Self-Expression and the Brain: Why We Write Music
Art is the purest form of self-expression. It allows people to channel their complex feelings in a creative way. In fact, psychologists such as Sigmund Freud believe that channeling emotions into creative endeavors is an excellent way of dealing emotional states.
Music provides an excellent platform for expressing one’s self through creation. Every note and lyric represents something deeply personal to the artist. They poured themselves into that song.
There is no better reason to pick up an instrument. Self-expression and creation can save lives. Instead of turning these emotions inward and letting them fester, they are turned out into the world and shared with others.
The band the Replacements perfectly illustrates the power self-expression has on one’s life and the changes it can influence.
The Replacements formed in the early 80s. The band consisted of four original members, each with their own stories of trials and tribulations. In each story, they turned to music in their time of need for differing reasons. The choice forever changed them.
Guitarist Bob Stinson walked a dark path for most his childhood. No parent, teacher, or medical professional could get through to him. At his lowest point, Bob turned to the guitar. He learned and played every day to channel his feelings. People often said he took his frustrations out with the guitar, as evident by the thrashing, wailing riffs he was known for.
Bob’s brother, Tommy Stinson, had no interest in music prior to his career as the bassist in the Replacements. Like his brother, Tommy had brushes with the law at a young age. Bob saw the path Tommy was heading down and knew had to do something. Bob forced his brother to learn the bass and made him play every day. These lessons turned Tommy into a renown bassist, and kept him out of jail.
The singer-songwriter, Paul Westerberg, picked up the guitar for an entirely different reason. Paul spent much of his youth in his own head. He battled anxiety, depression, and isolation. When he discovered music, Paul found a way to express these feelings. He learned to get out of his head one note at a time.
Chris Mars, the drummer, used music for self-exploration. He played for the love of art. When sitting behind his drumkit, Chris could explore the far reaches of his mind. He used drums as a conduit between his thoughts and reality. Mars would later become painter, providing yet another means for self-expression.
The Replacements are now considered one of the all-time greats. The lives of these young men were altered by a shared love of music.
Whether it’s to overhaul one’s path in life, correct behaviors before they escalate, deal with the turmoil of the mind, or self-exploration, learning to play music has endless benefits.
Songwriting isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. It is sometimes crucial to have guidance. Music lessons come in many forms. In Tommy’s case, music lessons came from his older brother. A good teacher will go beyond the basics. They will provide the tools to write original music.
With these tools, the creative process can begin. Students can pour themselves into writing music. Astute students will soon experience the power of self-expression. It will be a process, but it’s a labor of love, and they may learn a thing or two about themselves.
Music provides an excellent platform for expressing one’s self through creation. Every note and lyric represents something deeply personal to the artist. They poured themselves into that song.
There is no better reason to pick up an instrument. Self-expression and creation can save lives. Instead of turning these emotions inward and letting them fester, they are turned out into the world and shared with others.
The band the Replacements perfectly illustrates the power self-expression has on one’s life and the changes it can influence.
The Replacements formed in the early 80s. The band consisted of four original members, each with their own stories of trials and tribulations. In each story, they turned to music in their time of need for differing reasons. The choice forever changed them.
Guitarist Bob Stinson walked a dark path for most his childhood. No parent, teacher, or medical professional could get through to him. At his lowest point, Bob turned to the guitar. He learned and played every day to channel his feelings. People often said he took his frustrations out with the guitar, as evident by the thrashing, wailing riffs he was known for.
Bob’s brother, Tommy Stinson, had no interest in music prior to his career as the bassist in the Replacements. Like his brother, Tommy had brushes with the law at a young age. Bob saw the path Tommy was heading down and knew had to do something. Bob forced his brother to learn the bass and made him play every day. These lessons turned Tommy into a renown bassist, and kept him out of jail.
The singer-songwriter, Paul Westerberg, picked up the guitar for an entirely different reason. Paul spent much of his youth in his own head. He battled anxiety, depression, and isolation. When he discovered music, Paul found a way to express these feelings. He learned to get out of his head one note at a time.
Chris Mars, the drummer, used music for self-exploration. He played for the love of art. When sitting behind his drumkit, Chris could explore the far reaches of his mind. He used drums as a conduit between his thoughts and reality. Mars would later become painter, providing yet another means for self-expression.
The Replacements are now considered one of the all-time greats. The lives of these young men were altered by a shared love of music.
Whether it’s to overhaul one’s path in life, correct behaviors before they escalate, deal with the turmoil of the mind, or self-exploration, learning to play music has endless benefits.
Songwriting isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. It is sometimes crucial to have guidance. Music lessons come in many forms. In Tommy’s case, music lessons came from his older brother. A good teacher will go beyond the basics. They will provide the tools to write original music.
With these tools, the creative process can begin. Students can pour themselves into writing music. Astute students will soon experience the power of self-expression. It will be a process, but it’s a labor of love, and they may learn a thing or two about themselves.