Mantras are repetitive sounds that increase concentration. Their purpose is to ground you in the present using a positive affirmation Read more
What Is So Great About Leonardo da Vinci?
We often ask ourselves what is the meaning of life. Sometimes it seems our life is a constant pursuit of emotions. Everyone has their desires and their own definition of a meaningful life. Learn through da Vinci and his music what constitutes a thoughtful life.
Through our lives, we grow, experiment, and as a consequence, we evolve. I truly believe that this evolution is proportional to the time we spend observing.
What we cherish and learn from our daily tasks is what constitutes a thoughtful life. The time we spend observing the things around us, as well as our values, is what truly matters.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
That is what Leonardo da Vinci did his whole life. He carried a notebook and observed. What is going on in the world? How did the things around him work? He tried to find solutions to inventions in his mind. All this with a constant pursuit of answers and observations. He was present and aware of what was going on around him.
This is what we can learn from him. His pursuit of answers. This is the way to live a meaningful life. With constant awareness and curiosity. Be curious about your life and your feelings. Discover what you want and what you cherish most in life.
Incorporate Art in the Process
You can be insightful and observant with artistic creations. The importance is to be able to notice your thoughts and feelings. That is why art is so powerful. You will gain insights not through the things that you create, but through the process itself.
Inspired by the way Leonardo da Vinci observed music, I did this post. The purpose of it is to make you mindful through sounds and your imagination. I intend to show you how music can be an inspiration for observation. Also, to notice the way our senses connect and the way they can help us live with a present and conscious self.
Photo by Paul Stollery on Unsplash
A Bit of History
Leonardo da Vinci (15 April 1452- 2 May 1519) was an Italian polymath (painter, musician, mathematician, scientist, and above all an inventor). He lived during the Renaissance, a period of great social progress.
Among other historic events of the time, in the 1450s Machu Picchu was constructed. In 1492 Christopher Columbus invaded America. In 1499 Michelangelo’s Pietà was made in Rome.
The invention of the harpsichord was in the 1450s. Another good invention, the scotch whisky happened around 1494. In 1512 Copernicus proclaims that the center of the solar system is the sun.
Harpsichord by Royal College of Music. Museum Collections CC BY 4.0, on Wikimedia Commons
We often hear about da Vinci’s paintings, the Monalisa (1503-1516), the Last Supper (1492-1498). We don’t know about his musical compositions because they were lost. It is a pity, but we still have all his wisdom in music to get a sense of who he was. His contribution to the creation and inspiration of music remains.
What were his contributions to music and how to incorporate that wisdom in your life?
Music Improvisation by da Vinci
This is to play a musical piece without a guide, not planned with anticipation. That is why a lot of the information on da Vinci’s music is lost. Da Vinci was known as a great performer, he was “found to excel all the other musicians of the court” (Leonardo da Vinci as a Musician, Emanuel Winternitz, page 39).
These improvisations usually were a recitation accompanied by an instrument. At this time in music history, polyphony was developing. Most compositions and improvisations were monophonic. Polyphony is where there is more than one voice and monophonic is when there is just one voice or a single melodic line.
Live Improvisation by Sepia Flora
The instrument Leonardo da Vinci used to improvise was the lira da braccio. This instrument evolved into the violin. It had seven chords, five of them were attached to plugs and the two remaining were free for plucking.
A man who by nature had a high-flowing spirit, full of gracefulness, and who sang divinely, as an improviser, over its accompaniment.
Leonardo da Vinci as a Musician, Emanuel Winternitz, page 30
Improvisation is about letting your soul talk. What can come out of your thoughts?
Da Vinci a Luthier in Music
Leonardo da Vinci made string instruments inspired by animal parts. One that was recognized was a lyra in the form of the skull of a horse in silver (Leonardo da Vinci as a Musician, Emanuel Winternitz, page 30). Because he studied anatomy, he knew the way the head of an animal could resonate.
This magnificent invention is a reminder to experiment. You can invent something to express. For example, a digital instrument. It is much easier nowadays because we have a ton more possibilities. It is about creating, inventing, observing, and expressing. Using your hands in the process is the best way to incorporate art into your life.
Lira da Braccio, Horse Skull by Sepia Flora
You can learn how to work with clay and make pottery vases. Work in your garden and get your hands dirty. This has been shown by neuroscientists to be an effective way to help your body produce serotonin, a chemical in the body that produces happiness.
Da Vinci’s Definition of Music
Leonardo da Vinci considered that music was the figuration of invisible things. You probably can’t touch your feelings but they are there and they are worth observing. Express them through artistic creations. Learn an instrument and learn to compose music.
Figuration of Music by Sepia Flora
This is a great way to visualize that which we can’t observe. Once you recognize a negative feeling, you can’t stop it from becoming a negative thought. Probably da Vinci would say, music helps you figure out that which you are feeling.
This process of acknowledging is a preventive care form. Before your negative thoughts, you can observe your emotions and evaluate them.
Men have song as the physician of pain.
Greek inscription on a lira da braccio. Leonardo da Vinci as a Musician, Emanuel Winternitz, page 28.
Find Inspiration Anywhere
While I was investigating da Vinci and his music, I didn’t find a lot of information. I found a recent article quite interesting about recent discoveries of his DNA, though. Anyway, I got to a point where I wanted to change this post. But it kept me thinking how a genius like da Vinci came to work on so many things without a lot of information.
He kept his notebooks and he made lists of everything that he wanted to investigate. That is what I did with his music. I read and was inspired by what I found.
Information as a Source of Creation by Sepia Flora
I started to realize that information is a source of creation. This post is not an activity to follow, it is inspiring content from one of the best minds this world has come across: Leonardo da Vinci. Particularly, da Vinci and his music and what it represents.
It is about experimenting and inventing. He didn’t have a lot of data at that time, and we don’t have a lot of information about his music. That is the beauty of his musical legacy. He is showing us indirectly what he experienced. In a way, we have to be creative with the little information we can find.
Follow his steps and invent. You can even try to figure out his music notation. Here is a really interesting attempt by an artist.
Connection Between the Senses
There are many forms of meditation. You can tune in with your breath, listen to the sounds around you, notice smells, etc. Inspired by da Vinci and a group of friends, I created the following interpretation of da Vinci’s music.
The painting is by Leonardo da Vinci, titled Portrait of a Musician (By Leonardo da Vinci – Own work (Personal work), Public Domain, on Wikimedia Commons). It is a soundscape, an audible environment of what you would perceive. Read here about the benefits of noticing sounds and shaping your soundscapes.
Soundscape of Leonardo da Vinci by Sepia Flora
The idea is to connect your senses in the experience. Just by observing a painting, what do you imagine is happening audibly? Let your imagination be in what it is observing. You can do that by bringing your attention to what you would imagine you would listen to. This is a way to create a soundscape. Make your mental picture of everything that sounds in the picture or the photograph that you are observing.
A Soundscape Inspired by da Vinci
Think about the renaissance. What happened at that time? What was transportation like during that century? Think about others and the way they move around in life. Not only means of transportation but what advantages you have compared to others. Be empathic and imagine sounds in different cultures.
The music of da Vinci, although we can’t hear it, came through his analysis and curiosity. Creating soundscapes is about imagining. It could be a reminder to be grateful. Through his eyes, one can begin to notice details and look for explanations of phenomena. For example, he studied the way the timbre of an instrument changed depending on different factors.
Leonardo da Vinci analyzed the difference of sounds considering the volume of the body, the shape, and even the velocity of the air stream. If you want to read further on the matter, read the book Leonardo da Vinci as a Musician, Emanuel Winternitz.
It could be easier now with all the information we have at hand. Use this in your favor. Sounds connect people. Browse for sounds and create your personal soundscape out of curiosity.
The invitation is to wonder, to ask yourself questions about how things work. About your life and your emotions. Why are you feeling the way you do and how do the sounds around affect you? How would a particular situation sound?
Leo teaching Sepia by Sepia Flora
The Meaning of Life is to Reflect
That is what is great about Leonardo da Vinci and his work. The way he questioned all the objects around him. He was constantly observing and thinking about how things worked.
Reflect on Your Life by Sepia Flora
That is the invitation to this post. It is about reflecting, observing, and imagining. Carry a notebook, create soundscapes, compose, draw, whatever you decide to do, value your capacity to find answers. Value your mind and the infinite possibilities you have at hand. Life is about learning, what best way to learn than through art? A meaningful life, a life with art.
A Bit Of Music Theory When Life Looks Awful
Music theory is the study of the various possibilities of music. It broadens up your options for understanding and creating music. By learning music theory, you can use music as a way to communicate. You are more capable of transmitting and perceiving emotions, if that’s what you want, in a more direct way. When you are having a difficult day, learn music. Because, despite our troubles, music is a reminder that we still can have a moment of satisfaction. It is a moment where art is there as a company and as a resource to express the way we feel.
Life with Art: A Lot Less Gloomy
Life is about surviving. Some days are blue and other days we smile. When we create, life is less awful. With challenging hobbies, we appreciate those moments when we don’t judge ourselves. That is what music and arts are for. They are a companion for both gloomy and shiny days. There are endless possibilities and everything we do is valid. Our thoughts matter and we get to use them as a source of inspiration to create.
With music theory, we can improve our listening and musical skills. We are incorporating more tools to music composition, an interesting hobby that works as a medium for our soul to express freely.
Life Less Gloomy with Music by Sepia Flora
Basics of Music Theory
There are three major components in music theory:
Melody: a succession of notes
Harmony: simultaneous notes play
Rhythm: a pattern in time
All of them are made up of individual sounds or notes. The relationship between the notes is what music theory is all about. Below is a definition of the main concepts of music theory. With these definitions, you can understand better how the melody and the harmony are composed within a music piece.
Notes
In total there are 12 different notes in music. The distance between the notes is a semitone. They repeat in the same order throughout the keyboard and in our range of hearing. They are either represented with alphabet letters or musical names (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si). The alphabet is used mostly in Anglo Saxon countries and jazz. Read here to discover a bit of the history behind the names in different countries.
The easiest way to visualize the notes is by using a keyboard. To identify for example a C or do, lookout for a group of two black keys, and to the left, you will find one. An octave is the next highest or lowest pitch from that same note. For instance, the next C from the one you found also is a C and has twice its frequency.
Piano Keyboard by Sepia Flora
On a piano, the white keys play the natural notes and the black keys are the modified keys, either with a sharp or a flat. A sharp is half a tone up, represented with the symbol ♯. A flat is half a tone down, represented with the symbol ♭. The distance between each consecutive note is a semitone. For example, from C to C♯ there is a semitone, as well as from E to F.
As you can see on the keyboard, the notes can have more than one representation. That is because they can be named in relation to another note. For example, as you can see in the keyboard F♯=G♭. They are the same note, they sound exactly the same. Relatively, F♯ is half a tone up from F and G♭ is half a tone down from G. The same is for example for F. It is also E♯.
Intervals
An interval is a distance between two notes. The distance is measured in tones, where 1 tone is equal to 2 semitones. The interval is represented by a number. According to the distance measured in tones, we name the intervals. The numbers are 1st (unison, same note), 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th (octave). For example, a 5th is an interval between C and G, or E and B.
Furthermore, the intervals are named according to the quality of their sound. The quality is determined by the way we perceive the sounds. For all intervals, except for the unison, 4th, 5th, and the 8th (octave), the qualities are:
Major (M): usually we perceive them as a happy sound.
Minor (m): usually we perceive them as a sad sound.
The octave, 4th, 5th, and unison, are not major or minor because they are considered to be consonant. This category comes from the way we perceive sounds. It is associated with pleasantness. I will describe it also as stability. With the rest of the intervals, you may sense a need to resolve, while with the octave, 4th, 5th, and unison you are comfortable and accept where you are.
Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash
It all comes down to listening, exploring, and coming up with your definitions. Music is an art, and all of us might have different feelings towards certain sounds. That is why this is incredibly interesting. It is about experimenting and training your hearing skills.
For 4th, 5th the terms are:
Perfect (P): for example, a perfect 4th is D and G.
Augmented (A): for example, an augmented 4th is D and G♯.
Diminished (d): for example, a diminished 4th is D and G♭.
When we listen to two notes either at the same time or not, we can judge the quality of the sound. Play with the notes, and experiment with what you like, and think about the different sounds. Part of playing and exploring with music theory is to brighten up your day. That is the beauty of art. It all comes down to what you make of it. It could be a very interesting session where you explore with a keyboard and come up with your definitions and sensations towards certain sounds.
Key and Key Signature
The key of a musical piece is the group of notes that form the basis of the composition. There are twelve different keys and they derive from the twelve possible notes. The key signature defines which notes are sharp ♯ or flat ♭.
Key signatures identify the key of a song. For example, a song with a key signature of one ♯sharp is either G major or E minor. To find out the key from a key signature, there are two steps. First, check whether there are sharps ♯ or flats ♭. Second, listen to the beginning and the end of the song to determine whether it is a major or a minor key. If it is a major key, follow the steps below. For a minor key, follow the steps and then go down 3 semitones to find the minor key.
Sharp with Sharps by Sepia Flora
Key Signature Sharps or Flats
The key signature has sharps ♯: one semitone up from the last sharp will give you the key of the song if it is a major key.
Example 1! There are 2 sharps ♯♯ and it sounds major (happy). The last sharp is C, so one semitone up, it is D major. Example 2! There are 4 sharps ♯♯♯♯ and it sounds minor (sad). The last sharp is D, so the major key is E major, and 3 semitones down, it is C♯ minor.
The key signature has flats ♭: the penultimate flat will be the key if it is major.
Example 3! There are 2 flats ♭♭ and it sounds major (happy). The penultimate flat is B, so the key is B♭ major. Example 4! There are 4 flats ♭♭♭♭ and it sounds minor (sad). The penultimate flat is A, so the major key is A♭ major, and 3 semitones down, it is F minor.
Music theory is about practice. So is life and our minds. This will brighten up your day!!
Music Scales
Music scales are descending or ascending notes within an octave. The distance between the notes is defined by the key. If you start from any note, you can build up a scale. You have to be aware of the key, hence the key signature, to know which notes (if any) have flats or sharps.
With that in mind, according to the distance between notes, there are two main types of scales: major and minor scales. From any note where you start you can play either a major or a minor scale. As mentioned before, depending on the key signature you will know which notes should be played and accordingly, know whether it is a major or a minor scale.
Sheet Music Examples by Sepia Flora
Major Scales
Because there are twelve notes, there are twelve possible major scales. Think of major scales as those that suggest happy and uplifting sounds. Also, because a scale is within an octave it is composed of seven consecutive notes. You will know which notes have either sharps or flats according to the key signature.
Minor Scales
As with the major scales, there are twelve possible natural minor scales. Most importantly, think of minor scales as those that suggest sad and emotional sounds. Remember the key signature to know which notes should or shouldn’t have a flat or a sharp.
Melody in Music Theory
All the theory above was to come to this point. That is, to understand the relationship between notes to listen to a piece with a critical ear.
Melody is a succession of notes that make up phrases. It is a memorable part of a song. It is that succession of notes which sometimes you can’t get out of your head or sing in the shower.
Harmony in Music Theory
Harmony is when notes are played simultaneously. When the notes are played at the same time either they sound pleasing or not. The harmony of a song usually tries to sound pleasing to the listener. A chord is when you play two or more notes at the same time. A sequence of chords constitutes part of the harmony of a musical composition.
The melody and the harmony often are composed for you to feel pleasure. That is because we find pleasing some succession of notes.
Listen Closely by Sepia Flora
Rhythm
The rhythm in music is how the notes are played in time. That is to say, the way you perceive the sounds in time. To understand rhythm think of it as when, how, and what. When are notes played, for how long, and what accent they have?
Evoke Using Music Theory
With what you have read so far, you can use the properties of the sounds to evoke different feelings. For example, you can generate an expectation or release tension. Below you will find how you can play with notes, using elements of music theory, to suggest a mood.
Scale Degrees
Scale degrees are derived from each note of a scale. For that reason, there are seven different scale degrees. The number represents the position on the scale. Each degree has a specific function. As a consequence, each degree has a specific name related to its use.
1st degree: tonic
2nd degree: supertonic
3rd degree: mediant
4th degree: subdominant
5th degree: dominant
6th degree: submediant
7th degree: leading tone
Chords
Chords are built by playing two or more notes at the same time. The most basic and more used chords are triads. They are made up of three notes: the root, a third, and a fifth above the root. To change the quality of a triad, change the quality of the third and/or the fifth above the root.
Below there are four different types of chords; how to build them, and what feelings they evoke. Above all, always think about the key signature. You start with a base, and you modify that base to communicate something.
Major Guitar Chords Versus Minor by Sepia Flora
To create a story mix the chords and create a progression. That is a series of successive chords that could go along with a melody and the rhythm. You can use all four types one after another. However, you have to listen constantly to determine whether they create what you are looking for.
There are many ways to make chord progressions. Music theory is a great tool; however, use always your hearing skills to determine if what you are composing sounds pleasing. Also, listen closely to see if it relates to what you want to express.
Major Triads: major third and a perfect fifth above the root. Happy, simple, lighthearted, brightness.
Minor Triads: minor third and a perfect fifth above the root. Tension, serious, adventurous, dark.
Diminished Triads: minor third and a diminished fifth above the root. Fear, suspense, dissonant, dramatic.
Augmented Triads: major third and an augmented fifth above the root. Mysterious, ambiguous, unsettling, astonishment.
How Music Theory Brightens an Awful Day
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, go to a nice spot in your house. Do you want to play or want to listen? If you want to listen put on classical music. Listen for example, to Claude Debussy. The piece you are listening to is Clair de Lune and it’s in D♭ major. What does that mean? What do you feel throughout the piece? Can you make wild guesses about Debussy’s intentions in some parts? Try to relate parts and chords with feelings.
Photo by Andrei Bocan on Unsplash
Now, for when you want to play something. For example, you want to express suspense. You are playing in A♭ major. What are the flats of your composition? How do you construct a diminished triad from the submediant…
It is a lot of practice, but it is as rewarding. Music theory is about our rational and emotional mind, that is why it is so engaging. That is why it brightens up any awful day.
This is Just the Beginning
Music theory is a great tool to understand music better. Moreover, it’s a way to expand your knowledge and interest in music. With this simple introduction, you can create musical pieces with more resources. It is a great help for communicating and expressing certain feelings.
While writing this post I realized something: music is a lot about major and minor sounds. Start there and like I’ve said many times, listen, listen, and oh yes, listen. It all comes to that, fortunately. Music comes down to what we enjoy and how we perceive compositions. The more you listen, the more you will come up with your definitions.
Musical Notes by Sepia Flora
Listen to major and minor sounds. Major as in the key, the intervals, the chords. Major as in classical composers as well. Minor to minor intervals, chords, and minor catchy songs. These help you remember what is like to be alive and well.
The Best Way to Boost Your Confidence Can Be Surprisingly Simple
Boost your confidence so you can trust your actions. When we are under stress, our confidence can help us navigate through difficult situations. Also, it helps us have a positive attitude because we value ourselves and we know what we are capable of.
Now, how can we be self-confident? It’s not about appearances, it is about inner strength and about reducing negative thoughts. There is a surprisingly simple and exciting hobby to boost your confidence: music composition. It works because we use our passion to express our inner self, and we value every thought as a source of inspiration for our creations.
Why Artistic Creations Boost Our Confidence
Art helps boost our confidence because we have to listen to our instincts. To create, we have to listen to our thoughts. What we feel and think becomes valuable. All thoughts and ideas are valid and constitute a source of creation.
As a consequence, we start to trust what we are and what we believe in. The same happens with music composition. When we start to create a new tune, we listen to our soul. The composition is a reflection of what we think and feel. Every thought is valid, and every doubt can be shaped into a beautiful tune.
Compose Music by Sepia Flora
Music composition is about creating new sounds and melodies. It is about making a statement about anything we want. That is both a powerful motivator, as well as a valuable expression towards affirming our beliefs.
There are many different approaches to music composition, and we can get to choose how deep we dive into its many possibilities. Here you can explore three different ways to start on music composition.
The Way Our Mind Works
Our mind enjoys music and that it is why we should use it to express. We enjoy the feeling of expectation. That is to say, if we predict what we are about to listen, our brain receives a dose of dopamine. If we anticipate consciously or unconsciously how the tune is going to sound, we enjoy it. That is in general terms how music works in our brains.
How can we use that for our well-being? By listening to music we like. Also, by composing melodies with or without lyrics that reflect our state of mind. When we listen to the composition later, we can perceive our emotions. This time is not so much about predicting, is about recalling and empowering from our expressions.
Knowing the way our mind works, composing music, and using it for our benefit, is a spectacular form of awareness. As a consequence, we are more true to our values and we are better oriented towards our goals. Hence, we boost our confidence.
Photo by Paweł Czerwiński on Unsplash
Using art as a form of self-awareness and to boost our confidence is a sequence. First, you notice the importance of music and art for your brain. Second, you use that knowledge to engage in constant artistic creations. Third, you savor the way your brain reacts. You become self-aware, and you start to value who you are. As a consequence, you boost your confidence.
The way our brains interpret music is why we should consider music composition as a form to express and boost our confidence.
Music has been culturally selected to sound like an emotionally expressive human.
Mark Changizi
There is another crucial advantage of music composition. That is, when we listen to music we may alter our perceptions towards different scenarios. For this reason, it is beneficial to consider music when we want to make an appreciation. For example, if we are feeling stressed, we can interpret the situation better if we observe it from a neutral point. When we compose music, we can break down our thoughts. This way, it is possible to have a clearer picture of what we are thinking.
Music Lyrics by Sepia Flora
When we compose music, we can shift our perception and be in a more thoughtful point of view. That is because we have observed our feelings and have analyzed whether or not they are real. It is like writing in a journal. The difference is that music has an emotional component that helps our mind be engaged in the situation. Because music makes us feel good, we should use it to express our thoughts.
A Simple Approach to Music Composition
Very often we have to repeat new discoveries for them to become established knowledge. Why are repetitions important for learning? According to science, because the skill moves from the conscious to the unconscious mind. Besides, our brains make more connections that help us recall the information. The more paths we have in our brains, the merrier!
Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment.
Zig Ziglar
Now, let’s use this approach with music. Create an audible motif that represents your state of mind. This repetitive sound can help you boost your confidence. We can compose music by using elements of composition that rely on repetitions. Just as one can make visual repetitions or patterns, also, it is possible to make sound repetitions. There are two main groups: loops and riffs or licks.
Loops
A loop is a piece of music that repeats many times. Loops are used as a base to compose sounds on top of them. Think of it as a structure that elements can rely on. The importance of a loop is that the end has to match with the beginning. That is to say, to compose one, think about how you can relate the end to the beginning. Listen closely and analyze whether or not the succession of notes can be repeated many times.
Riffs or Licks
Unlike a loop, a riff is not continuous and is not heard in the background, it is the protagonist. Think of it as a short and sticky phrase. It is a melodic idea that appears throughout the composition. The beauty of a riff is that it becomes a statement very often. For example, you can compose one and put it randomly in a song.
Compose Licks by Sepia Flora
You can make variations of your loops and riffs to have more elements for the whole composition. Elements like the speed, the duration, the frequency, and the timbre can be modified. Below, there are a few concepts that will help you compose a complete musical piece.
The Tonic
The tonic is the first degree of the scale and the center or resolution tone. Think of it as the sound where you land. To start the composition simply choose a note and label it the tonic. Compose the entire piece centered on that sound.
It is important to determine the tonic of the song because it is going to establish which notes constitute the elements of the composition. This is also known as the signature. To clarify, the tonic is going to establish which notes you can play. The signature establishes which notes are going to be higher or lower than its natural tones.
The idea of this activity to boost your confidence relies on your feelings. That is why it is important to choose a tone that somehow reflects what you want. For this reason, consider a major tone for happiness and a minor tone for sadness. Above all, experiment with sounds and play a lot of music. This way, you get to notice the expressions that reflect your soul and start to make more reasoned choices. For a complete and basic definition of music theory read here.
Photo by John Peters on Unsplash
The Beat
The beat is the component of the composition that is going to determine how fast or slow you play the notes. Usually, you can express with slow beats more melancholia and with fast beats more happiness. It is not a rule, and you can play with this element to highlight or diminish a feeling. Like with any art, your expression is completely subjective.
Photo by AleYou on Unsplash
The Melody
Construct the melody as if it was a walking path. That is to say, on a road we go up and then down, or to the left and then to the right. The same principle can make up a music composition. For example, the melody rises and then falls. Work with this motion with frequencies and you will have composed an interesting path to remember.
Music Loops by Sepia Flora
Also, include the riff once in a while, whenever you feel like it. The riff could be a reminder of an idea. The melody is the protagonist in your story. Construct a story that narrates what you are feeling at the moment. The more you do it, the more you boost your confidence.
Repetitions vs. Restatements
It’s possible to repeat the same motif many times. When does it begin to feel monotonous and boring? Listen to this composition. Can you actually keep count of how many times it repeats? Does it really matter?
What kind of music do you want to compose? Should we follow traditional or any rules at all?
These are some questions that will help you determine the way you want to compose your musical piece. There are certain sounds that we find pleasing and relaxing, and there are others that raise our heartbeat. If you want to learn more about this interesting topic you can read here. It states that the emotional reaction to music is subjective. However, certain aspects can be generalized to classify songs. For example, as mentioned before, an element like the beat is highly suggestive.
Why are loops soothing? Your brain likes sounds that don’t represent a threat. For example, the same happens with nature sounds. If you want to go in that direction consider adding some natural sounds. Again, it is up to you the way you want to direct your composition.
Music Composition for Confidence by Sepia Flora
Boost Your Confidence
Remember that art helps us boost our confidence because we rely on our creativity. Don’t suppress your feelings and let your soul guide you through the process of composition. If you don’t want to show explicitly the way you feel, you can always go for a suggestive idea.
Rely on the loops and add elements. For example, words or more instruments. Think of loops as a companion that is by your side to guide you. When you add elements you are layering music sounds. Almost all music compositions rely on the possibility of layering. That is, to add music tracks on top of each other. When you begin with a loop, you have a strong foundation that works as an inspiration.
Loops of Confidence by Sepia Flora
It is possible to make an analogy with the way your mind works and music composition. A loop is a composition that forms the base towards new sounds. A riff is an idea that you can repeat to learn how to overcome certain difficulties. The same is art in your life. It could be the structure that helps you build your confidence.
Also, when you compose music you can make an analogy towards what you do daily. For instance, noticing your mistakes and how to avoid them. It is all about how we become aware when we compose a piece of music and notice our thoughts.
Learn Music Composition and Develop a Growth Mindset
Music composition is when you create an original piece of music with or without lyrics. The idea of this post is to learn music composition as a way to build up a growth mindset. You will acquire the ability to adapt and constructively face circumstances. When you learn music composition you face challenges. You learn to overcome them as you navigate through the endless possibilities of this artistic creation.
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset perceives problems and challenges as opportunities for flourishing. Practicing is the way to learn and evolve. An observation or critique is a positive feedback of your work, not yourself. Failure is an option and effort counts towards developing your wisdom. The way you face obstacles is what defines you.
If you want to develop a growth mindset don’t criticize yourself. Remember, is not about the outcome, is about the process. Every activity is an opportunity for growth.
The outcome of an activity depends entirely on your point of view. If you think that failure is not a possibility, you need to reevaluate the way you see challenges. It is not due to your lack of talent. Nor, you should think that effort equals all the time positive results. Failure is an opportunity to grow, and many times we will encounter them. This is not a Disney movie, this is real life.
Develop the habit of welcoming new and exciting experiences that require effort. Not only you will develop a new skill, but you will notice the way your brain becomes sharper. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, notice the way you progress.
Growth Mindset with Music Composition by Sepia Flora
Learn Music Composition and Develop a Growth Mindset
Learn music composition and savor the way your brain responds. If you embark on artistic creations you will develop a growth mindset because you have to observe and adapt. For example, in music composition, you discover sounds and techniques every time you create.
It is a process where your brain appreciates the effort. The more you learn from it, the more you want to practice. It is time-consuming, but it is also highly rewarding. Your brain enjoys what it finds difficult. It could be harder to engage, but it is also as beneficial.
Remember, after all, your brain can learn and create new paths. When you learn music composition your grey matter grows. This is the part of your brain responsible to process information. Moreover, any artistic creation increases your grey matter.
Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash
The Beauty of Music Composition
Music is an art of expression. Inspiration comes from past experiences or from creative sparks. It could be a way to express your thoughts and you decide how explicit they are. I think that is an absolute joy from music composition. You will know the feelings behind a composition, and you get to choose how others might perceive them.
We originally evolved emotions to help us navigate dangerous worlds (fear) and social situations (joy). And somehow, the tones and beats of musical composition activate similar brain areas.
Think back to what a growth mindset is. Music composition will help you develop it. It requires hard work in music notation, or music recording, or both. Depending on how skilled you want to be, you decide how deep you dive in. You can compose music without knowing any theory. The Beatles didn’t know how to read music, and sure they composed a lot of great musical masterpieces. However, they experimented a lot in music recording.
In this post, I will show three ways to learn to compose music without knowing notation. It is a very interesting hobby to adopt because you can begin immediately. With time, you can incorporate more variables into the mix. Starting from instruments, all the way up to music production where you can create interesting sounds. Endless hours of pure enjoyment will be waiting.
Listen a Lot
Start by listening to references. That is, to music similar to the one you want to compose, or to music that inspires you. Look for numerous compositions and sit down and listen conscientiously. Make constructive observations by noticing in detail elements of the composition. That is to say, analyze instruments, rhythm, silences, repetitions, etc. Read here to learn about classical music appreciation, for example.
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Where to Begin
Grab your tools. You will only need a computer or a smartphone to record. Of course, if you have acoustic instruments they can help you express. Add more gear if you have, or are willing to buy some. The better equipment you have, the better the quality of the recording.
The music comes from the heart and your imagination. In short, Beethoven didn’t have the gear, but he had the heart.
For this reason, let’s make it as simple as possible on the tech stuff. That way, you can focus on the intention. You will develop a growth mindset by incorporating new bits here and there with each new composition. Let the grey matter enhancement begin!
Tools to Learn Music Composition
You can choose to do everything acoustic, everything digital, or a mixture of both. For example, only piano, all synthesizers, or an acoustic guitar with some digital beats.
Whatever you decide, choose with the heart. Listen and pick the sounds that radiate your feelings. Link an intention with the available tools. Part of developing a growth mindset by learning music composition is to adapt to the resources you have. During the process, you can add interesting timbres, for example.
The importance here is to listen, to adapt, and to learn from the process. Experiment a lot and you will get to a point where you feel comfortable with the sounds you choose.
Look for Inspiration to Learn Music Composition by Sepia Flora
Step by Step of Music Composition
When you begin to learn music composition be aware of two major elements: harmony and melody. Think of harmony as the environment of the song. It is sad, happy, gloomy, etc. In other words, harmony can help you set the mood for the composition. That is why the harmony is in the background.
On the other hand, the melody is the main character. It is going to talk using musical notes. When there are lyrics, usually the melody is the voice. Also, the melody communicates ideas and it is sometimes catchy.
I propose three methods for you to try. Try all of them or choose the one that suits you. Also, think about what you like more between keyboards, strings, or beats.
1. Keyboards
Choose any type of keyboard (piano, synthesizer, or you can even use your computer’s keyboard). For this last option, you have to check how to enable the keyboard on windows. On a Mac, use Garageband. Once you open the application, press cmd+k and you can see a virtual keyboard like the one below.
Garageband virtual keyboard
These two tips might help 1. Only play the white keys. 2. You should finish the composition in C (the musical note). This would help the composition feel like it has an end. On the virtual keyboard that corresponds to the letter A, or K. As you can see, it is the white note on the left to the group of two black notes.
Once you have your instrument, start composing! If you are using Garageband, you can listen to different sounds and choose the one that you like more.
2. Create a Loop of Chords
If you have a guitar or any string instrument, create a loop of at least two consecutive chords. Here you can learn how to play some basic chords. Once you have the chords, you are going to compose something on top of it. Remember that the chords set the mood of the song (harmony). What goes on top is the statement (melody).
Many famous songs have only two chords! Don’t underestimate the power of music. Give it all you’ve got and bring out your feelings. That is where the heart of the song is.
Photo by MORAN on Unsplash
If you don’t have a physical instrument, use any software or app that has string instrument sounds. To record, you can even use your voice memo app on your smartphone. Here is also a list of all the free possibilities you have.
3. Download an App and Play Around
The third option is to download an app and play with the sounds. There are tons of apps that you can find either on iOs or Android.
The value comes from exploring and having fun. Your major asset to learn music composition is your ears. Use them and research as much as you can. With this approach, you will not only use music to enhance your well being. You will develop a growth mindset.
Music App by Sepia Flora
What to Expect in a Composition
Playing a keyboard, strings, or a pad can be intimidating. Also, internal voices could be in the way of the composition. Ignore them, and play freely. Let your fingers express and use your listening skills to judge your composition, not your prejudices. This is a great way to work towards a growth mindset.
Explore deeply the different sounds. For instance, listen to how they respond when you let a key pressed for a long time. Also, notice how they sound after you release the key. Compare the sounds, and put labels to them. For example, a joyful sound, or gloomy sound. This would help you decide which instrument could help you express what you have in mind.
Begin either with the melody (the protagonist) or the harmony (the ambiance), then switch. It is a personal preference. I like to set the mood and then introduce the main character.
The Beat
I only explored the elements of melody and harmony. Another major part is the rhythm. This is how fast or slow you want the song to be. You can play with this element and add some drums, for example. This is the pulse of the song. Think of the heartbeat. When you are relaxed it is slow, and when you are stressed it goes faster. The same happens with the beat of a song.
Go as far as you want. Check tutorials on how you can improve your recordings. Here is a great site to start. You get to decide when your composition is finished. Like with any artistic expression, it is a personal choice. Obviously, the more you know and learn from music composition, the better you can express yourself.
Music Composition by Sepia Flora
Your Mind When You Learn Music Composition
The methods I propose here have almost infinite possibilities for music composition. This can work if you put the work into it. It’s not a straightforward activity like turning on the TV, but it is much more rewarding.
You will feel like your brain is growing. There will be more tools to express your feelings. When you learn music composition, you create connections in your brain that will make you more resilient. Hence, it will help in developing a growth mindset.
All and all, take advantage of music. With so many tools offered nowadays, it would be a waste not to learn music composition.
Fantastic Mind Results With Classical Music Appreciation
Classical music appreciation is the ability to listen closely to the elements present in a composition. Apart from the direct benefit of improving your listening skills, you can savor the process of becoming present and mindful.
Living is sometimes challenging. Staying positive and tranquil is what we want most of the time. It’s normal to have ups and downs, and it is sometimes beneficial to let your soul pass through those moments. That way you can build up your resilience and you face life with a positive mindset.
You can build your resilience by engaging in activities that strengthen the mind. Classical music appreciation is one of those activities. Not only the music might elevate your mood, but you would engage in a fantastic mind-blowing analysis. Classical music appreciation challenges your mind to stay present and attentive to notice subtle details in a composition.
What is Classical Music Appreciation
Classical music appreciation is for you to listen with attention. Pick any piece of classical music, find a comfortable spot, and start listening. That is all there is to it. The enjoyment? It could come right away or with practice, but the importance is to start.
When you tune in your senses you can help your mind be where you are. As a consequence, you observe what is occurring at the exact moment where you are. Listening to music has a tremendous influence on your brain. Above all, classical music appreciation engages your brain even further. This is because you have to concentrate completely on what you are listening to.
Be Attentive and Observe
The practice of classical music appreciation is when you analyze all the compositional elements present in the piece you are listening to. That is to say, you listen with attention to a piece of music and you speculate about all its components.
For example, if you listen to a rock song you would probably recognize guitars, drums, and a voice. In a classical music appreciation session, you would also distinguish some instruments. More importantly, you would pay attention to the structure of the composition. Also, you will notice the dynamics and speculate about the time period. You might also get a glimpse of the emotional intentions of the composer.
There is probably no human emotion, no feeling delicate or strong, which has not been brought into the form of classical music.
Gabriel Yoran
The idea is to examine as much as possible the composition. That is to say, to notice all the elements that are present musically. The image below shows the analysis of classical music composition (dynamics, melody, tempo, time period, instruments).
Classical Music Appreciation by Sepia Flora
The Pursuit of Classical Music Appreciation
When we accomplish something we feel good. That has a simple explanation: our brain enjoys learning and releases dopamine when doing so. You feel pleasure when you become proficient in any skill. Take advantage of the way your brain works, and start to engage in classical music appreciation.
I think this happens to a lot of us in a lot of subjects. The more you know about it, the more you can enjoy it. This is an invitation to tune into classical music. The more you start to notice the instruments, the structure, and the time period, the more you are going to celebrate it.
Photo by Fabio Hanashiro on Unsplash
Some Benefits of Classical Music Appreciation
Listening to classical music reduces blood pressure. The study is pretty simple: the people who listened to classical music had lower blood pressure than the people who didn’t listen to any music, or even compared to the ones who listened to jazz or pop.
Furthermore, classical music promotes feelings of empowerment. The people who took part in the study, after listening to music, were less depressed and had less pain.
Most importantly, if you actively engage in music analysis, you can activate parts of the brain that regulate your mood. In other words, classical music appreciation makes you calm and reduces sudden mood changes. This, according to the article mentioned above.
Some Elements of Classical Music Appreciation
Instruments
When you learn classical music appreciation, you analyze individual sounds. The timbre or the tone color of the sound is what makes each instrument unique. Pay attention to the sounds and try to determine what instrument you are listening to.
You can classify these instruments by how they sound. For instance, there are three main groups: wind, strings, or percussion.
Wind instruments The air vibrates inside a body. Think of trumpets, horns, clarinets, flutes, etc. Subgroups are depending on their material. But, for the purpose of this activity, it is fine to consider all the wind instruments into one main group.
Wind Instruments by Sepia Flora
String instruments
These are instruments made with strings, and they can be played in different ways: plucked, (guitars, bass, etc) rubbed, (violin, cello, etc) or hit (piano, harpsichord, etc).
String Instruments by Sepia Flora
Percussion instruments The whole instrument is scraped or struck by a beater. Think of membranes (drums) or whole bodies of different materials (cymbals), for instance.
Percussion Instruments by Sepia Flora
Time Period
To distinguish the time period of a composition requires a lot more knowledge, but you can play with this element. It is fun to speculate and later check to see if you got the answer right.
One of my tricks is to think of simplicity vs complexity. It doesn’t work every time (of course not, and it is totally subjective). But, it can give you a broad clue of the time period.
Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
To clarify, the fewer instruments or elements (abrupt changes in volume, dissonant sounds), the earlier the composition might be. Again, this is very broad and it doesn’t work every time. Also, think the more conservative a composition is, the older it is.
A conservative composition is one where you listen to predictable sounds. To clarify, when you feel what it’s going to come next. Again, this might come with time, but your ability to speculate gives you a good practice to become an expert.
Repetitions
Humming is a great tool for classical music appreciation. You can hum a pattern that you notice in a piece. Once you have distinguished an element that you can relate to, try to look for it throughout the composition.
The ability you will develop is tremendous. You are going to boost your concentration because you are looking for that pattern or motif you found. You are also going to be completely mindful because you are listening closely to the composition. Even further, you will get a dose of dopamine because your brain enjoys looking for repetitions.
Think of Beethoven’s 5th symphony. It is one of the most famous motifs you can listen to in classical music appreciation.
Music Motifs by Sepia Flora
The Beat
Listen closely to the beat or tempo of the composition. Try to mark it continually, as if you were a clock. Once you have that pulse, think if you perceive it slow or fast. Now that you have a notion, you can think of the tempo. They are names in Italian. Very slow (lento) all the way to very fast (presto). If you want to know the exact terms here is a useful link.
Photo by Amaury Gutierrez on Unsplash
Differences between versions
When you finish listening to a musical piece, look for the same one but from a different orchestra or with a different array. For example, you can look for compositions for orchestra arranged for only piano. With this activity, you can start to notice right away the differences. Remember, that the idea of classical music appreciation is to tune in your observation skills.
Photo by Dimitri Simon on Unsplash
You can decide where you want to go with this activity. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. You can notice just the instruments, but also the tempo, the array, etc. The possibilities are endless and I believe you will enjoy it very much.
Listen to Concertos
Center on a particular subject. For example, choose a composer, a time period, or a particular genre. An interesting approach is to start with the genre of the concertos.
Concertos are compositions where a solo instrument is accompanied by an orchestra. The instrument could be any and you can easily distinguish its timbre because often it plays solo.
A concerto has three parts or movements. The typical form of one is fast-slow-fast. It is a simple form that gives you a structure that will help you notice the elements around it.
Start with popular concertos, and build your way up. Vivaldi has a lot of concertos for all kinds of wind and string instruments. It is a great way to start because he was from the Baroque (you could say early works). Also, because you can find a lot of solo instruments, you will learn to distinguish many instruments.
Listen to the concerto for lute in D major. It is beautiful and you can easily spot the parts where the lute is playing. Above all, enjoy it.
Visual Representation of Vivaldi’s Concerto for lute in D major by Sepia Flora
Going Further
With any art activity, you can go as far as you want. You can sit down, enjoy the music, and listen to some of the elements mentioned above. Also, you can go even further and mix different arts. Consider engaging in visual arts while you listen to music.
Abstract Art
Draw, paint, doodle, or color while you listen. Observe your feelings. Bring your perceptions to the experience, and observe what the music is making you feel. For example, it could be a vivid tone but it is reminding you of a sad experience. That is absolutely fine. The importance here is to notice, to let your soul speak.
When you start to listen to yourself instead of suppressing those feelings, you start to know yourself better. Also, you can deal better with different situations that may arise.
Let the music be a source of inspiration, rather than a rigid structure that imposes you what you should feel. Let music be your companion and immerse in it to cheer up, comfort, or guide you throughout your life.
Abstract painting with classical music appreciation by Sepia Flora
Draw a Path
When you look at a person’s body you see a contour or a gesture. The same happens with a song. Imagine that you are drawing the structure of the song. You can choose different paths to follow. For example, draw a path of the melody or a path of the dynamic of the composition.
A path of the melody is related to frequency, how the notes are higher or lower relative to each other. Don’t worry if you don’t know or if you don’t have the diagram “right”. The importance is to listen with focused attention to be present.
When you draw a sketch of the dynamics you are focusing on the intensity of the sound. Listen to how loud or soft the composition is, and accordingly, draw the path you feel.
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony Motif by Sepia Flora
I hope you enjoy this experience and you start to incorporate classical music appreciation as a fulfilling routine. Share it with the ones you love.
What do you think about classical music appreciation? How do you approach music? Would you recommend this enriching activity to everyone you know?
The Amazing Benefits of Nature Sounds
When you feel like you need to pause from life consider the benefits of connecting to nature sounds. Your brain associates calm sounds as non-threats. As a consequence, you will feel relaxed and more aware. You should listen to nature sounds to be mindful and to relax.
We respond to noises that are abrupt and disrupt our peaceful state of mind. When you surround yourself with them, you don’t notice how they are affecting you. For example, you constantly listen to your phone’s notifications, to TV news or radio, or street noise. All these noises keep you alert. You are probably not aware of the effect they have on you. However, your brain is responding to all of them by being alert. Zones in your brain activate constantly because they think they need to keep you safe.
That’s why it is important to be aware of what you are constantly listening to. Also, consider how these sounds may affect you. By all means, you should choose sounds that elevate your quality of life and not the contrary. Therefore, you should look for nature sounds because they may help with psychological distress.
Park in Prague by Sepia Flora
Listen to nature sounds
When you listen to nature sounds try to close your eyes. Why can you make a better connection by only listening? Your ears work better during dangerous situations and they certainly work better in the dark than your eyes. For this reason, you should take advantage of your hearing sense, to connect to what is around you. That means, to concentrate on the experience without having visual distractions. As a consequence, the regions of your brain that were alert take a break.
Remember that you are looking for your inner peace and tranquility. Listen to nature sounds and connect through the earth, wind, and water (don’t play with fire).
Mother Nature And its glory Share the feelin’ With your brother
Earth Wind and Fire
Listen to nature sounds and appreciate its benefits
Obtain perspective over your life. While you listen to nature sounds, you become self-aware. You notice your presence both mentally and physically.
Live each moment for what it is. Your consciousness sparks and you focus on what it’s real. When you listen to nature sounds, you are listening to reality.
Learn to listen to others and gain empathy. You learn to listen and to notice your surroundings. For this reason, you are more present when you engage in a conversation and you start to appreciate people.
Improve your attention When you connect to nature and focus on its sounds, you work on your concentration. Consequently, you start to develop your observational skills.
Develop gratitude All the elements of nature cohabitate with you, even beyond that, nature is giving you all its resources. Be grateful for all of nature’s offerings without asking anything in return. You can start to give others as well and be grateful for all that you have.
If you want to read further about all the benefits you get when you listen to nature sounds head here.
Photo by Deglee Degi on Unsplash
Go out there and admire
Use your eyes to find a spot, and once you do it, close your eyes, and just listen. You can make a better connection just by listening to the place around you. Take your time for this exercise. Above all, enjoy the experience and your surroundings.
Find a comfortable spot and start by breathing to ground you in the present so you can start listening. Here is an article on how you can make the most out of both experiences; listening and breathing.
After you come to rest, begin to listen to everything around you. Consider the elements around you, and how nature is present in every one of them. Listen to nature sounds in earth, wind, and water.
Focus on what could be around you…
Earth
Get in contact with the surface that holds you, the one you are standing or sitting on. Analyze its texture and listen to the sounds it makes. You could think about three different kinds of surfaces to notice their different sounds. Most importantly, notice how they offer you support and also help you ground in the present.
Hard Surfaces You can move around (to notice your impact and the sounds you make with nature) or you can sit down and listen to nature sounds to relax. Did you find hard surfaces on your way? For example, did you step on dry soil or stones? How did they sound? Feel the support of the earth by noticing the sounds you make when you are in contact with it.
Park in Colombia by Sepia Flora
Crunchy Surfaces This is a wonderful sound to help you ground on the present. Think of dry leaves and how they sound when you step on them. Also, pieces of barks of trees. Admire beautiful sounds that emerge when soil is mixed with leaves that fall from trees or bushes.
Stepping on a crunchy surface by Sepia Flora
Soft Surfaces Are there animals around you? Listen to the way they interact with the earth. Listen to their steps, they certainly sound different from yours. They could be stepping on sand, grass, soft surfaces. Moreover, they could be playing with leaves or scratching with the ground. Listen to what they do and pay attention to all the sounds they make with different soft surfaces (soil, grass, sand, etc).
Photo by Iswanto Arif on Unsplash
Wind
Listen closely to nature sounds and how they travel through the air. When you are admiring all its beauty you will notice sounds that you take for granted. The sound of the wind itself is pretty amazing. Also, by noticing every sound, you realize that wind touches and interacts with nature’s creations.
Trees and wind Listen to how the leaves of the trees move because of the wind. That is to say, to the beautiful and calming sound that helps you be anchored in the present.
Trees of Colombia by Sepia Flora
Animals’ Sounds Pay close attention to the sounds of nature and you can notice all the animals that are present. Not only the big ones but also insects. Certainly, you will notice that there are different kinds of birds. And, if you are in for a treat go to Colombia. It is the country with the most bird species on earth.
Birds singing by Sepia Flora
Just Wind Listen to nature sounds, listen to wind itself. Think of all the benefits that wind provides. For instance, picture the wind blowing on you. Imagine it could blow away the heavy load that we sometimes carry over silly problems. Something is thrilling about the feeling of having your troubles and worries carried away. Picturing how some concerns solve is beneficial to have optimistic thoughts. Do you use any metaphorical phenomenon to represent a good outcome?
Wax Palm in Colombia by Sepia Flora
Water
There are many benefits of inner silence. You can be mindful by noticing and connecting with your surroundings. Water is the best external natural sound to listen to because it is periodic and doesn’t have abrupt spikes. Remember that your brain responds to threatening sounds and water is quite the contrary. Look for water and savor its wonderful sound.
Still water Big lakes or ponds don’t have abrupt changes in volume. Consequently, your brain will associate that with a calm state of mind. Think that water is washing away your sorrows. You can also swim and breathe, close your eyes, and relax. This will ease the tension in your muscles.
Still water in Scotland by Sepia Flora
Waves Your brain likes periodic sounds because they are predictable. You can enjoy the sounds of waves of water for that reason. To enhance this experience, you can synchronize your breath to the waves you are listening to.
Photo by Boyd Christiansen on Unsplash.
Rain Enjoy the calming, periodic, delicious sound of rain. Therefore, imagine that rain it is protecting you like a soothing blanket.
Frog under the rain by Sepia Flora
Going Further
If you enjoy listening to the sounds of nature, you can take one step further. That is to say, notice all the sounds around you. You can make associations between sounds to help ground you in the present. For instance, almost all sounds can be related to each other. For example, the sound of you typing on your computer can be related to the sound of the rain. It is not the same, but by noticing sounds you help your mind anchor in the present. As a result, you develop more self-awareness.
Let me propose an exercise that will boost your creativity. If you enjoy sound design and how sounds can have several meanings, you will love it.
You can record sounds or you can use the sounds around you. The goal of this exercise is to imagine something else besides the obvious sound. For example, how a flute can represent a bird. You can listen to this in the musical composition Peter and the Wolf, by Sergei Prokofiev.
Examples
The sound of a cigarette burning with the sound of the sand. Many sound designers use this trick. Likewise, take a little bit of sand. Then, rub it between your fingers and you can mimic the sound of a cigarette burning.
Cigarette sound with sand by Sepia Flora
The sound of you washing your teeth with the sound of waves. When you wash your teeth pay attention to it. Pay attention to the sound and imagine a wave from the water. The sound of the foam can do the trick.
Washing your teeth with waves sound by Sepia Flora
The sound of the air coming out of a hot water bottle with a duck quacking. Have you listened to the air coming out of an empty hot water bottle? Rubber can mimic the sound of a duck.
Mimic duck quacking with rubber by Sepia Flora
Don’t think about only what nature sounds mean to you. Also, consider what impact sounds have on nature. For instance, consider the noise we make. How can I gain awareness of my impact on nature by analyzing the noises I make? How can I help nature by reducing my noise pollution? You can read further here.
Sounds are also a therapy that heals.Enjoy and listen not only to nature sounds but to everything around you. You will love the experience.
What do you enjoy listening to? Do you think that paying close attention to sounds is a terrific experience?
When You Listen to Music You Improve Your Well Being
We all want to feel our finest and improve our well being. Music can be in our daily lives to enhance our overall happiness. Discover how music affects your brain.
Almost every person can relate to music. Some of us love listening to our favorite artists while walking, taking a shower, reading, or doing almost anything. Going to a concert is an experience that many people look forward to. Remember that moment of intense goosebumps because your brain was releasing high levels of dopamine?
Neuroscientists have made studies where they see a correlation between listening to music and receiving a reward. These rewards are perceived as pleasure in your brain.
…music recruits neural systems of reward and emotion similar to those known to respond specifically to biologically relevant stimuli…
Anne Blood and Robert Zatorre
Our body responds to music naturally and involuntarily (walk to the beat, dance, reward). Consider listening to music more often. Not only because it helps your body release dopamine, but because you can enhance the following seven aspects.
Seven ways music affects your brain:
Music Nostalgia
Enhance Your Productivity
Learn More efficiently
Improve Your Memory
Increase Creativity
Psychological Benefits
Feel Empowered
1. Music Nostalgia
When you listen to music from your youth years you become excited. This has a simple explanation according to neuroscience.
The music that shaped the years you were becoming yourself is accompanied by strong emotions. Therefore, the hormones of those years triggered the brain to hold on to the dreams you had at that time. The soundtrack of those years represents that feeling of excitement and self-discovery.
This study claims that memory is selective. Surely, you had some experiences which you don’t want to recall. Our brain does a pretty good job of forgetting about those. It is natural to think about the past romantically and beautifully.
Tape recorder, fill cassette holes to unprotect tabs by Sepia Flora
Why would you want to live in the past? It is not about living in the past, but rather connecting to who you are. Your past experiences shaped the way you are today. That’s why you get excited when you listen to sounds from your past. It reminds you of who you are, and of the things you value the most.
It could be a great self booster to connect to the things that define you. You are you thanks to many of your past experiences. For instance, in times of doubt, it could be greatly beneficial to remember the things that define you. It is highly rewarding to connect to the things you matter the most.
Also, consider your memories, how well your brain associates a specific song to a moment in your past. Use that for when you are feeling stressed. Use a song that remembers you of a peaceful moment in your life.
Playlist: songs from high school and early twenties ♪
2. Enhance Your Productivity
We have two attention systems: a conscious and an unconscious one. The latter is in charge of emotional processing. For this reason, it picks on external sounds before you realize what is going on.
Your unconscious system has an important task at hand: keeping you safe. Unfortunately, many times it distracts you over things that don’t necessarily need your attention. Keep it occupied on something pleasurable while your conscious mind works on an important task.
You don’t need to keep your unconscious occupied at all times, by all means, you should practice mindfulness. But, when you want to focus completely, you could try to engage your unconscious on a neutral sound. Just as mantras work.
Think of your unconscious mind as a dog that wants to play constantly. If you give it a bone to chew, it will focus on the bone, and it will stop bothering you.
Here is an interesting study that shows how background music has a positive impact on peoples’ productivity and satisfaction.
Photo by: Jesse Orrico from Unsplash
Playlist: choose the music you like, it will increase your concentration. Keep away from songs with lyrics. Look for songs that will calm your mind ♪
More examples:
Music from video games. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Players don’t want distractions. It could work for you as well.
White noise Love this website because you can even put a timer on the noise! White noise works as a neutral sound. Your unconscious mind will engage with something neutral.
Spotify has many playlists for concentration. Look for one that suits you. I like this one.
3. Learn more efficiently
If you feel anxious about a test or an exam, you can use music to lower your stress levels. This way, you can focus on studying and your brain will remember things better.
The Mozart effect is a myth. However, music does improve your mood. That is a good reason to use it to study. You are willingly going to enjoy your time of studying. If you are in a good mood, most likely you will solve problems easily.
This trick works if you like music because it will lower your cortisol levels. However, if you don’t like music don’t listen to any. It will not improve your mood, but quite the contrary.
If you are studying a language, by all means, consider adding music as one of your main sources of information. Look at this post that shows how you can do this. Also, look at this school that improved students’ results by including music lessons.
Playlist: songs that improve your mood, classical music from the Baroque, stay away from lyrics to avoid distractions. ♪
Photo by: Wu Yi from Unsplash
4. Improve Your Memory
Several studies highlight the significance of music when it comes to remembering things. For example, this study claims that music “helps the brain organize new information“.
The study states that when you need to pay attention, music affects the areas of the brain involved with memory. This way, your brain is more alert in anticipating events and revising new information. The music they used for the study was classical, particularly, William Boyce (1711-79).
Also, your brain likes patterns and catchy melodies. That is why many times you have songs stuck in your head. You can take advantage of this, and associate information you need to remember to certain melodies which you usually sing.
Next time you are studying or trying to memorize something new, rely on music and on the songs you like. Certainly, you can use it to remember things or to sort the information in your brain.
Look at this cool animation that shows how music enhances memory.
Photo by: Steve Harvey from Unsplash
Playlist: Classical music, again stay away from lyrics. ♪
5. Increase Creativity
What do you consider to be creative? For me, it is to be able to use our imagination. Most importantly, it is to let your mind wander and innovate.
Music can help you achieve that. Music helps you enter into that state where new ideas arise and where many of us like to be.
This study analyzed thoughts that arose on the participants based on the type of music they listened to.
Heroic-sounding music evoked more positive, exciting, constructive, and motivating thoughts, while sad-sounding music evoked more calm or demotivating thoughts.
Stefan Koelsch, et al.
How music affects our brain: a personal choice
Observe that depending on the feeling you want to evoke, so is the choice of music. With that in mind reflect on how music affects the brain. Notice that if you want to increase your creativity, you want to choose music that elevates your mood. But, if you want to concentrate, your choices will have to be completely different.
Also, note that this is a personal choice. Create your playlists for when you want to tap into your creativity. For me, it has always been rock and roll.
Read at this article in which a photographer relates his work to the type of music he chose. Listen to your heart, the way you associate certain music, and how your body reacts. When you want to be creative, it would be beneficial to know which music to choose.
For example, imagine classical music to design pottery, jazz to illustrate cooking books, and female soul singers to design jewelry.
Creativity through music by Sepia Flora
Playlist: choose familiar music, and consider what you want to evoke. Go wild on the lyrics if this suits you! ♪
6. Psychological Benefits
Music produces feelings before and while listening to that part of the song that you love so much.
This is the anticipation phase. It turns out that your brain also releases dopamine during this moment. Your brain is excited about getting to that bit of music which you enjoy so much. If you want to read further, I recommend this book. It explains how our instincts trigger many responses in our brains.
You can use this for your benefit. You can create a playlist of songs that have those bits you love. For example, a guitar solo, or a part where you feel excited because of a modulation.
An artwork or song that a person can relate to can provide comfort without the baggage of social interaction with another human being.
Yoon S, et al.
Now that you know how music affects your brain, use it to cope with your feelings. Put on some warm tune for when you are feeling blue. You would feel supported without the use of words.
Photo by: Haley Powers from Unsplash
A study shows that if you want to lift your spirit, listen to music with that intention in mind. If you just listen to music without thinking anything, the effects are not the same. At least not as strong.
The key here is wanting and choosing the music you consider to be uplifting. Not everybody considers the same songs as happy songs. For this reason, use your memories and your instinct to create a playlist that lifts your mood.
although music may not be imperative for survival of the human species, it may indeed be of significant benefit to our mental and physical well-being.
Anne Blood and Robert Zatorre
Playlist: Create your playlists according to the feeling you want to evoke. For example, songs you associate with happiness or songs you associate with warmth. ♪
7. Feel Empowered
Do you remember Michael Phelps during the 2016 Olympics? He always entered the pool wearing headphones and listening to Eminem. It was his ritual to listen to music to feel empowered. Doing so, he believed, he was capable of winning, and he sure did.
The same happens with the superman pose. There are psychological studies that claim this is true. It is astonishing how your brain works. Especially, how music affects your brain. Now that you know this, use it in your favor. Create a playlist to invoke empowerment.
Knowing which type of music uplifts you is a great step towards making yourself a powerful playlist. If you don’t know where to begin, you have several options. For example, based on your personality this might help you recognize which type of music suits you best. Go to Spotify and look for uplifting, empowerment playlists. But, most importantly, explore your tastes, observe your reactions, listen, create, and enjoy your playlists.
Analyze how the rhythm of the songs affects your brain
A great tip is for you to focus on the rhythm of the songs. Some of the music we listen to goes to motor neurons. That’s why our body moves without us thinking about it. A good beat will make you move to a steady rhythm. Are you cold or don’t want to get out of bed? Play the sound of a disco song for example. Incorporate your inner rhythm and the rhythm around you to your well- being.
Experience beats, look for them, and use them to express and create playlists that uplift your soul. Your heartbeat, your feet, your hands, objects around you, are endless possibilities for you to generate a natural beat. Explore and explode with rhythm.
Playlist: Begin experimenting with Eminem, use soundtracks of powerful movies like Rocky, focus on a steady beat. ♪
Music empowerment by Sepia Flora
Be aware of how music affects your brain
When I think about music, I see it as my most loyal companion. However, don’t depend on it. Like all addictions, they are not safe and you should have control over them. Use music mindfully. Notice when you are listening to it, and don’t do it automatically or depend on it. You will lose control over your present moment.
Don’t listen to music to escape from something. Use it to enhance your well being and to be conscious of how music affects your brain. Many of the benefits rely on the fact that music improves your mood. It also makes your brain release more dopamine. That is why you should use it wisely.
Read this very cool article. It helps you stay away from compulsive listening and incorporate music as a useful part of your life.
I would love to hear about your thoughts on this matter. What is music to you? When and how do you listen to music? What is your favorite band or genre? Please leave comments below.
Memorable Mantras to Triumph in Uncertain Times
What are mantras?
Mantras are repetitive sounds that increase concentration. The use of mantras for uncertain times is a great tool that can be used anywhere. Their purpose is to ground you in the present. You can do this by using a positive affirmation or a sound considered as a neutral object.
The meaning of the word is a tool for the mind:
manas (mind) and tra (tool)
Why do mantras work?
Mantras help you create awareness of the present. You are getting in tune with a purpose, with the state of mind you want to achieve. When using mantras for uncertain times, you anchor in what you have control of. That is, only on what is going on at the moment. Uncertainty is something in the future, something that most likely doesn’t depend on you. However, a repetitive sound has the power to relax and to help you cope better with different stressors.
Your brain produces endorphins as mentioned in this study from the Harvard Medical School. They call the repeating of a mantra as an exercise for the mind. The importance is to repeat a sound because this act focuses your attention on a detached expression. Thus, restricting your mind from external thoughts. This and several more studies conclude that mantras improve the clarity of the mind.
Grey matter increases with the use of mantras. For instance, your cognitive functions increase. In other words, you expand mental processes that allow you to carry different tasks. You elevate your consciousness and more easily anchor in the present.
Anchor with mantras by Sepia Flora
Remember, art enhances your brain plasticity, thus making you flexible to adapt to new and many times uncertain situations. Mantras are art because you are interpreting sounds either composed by you or someone else. The art of making sounds or music is what mantras are all about.
Mantras have psychological powers just as mindfulness. Because you are repeating a word or a chant many times, your brain disables other thoughts from interrupting you. This is why mantras for uncertain times are a great tool. They don’t necessarily have to have a meaning. They are just a repeated sound that engages your brain and disconnects you from the outside world.
Why is this helpful?
Well, because sometimes you need to disconnect from things to gain a better perspective. You can achieve this by focusing on a repetitive sound that you start to dominate. You are good at making that sound! It is a melody that you repeat over and over. Because you know the notes and/or the words, you want to be a part of it.
It is like singing along a song you know, knowing that is helping you because you focus on an intention.
Now, let’s see the many ways you can create a mantra. Most importantly, enhance your musical persona and enjoy your ability to create a composition.
Ways of making mantras with sound
All the ways mentioned below are great to ground you in the present. Focus on the creation, and remember that mantras will be your companion through uncertain times. You have to create a pattern that you can easily repeat. While repeating it, let your mind engage with the sound. Repeat, and repeat that pattern for some time. You have to focus your attention on the sound. Don’t force yourself to concentrate, you will naturally transition into a state of awareness. If you feel distracted, gently allow yourself to go back to the sound of the mantra. Savor the process of the creation. Later on, of the state of mindfulness that the mantra helped you be in.
1. Percussion
Create a repetitive percussive sound using anything that you have at hand. For instance, it can be a pen hitting a desk, the sound of you clapping, palatal clicks with your tongue. Just anything that you want that reminds you of an intention. If you have a drum set at home, by all means, use it. Repeat a rhythm that you can easily interpret.
Breathe in and every time you breathe out chant the same note. Also, while you breathe out try to whistle the same note as if you were chanting. You can also incorporate your teeth and produce an ssss sound with them. Have you tried whispering a song? It is so refreshing and you feel the power inside you. The fact that you have yourself no matter the circumstances, is a great thought of empowerment. Also, if you have a wood instrument repeat a pattern of notes over and over again.
Chant mantras by Sepia Flora
Create your composition and take advantage of your voice. That is to say, concentrate on the way it produces sound, and enjoy the vibrations in your entire body.
3. Strings
You need an instrument for this type of mantra. If you have one, you probably know how to play a few chords. This creation aims to repeat a succession of chords. The simplest way is to repeat the following musical chords: tonic and dominant (I-V). You can also create your composition as long as it is just a maximum of four chords. Enjoy the moment without needing to concentrate so much on placing your fingers right. You are looking to create a mantra, not a song.
Also, you can create a mantra with just words, not music at all. This list has simple mantras for anxiety that you can easily incorporate.
Photo by Juan Pablo Amador Díaz from Pexels
If you want to try traditional mantras look at this site. For example, it has a list of amazing mantras to work on and memorize.
How to use the mantra
Here are my tips for creating your personal space. Take advantage of the mantras for uncertain times that you created previously.
Sit in a comfortable position where you can breathe easily.
Find a reason to anchor.
Interpret the mantra you created.
Focus your attention completely on the repetition.
Repeat this mantra every day. Consistency is key to see the results.
Sit and chant by Sepia Flora
Ways of making mantras visually
Mantras are a great tool to incorporate in uncertain times, or when you are nervous or stressed about the future. After all, there is nothing you can do about it. The best thing you can do, the only thing you have control of, is the present moment. That’s why you should interpret a mantra especially when you have no control over what is going to happen. Rest your mind on a composition and focus on positive creations, rather than on useless thoughts.
When you repeat a sound your brain engages with the creation. What if you try to repeat a pattern visually? Why not try and draw a simple figure that you can repeat over and over again and create a pattern?
1. Circles, squares or triangles
Draw a geometric figure and repeat the motion of your hand over and over again. You can also draw a spiral that goes inward or outward in the shape you chose. Don’t focus too much on making it perfect. That is to say, remember that as with a repetitive sound, the aim is to not think about the process. It’s to enjoy the way your mind engages in the creation without you noticing it.
Visual mantra by Sepia Flora
2. Create your shape
As with geometric figures, you can also draw any abstract form that you can repeat over and over again. Don’t make it too complicated and just repeat.
Photo by Alizee Marchand from Pexels
3. Experience with materials
Use different materials for the composition. You can start with watercolors and later on switch to ink, just discover and play with the material. Notice which material is more natural to you. Consequently, your mind engages more easily and you have to be less aware of the motion you are making. As always, the purpose is to be engaged and not to think.
Painting palette by Sepia Flora
What do you think of a visual concept of mantras?
Listen to it. How do you feel? Can you sing along this simple melody? When you repeat it for a while, do you feel different?
Leave your comments below and tell me what you think of mantras.
Do you have any other tips?
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