On a dark and rainy morning, I sat on top of the cold sheets on my bed, legs crossed, with my guitar on my lap. I hummed softly to myself, plucking each string shyly, and then strummed down all six strings together as a whole. I closed my eyes, exhaled, and smiled. This was the start of my deep appreciation for music. 

When dealing with the stressful demands of my teenage years, I often run to music. Whether I put on a song from my favorite playlist, press the keys on my piano, or strum the strings of my guitar, feeding myself with the harmonies and melodies that make up one astonishing piece has become my coping mechanism. 

When I listen to music, the world around me stops spinning. I deeply submerge myself into the rhythms and instrumentals that are flowing into my ears through my earbuds. I notice the tiniest details–the beat of the drums, the chord progressions, the tone of the bass, the dynamics of the song, and all the instruments that contribute to making a musical masterpiece. Music has a way of tapping into my emotions and allowing me to feel and reflect on them. The different styles and genres I listen to each bring out such a unique and distinct vibe. From the soothing structure of classical music to the complex improvisations of jazz, each genre has its own special way of captivating me. By exploring various genres, I’m able to experience a wide range of emotions and bond with different aspects of myself.

Playing some instruments myself pulled me into a different realm of music. I take joy in the fact that the chords and melodies I create with my own two hands can make such a beautiful sound. As I play, I am able to form a connection with the music I produce and express my emotions freely, in a way that I sometimes can’t with words. Having played the piano since I was young, I never actually knew how much good it has brought me because I merely played it as a hobby. As I grow up and start to experiment with playing different instruments, I realize the happiness and feeling of fulfillment it gave me. 

Playing these instruments does not only highlight my emotions–it also sharpens the left lobe of my brain and improves my coordination skills, memory, and concentration. I owe my ability to stay focused at school to music, as I unknowingly gained this expertise just by playing the songs that I love. 

Music has given me so much comfort; it has always been there as my companion and my spirit-lifter. My life would be dull without the presence of music. Thank you, music, for giving me a better understanding of myself and the world.