Music is more than just sound. It is a way of communicating, expressing, and connecting with ourselves and others. It is a universal language that transcends boundaries and differences. It is also a source of joy, healing, and inspiration. That is why on June 21, we join millions of people around the world to celebrate music in all its forms and colors.
What is World Music Day?
World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique or Make Music Day, is a global event that takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It was first launched in France in 1982 by Jack Lang, who was the French Minister for Culture at the time. He wanted to encourage people to make music and enjoy music, regardless of their genre, level, or background. He invited musicians of all kinds to perform for free in public spaces, such as streets, parks, and squares.
The idea quickly caught on and spread to other countries and continents. Today, World Music Day is celebrated in over 120 countries around the world. It is a day when anyone can make music or enjoy music, no matter their age, culture, or skill. It is a day when music becomes accessible, inclusive, and democratic.
Why is World Music Day Important?
World Music Day is important because it recognizes the value and impact of music on our lives and society. Music has many benefits, such as:
- Music can make us happy, calm, and motivated. Research has shown that listening to music can release hormones that make us feel good, such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Music can also lower our stress, blood pressure, and heart rate. Music can also help us cope with anxiety and depression.
- Music can boost our brain, memory, and creativity. Music can activate different parts of our brain, such as the auditory, motor, and emotional areas, and improve our thinking, learning, and problem-solving skills. Music can also help us remember information, associate ideas, and generate new insights.
- Music can improve our social and emotional skills, such as communication, empathy, and cooperation. Music can help us express ourselves, understand others, and connect with them. Music can also teach us how to work together, coordinate, and harmonize with others.
- Music can increase our cultural and global awareness, as we learn about different musical traditions, styles, and instruments. Music can also expose us to different languages, values, and perspectives, and help us appreciate the diversity and richness of human cultures. Music can also inspire us to take action for social and environmental causes, as we listen to the messages and stories of musicians who use their voice and art to make a difference.
How to Celebrate World Music Day?
There are many ways to celebrate World Music Day, whether you are a musician or a music lover. Here are some suggestions:
- Join or organize a musical event in your community. You can check the official website of World Music Day to find out what events are happening near you, or you can create your own event with your friends, family, or neighbors. You can play, listen, or dance to any kind of music you like, from classical to rock, from folk to jazz, from pop to rap. You can also use any instrument you have, from guitars to drums, from pianos to ukuleles, from flutes to harmonicas. The only rule is to have fun and share your passion for music.
- Explore new music genres, artists, and songs. You can use online platforms, such as YouTube, Spotify, or SoundCloud, to discover new music from different countries and cultures. You can also ask your friends, colleagues, or teachers for their musical suggestions, or you can visit your local library, record store, or radio station to find out more about the musical history and heritage of your area. You can also challenge yourself to learn a new musical skill, such as singing, playing an instrument, or composing a song.
- Support your local musicians and music industry. You can show your appreciation and gratitude to the musicians who make music for you, by attending their concerts, buying their albums, or following their social media accounts. You can also support the music industry that supports them, by donating to music charities, volunteering for music organizations, or advocating for music education and funding. You can also spread the word about World Music Day and its benefits, by posting on social media, writing a blog, or making a podcast.