Last month, just as the official summer season was starting, we wrote about all the wonderful beaches along the New York City coastline. Now that summer is here in earnest, our thoughts (and hopefully yours as well) are turning to images of sun-soaked sandy beaches and sounds of ocean waves crashing against the shore.

That’s because for so many of us, a beach represents an escape from the stresses of our often-hectic urban lives. In fact, a study carried out a few years ago at University of Exeter in Britain, showed that city dwellers’ moods improved considerably when they spent time in a seaside environment. But really, do we need scientists to tell us that soaking up the warm sun and feeling soft sand between the toes is a mood-booster? We think not – this is one case where anecdotal evidence (in other words, our own experience) is the best guide.

Flip-flop moments

Whether you are actually at the beach or just dreaming about being by the seashore, you can enhance your experience with some beach-specific music. A group that jumps to mind is, of course, “The Beach Boys,” who had not one or two, but several songs about the joys of the beach, starting with their mega-hit, “Surfin’ USA.” But that’s not all; there is also “Surfer Girl,” and “Surfin' Safari” (are you seeing a prevailing theme here?) However, our all-time favorite, ultimate beach song the prolific group recorded is “Kokomo.” It has that special vibe that makes you want to dance right there on the sand! What are some of the other quintessential beach songs? There is “The Beach Blanket Bingo,” which reminds us of those innocent days when teenagers didn’t just text or play games on their cell phones all day. And what about The Righteous Brothers’ “Ebb Tide” or “King of the Beach” by the appropriately named Wavves? There are many more beach-related songs; what is your favorite one?

Bring the beach into your home!

Would you like to get into the “sun ’n’ sand” spirit, even if you are city-bound this summer? The best way to “bring” the soft sand and warm ocean breezes into your home is to play some of the above-mentioned music. Our teachers will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office to teach you or your child how to get those “beachy” sounds out of your guitar, piano, or any other instrument (or, if you are taking voice lessons, how to sing them). Any way you look at it, when it comes to summer music, our teachers are a breeze of fresh (ocean) air!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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Last month, we had a blog about how some songs used to be censored in the United States. Fortunately, though, most music these days is alive, well, and being enjoyed by millions of people.

Unfortunately, musicians in certain regions of the world do not have the same opportunities that we take for granted – to perform freely, without the fear of sanctions or even persecution. We are referring to various media reports in recent months, which related how certain governments ban all musical expressions. In Mali, for instance, listening to music had been forbidden for many months, and in Afghanistan a shelter for girls was forced to discontinue its music program. In other parts of the world, musical instruments are seized and destroyed. All this is extremely sad because music is a positive and uplifting experience – the idea that we always assumed was universally accepted. What a pity that this isn’t the case.

Music without borders

Still, countries and regions where music is banned are relatively few. In most parts of the world, it is generally accepted as a unifying force among people of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, and religions. As U2’s Bono put it, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” In the very least (which is already a lot), it can bring attention to existing social or political problems and the need to find peaceful solutions. For example, not too long ago, as social unrest grew in Kiev, Ukraine, one man faced the riot police armed only with…his piano . He played folk songs and classical music that seemed to have had a calming effect on all involved, and the incident ended peacefully. And over in India, 600 guitarists gathered in the street and played John Lennon’s “Imagine” to protest widespread violence against women. Both these examples show not only the power of music, but also demonstrate how it can bring about – calmly and peacefully – social and political change. But wait, there’s more! The aptly named “Playing for Change” initiative was founded in 2002 with the goal of uniting people through music. This video demonstrates how this works: the musicians performing the same song in different parts of the world are connected to each other by music – when they play, distances and differences disappear!

Let’s do this together!

At Hey Joe Guitar, we believe in the power of music, both as a “people connector” and an agent for change. We hope that in their own small way, our music lessons and all the instruments we teach can contribute to a better world. If you are not “fluent” in music yet, now is a good time to start. Just contact us and one our teachers will arrive at your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office with a noble mission: to make music part of your life, and the lives of all those around you! To paraphrase a well-known saying, a beautiful concert starts with a single note!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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T.S. Eliot claimed that April is the cruelest month, but he may not have been aware of the research suggesting that, in fact, January should be claiming this title.

Studies done over the years indicate that January is the “blues” month, which has nothing to do with the music genre, but, rather, with the funk many people are in.

Why January? There are several reasons: Christmas and Hanukkah are over and the withdrawal from the cheer, comfort and joy is not easy. And if you have gained a few extra pounds – as many people do during the holidays – then you might be down in the dumps. Also, January in New York is often cold and gray, with the prospect of several more bleak weeks ahead. It is a well-known fact that many people are affected by the weather, a phenomenon aptly called “SAD” – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The combination of some (or all) of these factors can indeed make you feel listless and “out of it.” But there IS light at the end of the tunnel: all that gloom and doom are temporary.

Beat the blues

Experts tell us (and who are we to doubt them?) that there are some effective ways to lift your spirits when they are low. Different things may work for different people, but generally speaking these activities have proven to be real mood boosters:

• Get moving: When you are feeling blue you probably don’t want to get off your comfy sofa and venture outdoors. But physical activity is one of the best cures for winter “blahs,” so c’mon – bundle up and go for a walk. Or how about skating in Central Park’s Wollman or Lasker Rinks? There is also the annual Winter Jam sports festival in Central Park, which takes place on January 25 from 11 am. to 3 pm. You can snowshoe there, do Nordic skiing, and other fun activities that are healing for your body AND soul.
• Be a culture vulture: New York is a treasure trove of arts and culture. Get out there and enjoy the concerts, exhibits, and whatever other events strike your fancy.
• Relax: Yes, but don’t just sit there staring at the wall. Instead, practice “active” or “mindful” relaxation, which helps relieve stress, as well as find serenity, inner peace, and emotional balance. Here are some techniques to help you get to that “happy place.”

Don’t forget the music!

You knew we’d say it, didn’t you – music has been proven to be a very effective “picker-upper” for January (and other) blues. By releasing endorphins in the brain – “the feel-good” hormones that make us happy – music provides an emotional release from all the tensions and stress factors.

Of course, if you are feeling low, you probably shouldn’t listen to or play a piece that will make you even sadder. What you want is music that is upbeat and has uplifting lyrics. For instance:

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

“What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong

“Smile,” by Harry Connick Jr.

Tune in!

One way to turn January into a “happy” month is to start an enjoyable and mood-boosting activity. We are talking, of course, about music lessons.

Fact is, music training provides a multitude of benefits for people of all ages.

When it comes to teaching guitar, piano, drums, or any other musical instrument, our teachers are true miracle workers. No, they won’t come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office with a magic wand, but they will use their professional experience, patience, kindness, and sweet personalities to make sure your music lessons lift your spirits. And who knows, the first song they’ll teach you to play could be this one .

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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