The Power of Music: A Creativity Boost
I’m just back from two weeks in New York City. My husband’s main objective in going was to attend Elvis Costello’s 100 Songs in 10 Nights concert series at the Gramercy Theater. What an incredible experience! It made me realize and acknowledge something I’d forgotten: the power of music to boost your creativity.
I wasn’t a diehard fan before this concert series. But having gone to every show, I’m a huge fan now! You might be thinking: “10 concerts with the same guy? Really. That sounds crazy.” I’ll quickly add that he didn’t play every single night. He (and we) needed a night off from time to time. LOL. But he put on the most magnificent display of, wait for it, not 100 songs but 250 pulled from his entire song book.
You may agree that music is a powerful tool that has the ability to impact our emotions, behavior, and even our creativity. This recent experience not only highlighted Elvis’ musical prowess but also underscored the power of music in enhancing our creative processes.
Quick story…
Do you remember the Rice Krispies commercial that included a musical snippet at the end: “Snap, Crackle, Pop… Rice Krispies!” That little jingle evokes memories and emotions from my past, connecting me to moments and experiences long forgotten. The simple melody and catchy lyrics created a positive association in my mind that has lasted through the years. It's a reminder that even the simplest snippets of music can have a powerful impact on our lives, inspiring us and connecting us to our past experiences.
There are many health benefits that come from listening to music and I’ve found that music can help jumpstart my creativity. Here are three ways music supports a creative practice.
#1 Music can provide a relaxing atmosphere
Depending on the type of music you enjoy, it's relaxing and can provide a bit of "white noise" while you work. The calming effect of music can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and can create a more conducive environment for creative work. Classical music, in particular, has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function, memory retention, and productivity. Listening to music can also help to reduce distractions, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
#2 Music can energize and motivate
On the flip side, again depending on the type of music you enjoy, it can be a way to wake you up if you're feeling lethargic and need a boost of energy. Upbeat and lively music can improve mood and increase motivation, making it an effective way to overcome creative block. Research has shown that music with a faster tempo can stimulate the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with motivation.
#3 Music is constantly evolving
Music is always evolving just like your creative practice. As a form of expression, music is constantly changing, reflecting the cultural and social changes of our time. Exposure to different genres and styles of music can help to broaden your creative horizons, inspiring new ideas and approaches to your work. Even within a single artist's body of work, like Elvis Costello's, the evolution of his music over time can be a source of inspiration for your own creative endeavors.
And the benefits of music don't stop there. There are countless studies that have shown the positive impact of music on creativity, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Music has been shown to increase brain activity, improve memory, and enhance learning. It can also improve mental and emotional health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Final story about the Elvis concerts…
As I reflect on the new memories I’m taking with me from the Elvis concerts, one particular song stands out. It’s Burn The Paper Down to Ash and it was sung by Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe. She has an amazing voice and I didn’t just love the song. I loved the fact that while Elvis was primarily performing alone or with only Steve Nieve accompanying him on the piano, during certain evenings, he brought special guests with him. Rebecca Lovell was one of them and her rendition of the song was nothing less than spectacular.
If you’re interested in listening to it, you can find the recording over on YouTube HERE.
If there’s a point to this blog post, it’s this. Pull out those old albums you haven’t listened to since college. Or sign up for Spotify if you haven’t already and play some of old favorites on your phone while you get started on a creative project. Share the type of music you love with me. Send me an email about it. I’d love to know.
As I wrap up, I want you to remind you that enrollment for Bonnie Christine’s Immersion program closes tonight. When you enroll through me, Bonnie is allowing me to offer you a special Bonus Pack.
Anne’s Bonus Pack:
My Bonus Pack contains two elements:
A one-on-one coaching call with me. Enroll through me and you’ll automatically be entered to win one of these. There is a limit of 20.
A special Masterclass & Q&A session after the Immersion course ends. This Masterclass will cover what’s critical to include in your portfolio and how to pitch your work.
The Immersion program is only available once a year. If you do decide to enroll in Immersion, make sure you go through my partner link HERE so that you get my bonus pack.
See you next week.
xo,
Anne
P.S. If you’re just curious, click HERE to discover what the Immersion program is all about.
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
