Songwriting

 by TPSMTS Team

Staying Positive with Music

Boosting our moods with a happy playlist

Written by Jane Hong

 

It’s easy to feel cooped up and frustrated during uncertain times. The absence of normalcy can cause a lack of motivation to get things done. Research shows that listening to music releases endorphins in the brain, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress.

Here are some great examples of upbeat songs that send out positive messages (we included playlists below!):

  1. Happy by Pharrell Williams
  2. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
  3. I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
  4. Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
  5. Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
  6. Walkin’ on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves
  7. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
  8. Fight Song by Rachel Platten
  9. Brave by Sara Bareilles
  10. Firework by Katy Perry
  11. Dynamite by Taio Cruz
  12. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars

 

 

 

YouTube Playlist    Spotify Playlist

 

Other than listening to songs, we can also get creative and write our own! Song parodies are a great way to lighten up the mood. Songwriting may seem daunting at first, but you can always start simple. For example, by only switching out one word per line, the whole song can go a completely different direction. Deciding on an overall theme can also help with brainstorming new lyrics.

 

With many people moving onto online platforms, online jamming is also becoming popular! Strangers, friends, teachers, and students can play and sing together via video calls on platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, or Skype. More and more services have popped up in the last few months to help musicians connect with one another.

 

Music can help us stay positive during discouraging times, keep afloat and stay motivated. Besides, more music is always welcome!

 

Resource:

Why Listening to Music Makes Us Feel Good

in Jane / Music Lessons / Music Therapy 0 comments
 by TPSMTS Team

Practicing and Intrinsic Motivation

Encouraging students to progress and grow in music lessons

Written by Tamara Leszner-Rovet

With the new year now upon us, it is a time for reflection and resolutions, including when it comes to music lessons. One aspect of music lessons that comes up frequently in conversation, especially at the beginning of a new term, is practicing.

In general, I have found that the key to long term progress, success, and enjoyment of playing an instrument is intrinsic motivation.

 

Intrinsic motivation refers to behaviour that is driven by internal rewards. The motivation to engage in a behaviour arises from within the individual because there are natural rewards associated with it. In other words, students practice because they want to progress (similar to playing sports, where there is a motivation to practice in order to develop the strength and skills to progress). In my experience, students who want to practice their instrument and continue to progress are the ones who reap the most benefits and rewards for themselves, and are more likely to continue lessons long-term.

 

Extrinsic motivation typically doesn’t work well as a long term solution. Rewards such as candy, toys, etc. may not be effective when it comes to music practicing. This is not to say that they won’t work in the short term, but often they satiate and eventually are no longer motivating. The point is that practicing equates to further progress, which is motivation in itself. While rewards may not be an optimal long-term way to motivate, positive reinforcement (strengthening an action with praising words, a pat on the back, performing for others, etc.) can help to further encourage growth and skills to develop intrinsic motivation.

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in Music Lessons / Tamara 0 comments