Unlocking the Benefits of Classical Music – Life Lessons We Can Learn
Classical music has often been relegated to the status of background music or something only enjoyed by the older generation. However, classical music has much to offer, from stimulating the brain and improving memory power to exercising the imagination and reducing stress. Beyond these benefits, classical music can teach us valuable life lessons that can improve our daily lives.
Here are five life lessons we can learn from classical music:
Classical music celebrates tradition and embraces its roots. Brahms drew inspiration from Beethoven, who transformed the musical language of Mozart and Haydn. Classical music is unapologetic about its heritage and pays homage to its past, even contemporary pieces. This music reminds us that we are all part of a great continuum that has shaped and influenced what we are today.
In a world that is often obsessed with the latest fads, classical music reminds us to value the rewards of yesterday’s experiences. It can inspire us to be curious about the past and to appreciate the traditions that have shaped and influenced us.
2. Patience and Focus
Classical music requires patience and focus. It is the full feature-length film, not just a trailer. It is a test match, not just the highlights of a Twenty-20 cricket match. It is an unabridged novel, not just a comic strip.
By stretching our attention span and actively listening to classical music, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing something truly sublime. This approach to listening can also help us to develop openness and patience in other areas of our lives.
3. Symphonic Thinking
Classical music encourages ‘symphonic thinking’, a big-picture approach that broadens our mental horizon. The typical pop song is around 3-4 minutes long, while the typical symphony is around 25-40 minutes long. Composers and performers of classical music deal in subtlety and complexity, which can be rewarding but demanding. The emotional and intellectual complexity of symphonies encourages us to expand our consciousness and develop an ‘abundance mentality’. By challenging us to see and appreciate more in life, symphonies enable us to extend ourselves beyond our limitations.
In a world where media seeks to simplify every message and cater to the briefest of attention spans, symphonies challenge us to embrace complexity and see the world in new ways.
4. True Collaboration
Listening to an orchestra, choir or chamber music ensemble, one of the most striking impressions is the sense of true teamwork. Musicians play different instruments, sing different voices, and have different interpretations and styles. Achieving a unified expression requires significant effort and collaboration, and it is a remarkable achievement when it happens. Classical music concerts can teach us about true collaboration in our work, home, and play settings.
We can appreciate the value in diverse voices and opinions and learn how to collaborate better in the pursuit of common goals and objectives.
5. Discipline and Application
Composing and performing classical music requires technical skill that typically demands years of learning and practice. The discipline required in practice helps to master the craft, and there are no shortcuts to achieving excellence.
Classical music inspires us to apply ourselves with greater dedication to pursuits that are worth our devotion in life. We need to take the time to learn and practice our craft, whatever that may be, and strive for excellence.
In conclusion, classical music is not just a relic of the past or an elitist pastime. It has been nurtured by passionate and creative individuals who have dedicated their lives to creating enduring soundscapes. Classical music can inspire new insights and ways of thinking, making us more open-minded to new experiences. It can help us transcend our limits and find true fulfillment.
We should be open to exploring classical music and its many benefits, not just for the music itself but also for the life skills and wisdom it can impart.