A Song a Day...

Welcome to Wellness Wednesdays at ValdostaPerformingArts.com. As the CDC indicates this will be one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, we are hearing yet again the admonitions to wash our hands well, stay home if we have a fever, and to get a flu shot if we have not already. As you consider all that you might do to stay well this season, boost your immunity, and avoid illness, why not sing a song!

Wait, what?

Yes…that’s right! Music has the power to boost our immune systems and possibly prolong our lives. Even if our lives aren’t longer, they can most definitely be more fulfilling and joyful with the inclusion of music.

Daniel Levitin, author of This Is Your Brain on Music and The World in Six Songs is Founding Dean of Arts & Humanities at the Minerva Schools at KGI in San Francisco. He is also a Distinguished Faculty Fellow at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, and James McGill Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience and Music at McGill University. Both scientist and musician, Dr. Levitin has unearthed incredible evidence regarding the relationship between science and music; between our brains and art!

“…[P]laying music can modulate levels of dopamine, the so-called feel-good hormone in the brain…. What we know for certain is that increases in dopamine lead to elevated mood and help to to boost the immune system.” *

“[M]usic – particularly joyful music – affects our health in fundamental ways. Listening to, and even more so singing or playing, music can alter brain chemistry associated with well-being, stress reduction, and immune system fortitude.” *

Maybe it’s time to make music a more intentional part of your life. Listen, SING, and PLAY!!! We’re here to help! Book your first lesson now! Email Dr. McQuade at ValdostaPerformingArts@gmail.com

*from Daniel J. Levitin’s The World in Six Songs, Chapter 3