I've always asked my students to reflect on the role of music in their life. And I've heard so many beautiful, deep and poetic stories! And nevertheless, every new reflection does not cease to surprise and amaze me. Here is one of such reflections, written by Katie Freeman:

"Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks, and invents" - Ludwig van Beethoven

Without even thinking about it, we use music to create desired moods- to make us happy, to enjoy movements and dance, to energize, to bring back powerful memories, and to help us relax and focus. Music is a powerful tool for our personal expression within our daily lives. It helps"set the scene" for many important experiences. Music, one of the joys of life, can be one of the joys of learning as well. All throughout our lives, our experiences create perceptions of out own worth, and music acts as a primary source for these experiences and subsequent revelations. Through music, people encounter a sense of personhood and respect for themselves and others. Therefore, involvement in music for people of all ages, including myself, is part of their personal valuation of self-worth.