By Karl T. Bruhn and Barry Bittman, MD

While a world devoid of music is almost unimaginable, rarely do we ever stop to consider the many ways music touches our lives. It isn’t surprising that listening to music is among the world’s favorite pastimes. Practically every meaningful lifetime event is marked by musical accompaniment. From birthdays to graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals, music sets the tone. Music sets the charge in pep rallies, and it soothes our souls in contemplation or prayer.

From driving to work to catching the latest news, music is ubiquitously present in our lives. Yet, in this era of countless video games and hundreds of cable channels, families don’t often get together to make music and share their stories with successive generations. Undoubtedly something important has been lost.

Even among the 7.6% of American adults who play musical instruments, few recognize or take the opportunity to build relationships and community with their music. In contrast, singing, dancing, and playing music around a campfire was a foundational component of ancient civilizations. Music making was far more than just a diversion or a source of entertainment. As an effective communication tool for connecting people and building bridges through a deep sense of meaningful support, music making served as a catalyst for societal change.

Thousands of years have passed and our basic needs have not changed. We still experience the drive to belong, to be part of a community of individuals who share interests and come together for a common purpose. The medical community is coming to realize that the inherent need to connect with each other in meaningful ways may very well be the most important contributing factor to sustained quality of life.

That is precisely where Recreational Music Making shines as an enjoyable, effective, enabling opportunity for people (regardless of age, ability, or prior musical experience) to come together and support each other in a nurturing manner that builds bridges and improves quality of life. For deep within the essence of who we are, there’s a sound that resonates in harmony with all living creatures, an inner voice ready to emerge.

When we connect with each other and extend ourselves to one another, we share our gift. For music gets through where words do not pass, when barriers separate us, and when the odds are against us. It uplifts us when hopelessness darkens each day, when communication breaks down, when we yearn for common ground and when we need each other the most.

Recreational Music Making opens doors, enhances self-esteem, ensures a healthy workout, stimulates our minds, boosts our creative potential, makes us laugh, and connects us on many levels. It also builds bridges, heightens awareness, and strengthens bonds. Our participation shows the world who we are, affirms that we can make a difference, and adds our unique sound to the celebration of life.

We invite you to rediscover music’s ultimate value by exploring the music that emanates from within you. From basic percussion instruments to technologically enabling keyboards, a variety of musical instruments are within your reach. Consider visiting a music products store and ask about Recreational Music Making programs. The opportunity to express yourself musically is certain to be transformed into numerous personal benefits that will extend to your family and your community. The sense of joy and fulfillment is no less than contagious. There’s never been a better time to play!

This article appeared in Making Music Magazine (March/April 2005).