Music Saves Lives
- Irene Feher
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Over the last 10 years, I really started to find my purpose: why do I facilitate improvisation and singing? Why do I improvise and offer soundbaths?
Because being in music is so incredibly good for me and I want others to benefit from it like I do.
I just re-read a keynote speech that Karl Paulnack gave to the Texas Music Educators Association in 2013 “Music Saves Lives” and re-read the chapter “Music for Life’s Sake” from the book Free Play - Improvisation in Life and Art by Stephen Nachmanovitch.
In these uncertain and turbulent times, it is easy to let oneself be consumed by fear, worry, anger, frustration and a sense of powerlessness. It is hard to bear witness to so much divisiveness and human suffering. When I focus on bringing people together with music, when I play music, when I mentor and teach, or offer comfort and calm through soundbaths I feel like I have agency, I feel like I can make some kind of a difference. When I gather with a group of people and improvise, we ALL feel that we have made a difference - that’s because the good vibrations we put out continue far and wide. By taking care of ourselves in sound and play, we can deal with so much more.
Being in service to others with music keeps me strong.
Music -
Makes us happy
Reminds us that we have a soul
Brings out our emotions
Prompts us to dance
Is calming
Evokes precious memories
Enchants us
Connects us
Soothes us
Heals us
Enlivens us
Lets us play
Carries us back to another time and place
Builds inner strength and courage
Builds powerful bonds
Motivates us
Moves us to be the best we can be
Here are links to Karl Paulnack and Stephen Nachmanovitch.