Music has a wonderful capacity to connect people, whether it’s two people or two thousand and two. Bonds are made between people as we share music together. This can happen through:
- a shared event where a connection is made, like a wedding or concert or dance
- a shared feeling where we resonate around an emotion like joy or grief or love
- a shared idea where the music becomes symbolic like the hook of a jingle or a protest
I remember several years ago how one song made me feel connected to millions of other people around the world. As Sir Elton John sang Candle in the Wind, his words encapsulated a world mourning the life of Diana Princess of Wales. Perhaps it was the connection to human suffering and tragedy, but that song brought us together in our common journey and expressed our common grief.
Music played an important role in my connection with my grandmother, Nanny Gross. As a child, she would come and straighten my shoulders as I practiced. Somehow, this was her way of cheering me on. When I was a music student, she would come to my recitals and be interested in what I was studying and learning. Music was a natural part of our relationship, something that joined us together. Often when I went to see her at the nursing home, I’d wheel her to the piano and play some tunes. During the last five years of her life, Nanny suffered from dementia and music was the means we connected.
Has music connected you with someone in a special way?
Copyright 2010, Bev Foster
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