Why we need musicians in 2020
Outside my English class, there is a poster on the wall that reads:
“Today, athletes, actors, and musicians are mistakenly seen as people of importance. In my life, I have NEEDED a doctor, NEEDED a plumber, NEEDED a mechanic. Not once have I ever needed another athlete, actor, or musician!”
In a way, this is correct. Doctors, mechanics, and other related math/science fields are absolutely more vital than creative-based careers. But while I would never say a musician or other artist is more important than a physician, their societal contributions are needed now more than ever in light of recent events.
It’s a terrible time to be a musician right now. Venues are closing, shows are getting cancelled, and with the advice from authorities to not leave your homes, the number of pedestrians on the street to leave tips have decreased. There is a worldwide panic about the widespread SARS-COVID-19 virus, and the stress combined with a decrease in income can make it difficult to motivate yourself to work or be creative.
But whether it is a new song or one that has been released in the past, your music is giving hope to those isolated in their homes. Entertainment is not necessarily a necessity of life, but it is what keeps us sane and prevents us from going out of our minds with anxiety or loneliness. Music also gives people something to do at home, therefore encouraging them to stay distanced from others to slow the spread of the virus.
Actors, authors, and artists obviously play a role in this task, but musicians are particularly special because music sings to the heart and the soul. It is not only a comfort but a very effective therapy for those going through difficult trials.
Neuroscientist Kiminobu Sugaya explained in Pegasus magazine that music causes the brain to release dopamine in a very similar way that it responds to cocaine. In a study conducted by the University of Central Florida, Sugaya and violinist Ayako Yonetani discovered that normally unresponsive Alzheimer’s patients experience sparks in brain activity when listening to their favorite tunes.
And just like music sparks memories in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s, listening to music now can remind us of better times with friends and loved ones. And in the future, any music that was written about these times will be a history — if not famous, than at least a journal to keep a record of sorts of how we survived 2020.
Of course, I send my immense gratitude to health care workers fighting this virus on the front lines. But I would also like to thank those artists providing us with that spoonful of sugar giving us joy and hope in these lonely weeks of isolation. So although it’s hard to create right now, please don’t give up. Without you, the panic and anxiety would eat us alive, figuratively and (almost) literally.
