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To us, a pandemic is a new thing that wasn’t on the radar a year ago. However, in the course of history, there have been plenty, and music has always been there to fight them off. According to The Guardian, singing from balconies is part of a tradition that stretches back to the 7th century BC and the Black Death. It seems that while Covid-19 can decimate global lockdowns and the freedoms we hold dear, it is powerless against music.
Nothing can stand in its way, and here are the reasons why.
The Boredom Factor
Even with Netflix and a plethora of social media networks and videos on YouTube, the pandemic has been boring. As it happens, doing the same thing over and over every day is mind-numbingly tedious, except when you’re playing an instrument. From the guitar to the drums and violin, there’s an actively competitive aspect of trying to be better. Combine this element of learning with the fact that the likes of LVL Music Academy offer remote lessons, and you’ve got the perfect storm. Whether you’re a newbie or an old-hand attempting to level-up, there are multiple ways to relieve boredom when you’re dedicated to music.
Community Spirit
The sense of community we currently have isn’t a feature that most people would say existed pre-March. If anything, the support neighbours have for each other was dwindling rapidly. Yet, once everybody was in the same boat, the need to help the less fortunate, as well as average human beings who needed a boast, came to the fore. From high rises in Italy to London suburbs, people showed their community spirit by singing, dancing, and indulging in musical pastimes. Others are available, of course, yet it’s hard to organise a game of five-a-side during a lockdown! Music, on the other hand, is much more accessible.
Productivity
A pandemic reduces your productivity levels, which is part of the reason mental health is an issue. You’ve spent the last few years crushing life, working hard in the office and playing harder outside of it, only to be stranded at home with nothing to do. The culture shock is draining. To replicate the semblance of a routine, people turn to activities such as home renovation projects and exercise. At the heart of these interests is music as the beat encourages you to go harder for longer. For many, it’s the foundation of daily lockdown routine.
Health
Our wellbeing, both mental and physical, is critical during a time such as this. Therefore, it makes sense that music is used to promote good health and warn us of potential dangers. As far back as January, when the virus emerged in China, residents sang songs such as, “Wuhan jiayou!” – or ‘Stay strong, Wuhan!” Far from being a patriotic war cry, it was a symbol of positive physical and mental health. The same goes for the NHS Clap in the UK. Music is a soundtrack to our lives, especially in the worst periods.
How has music helped you during the Coronavirus health crisis?
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