daily lives, we get caught up in the mundane routines and responsibilities that consume our time and energy. We become so focused on the practicalities of life that we forget to look beyond our immediate surroundings. We become blind to the possibility of something extraordinary existing just around the corner. But if we take a moment to pause, to breathe, and to open our hearts and minds, we might just catch a glimpse of the enchanted world that coexists with our own. It could be as simple as a seemingly ordinary path in a nearby park that, once entered, transports us to a realm where magic comes alive.
- Monthly payments are run on the 1st of the month and do not reflect a certain number of classes in a month; the cost is all classes in an entire year divided into equal payments. Holidays/closings are taken into account. We only charge for 45 weeks in a year, not 52.
- Monthly payments are run on the 1st of the month and do not reflect a certain number of classes in a month; the cost is all classes in an entire year divided into equal payments. Melodies are produced through the human voice and any other instrument that produces pitches marimbas, flutes, synthesizers, glockenspiels, guitars, etc.
It could be as simple as a seemingly ordinary path in a nearby park that, once entered, transports us to a realm where magic comes alive. This magical passageway holds the power to unlock our imaginations and ignite our spirits. It is a space where anything is possible, where dreams can manifest into reality.
Melody Magic: Music Strengthens Social Bonds
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What can’t music do? It makes us laugh…makes us cry. It can make us get up and dance…it can make us sit perfectly still. But did you know that it can strengthen social bonds in some very specific ways? Dr. Boyle brings us the details.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I watch people for a living. Okay – that’s a bit simplistic, but true. I have to gauge when to shift from one section of a piece to the next, or to start working a different piece all together. I have to estimate when an ensemble has had enough of working one specific measure for 10 minutes. A conductor needs to know when to let a group have a moment of levity, sometimes sacrificing momentum. But through all this observation, I see magic. I see strangers become lifelong friends. I see people find their soulmates. I get to go to a lot of weddings of former choir members who met during a rehearsal. Recently, I received an email from my first “choir couple” letting me know they are expecting. “Is this your first choir couple baby?” they asked gleefully. It was.
Seeing these connections grow right in front of my eyes is one of my favorite things about what I do. And it happens at festivals during which singers are only together for a few days. It makes my heart smile and it happens so quickly, these strong, seemingly timeless connections. I’ve long suspected that the magic ingredient was music. Well, it seems that the research backs up my gut feeling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]University of California, Berkley is home to one of the best music schools in the country. Recently, in an article found over at the institution’s online journal, Greater Good in Action: Science-based Practices for a Meaningful Life, author and psychologist, Jill Suttie told the story of a magic flute.
I kid, I kid. I couldn’t let the Mozart opera joke just pass by, could I? The flute in question, made from animal bone. was found by archeologists and dated back 35,000 years ago. Even then, when we were picking berries off bushes and hunting mastodon, music was there, an important part of society. That bone could have been carved into a tool for cooking or some other purpose – but no – it was carved into a musical instrument. And friends, music just doesn’t exist in a vacuum. I promise you, the music that came from that flute was heard and enjoyed by people other than the player.
But what about now? What does music do to us that strengthens our social bonds?Dr. Suttie gives us four pieces of the magic to consider:
1. Music brings about cooperation
This happens in many ways. Informally, we might start tapping our toes. Then we tap in synch with the person next to us. Then we smile. Then we dance together!
Or consider this – that flute player from 35,000 years ago? Imagine she was playing – and then another member of the tribe picks up a rock and starts banging a hollowed log. Viola! The first “rock” band. You knew I’d go there, right?
Simply put – cooperation, coordination, and contact. These all arise naturally from music. And everyone leaves humming the same tune.
2. Music boosts the production of oxytocin
What’s that? It’s a naturally occurring hormone that impacts trust levels. So…as you make music with others, you naturally begin to trust them more and more. Pretty nifty, huh?
3. Music increases empathy
That’s right. Music positively affects the areas of the brain that allow us to understand how others feel. Dr. Suttie points to a study conducted at the University of Cambridge. Young students spent an entire academic year taking part in music game activities. Two control groups had no exposure to interactive musical games. Guess what? The group that took part in musical games – those children saw an increase in their empathy levels.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
4. Music is cultural glue
This magic doesn’t just work horizontally, it works vertically as well. When a child learns a song that her parent sang and falls in love with it, too, the connection is strengthened. It goes beyond this. Dr. Suttie writes:
Music also influences how we think others will get along. In one recent study, participants listened to music or to silence while they watched videotapes in which three people were seen walking either in step or out of step with one another. When asked to rate levels of rapport and sense of unity among the three walkers in both conditions, the participants who listened to music perceived a greater rapport and unity among the walkers than those participants who didn’t listen to music. This suggests that music somehow strengthens our perception of social cohesion among people, perhaps through mistaking our own feelings for those of the people we observe.
– Four Ways Music Strengthens Social Bonds/Jill Suttie
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So…the magic is real. There’s research and science behind this intrinsically beautiful art form. Music helps us work together…it builds trust…it unlocks empathy for others…and it glues us together as a society. What are you waiting for? Give your child this magical, scientific, life-changing gift. Get them involved. We’re right around the corner singing your song![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][class_finder_form css=”.vc_custom_1470018674168”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Unlock better songwriting
It could be a hidden glade, where the trees whisper secrets and the flowers dance to an unheard melody. Or perhaps it is a shimmering waterfall, cascading down into a pool of sparkling waters that hold the wisdom of ancient beings. Within this secret realm, time behaves differently. It stretches and bends, allowing for endless exploration and discovery. We can lose ourselves for hours, or even days, on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. It is a place where our truest selves can emerge, where we can shed the masks we wear in the world and embrace our authentic nature. So how can we find this magical passageway near us? The truth is, it is not something that can be found with a physical map or GPS coordinates. It is a place that can only be accessed through intuition and a willingness to believe in the unseen. It requires us to trust our inner compass and follow the whispers of our soul. To embark on this quest, we must first cultivate a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. We must let go of our preconceived notions of reality and open ourselves up to the possibility of magic. It may take time and patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. Once we have tapped into this hidden realm, we can bring its magic into our everyday lives. We can infuse our mundane routines with a sense of enchantment and awe. We can approach each day with a renewed sense of wonder, seeing the beauty and magic in even the simplest moments. So, my dear reader, I invite you to venture beyond the ordinary and seek out the magical passageway that may be near you. Open your heart, quiet your mind, and let your intuition be your guide. Who knows what wonders await you in the realm of enchantment?.
Reviews for "Wanderlust and Wonder: Discovering the Enchanted Pathways on Your Doorstep"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the so-called "Magical passageway near me". It was nothing more than a regular tunnel with some basic lighting effects. There was no sense of magic or enchantment at all. The whole experience felt underwhelming and overpriced. I expected something truly magical and captivating, but all I got was a mundane tunnel that left me feeling cheated.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had high hopes for the "Magical passageway near me", but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The concept sounded intriguing, but the execution was pitiful. The props and decorations were tacky and poorly maintained, and the atmosphere was more creepy than magical. It felt like a cash grab rather than an immersive experience. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this disappointing attraction.
3. Mike - 2 stars - The "Magical passageway near me" failed to live up to its name. It lacked any real magic or sense of wonder. The lighting effects were unimpressive, and the overall design was lackluster. It felt more like a cheap tourist trap than a genuinely enchanting experience. I left feeling unsatisfied and regretful about spending my money on such a lackluster attraction.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I was hoping for a truly magical and otherworldly experience at the "Magical passageway near me", but it fell short in every way. The set design was mediocre, and the special effects were cheesy and poorly executed. It lacked the immersive qualities that are essential for a memorable experience. Overall, it was a wasted opportunity and a disappointment. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a truly magical experience.
5. Mark - 1 star - The "Magical passageway near me" was a complete waste of time and money. The so-called magical elements were laughably predictable, and the whole experience felt like a cheap attempt at creating wonder. The lack of attention to detail and creativity was evident throughout, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. Save your money and find a better attraction that actually delivers on its promises.