We all know the clichés of music bringing everyone together but in this case arguably it has. People are using music in dozens of ways, for example, from bringing the neighbourhood together to raising money for NHS workers.

 

 

Who would have thought at such a unprecedented time that people would become united in so many unique ways. Fortunately, technology has enabled people to create various platforms to share ideas. On my street in South West London, clapping on a Thursday for key workers has united the street; it is also further developed to singing and playing instruments to acknowledge the gratitude the neighbourhood shares. WhatsApp groups and word of mouth have encouraged others to share ideas such as singing 'Happy Birthday' to mark Captain Tom's 100th birthday this week and his number 1 hit song. We have grown more resilient during these testing times.

Molly Hammond, a local neighbour told me: 'Music is something that people can express themselves in and by all singing, everyone is united together. It also increases neighbourliness'.

 

 

Some people are using platforms such as YouTube to fundraise money for the NHS. Pop musicians have collaborated to raise money for good causes and theatre and arts groups have generously contributed by showing livestreams of musicals and plays which may not have been accessible financially to most. I personally was in for a treat having seen 'Twelfth Night' put on by the National Theatre (once again marking another birthday of the infamous Shakespeare playwright - I'm sure this would have been appreciated by any theatre goer or literature teacher!)

 

 

The Harvard medical school wrote an article dated July 2011 called 'Music and Health': https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/music-and-health. This article refers to many benefits to good health and there is a paragraph on 'Music and Mood'. 'An authoritative review of research between 1994 and 1999 reported that in 4 trials music therapy reduced symptoms of depression […] a 2006 study of 60 adults with chronic pain […] reduced depression and a 2009 META-analysis found that music […] can improve the quality of sleep in patients with sleeping disorders.'

 

 

My local neighbour Molly's personal experience that she shared was how she has enjoyed the fine weather in her garden with the sound of birds which are music to her ears. They can be heard louder than usual seeing as there is less traffic and commotion that normally occurs.

 

 

So whilst there is sorrow for most under these extenuating circumstances, they may find solace from the joy that music is able to offer. So if you weren't already aware, you may now subconsciously start 'tuning in' to some of the suggestions outlined above. 

 

By Ambar Madhok