The Sound of Music with Music at Noosa
Music has been known to boost our moods but, as Jackie Hillegers discovers, it can also benefit our physical and mental health.
With the laidback Queensland lifestyle, locals are often looking for an outlet, new hobby or new connection that brings them joy.
Music is becoming a popular choice for all – including the semi-retired who want to boost their brain health and keep their memory in great shape.
Learning a musical instrument has been proven to strengthen muscle memory and improve cognitive performance.
It activates just about all parts of the brain and the expression “If you don’t use it, you lose it” applies when the brain’s neural pathways are weakened and not used regularly.
Music brings us joy and can help us heal. It’s also good for our brain.
Research has shown that patients with advanced stages of Alzheimer’s can still recall songs they were familiar with long ago, as their musical memory often remains undamaged by this disease.
When a song they relate to is played, they not only recognise the song but can often remember the lyrics which in turn, improves their mood and creates a smile.
Luckily for locals they don’t have to go too far to have access a range of musical instruments, workshops and tuition.
Walking through the doors of Music at Noosa, I was welcomed by new owner Rob Walter who has created a fresh new look and is a firm believer in the benefits of having music in our lives.
Drums, keyboards and amps set a welcome stage but it is the array of guitars in all shapes, sizes and colours that provides a showstopping display.
Behind the main counter is a selection of pre-loved guitars, not only a collector’s item but a worthy future investment. I am sure some of these beauties could tell a story or two of their past lives in bands or clubs!
A casual seating area to the right of the counter is a great place to relax and try out one of the guitars or meet other locals waiting for their singing or music lessons that are held in soundproof rooms located at the back of the store.
This store has soul and community feel written all over it… did I mention there is also an actual stage?
Music at Noosa recently donated a guitar to a Rehabilitation Facility on the Sunshine Coast and Rob said the clients at the Clinic sent back a Thank-you card full of positive messages of thanks.
“They mentioned how much that guitar had helped in their healing process – by listening to others play it, by strumming it to give themselves a sense of calm and it also provided an outlet for their emotions,” he said.
Just one thoughtful gift can give so much pleasure to others.
Music can lift our mood, boost our immune system, help reduce stress, reduce our blood pressure and cholesterol.
This is because when music enters our brain it triggers our pleasure centres that releases happy chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin – all linked to feelings of pleasure, happiness and relaxation.
Music can also reduce cortisol in the body which is connected to stress.
Listening to music works so well that advertising agencies create jingles or use popular music to sell products.
A tune played in the background of an ad often lingers in your mind for a longer period and reminds you of the product they are trying to sell you.
Whether you play an instrument, listen to music, dance or sing, it all brings a sense of connection that starts before we are born.
We are surrounded by music from hearing music while in the womb to being sung lullabies to soothe us as babies.
Music is also linked to special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and even funerals where our favourite song might be played; sporting teams have their own anthems and country’s unite over their own national anthem being played at important events.
Remember when we used to make mixed tapes for friends of their favourite songs?
Writing or singing songs about past hurts or dancing to foreign songs we know the beat but not words.
For centuries tribes have created their own music, even with the most primitive of instruments – it unites people and defines a culture. Where words fail, music speaks.
Chinese Philosopher and Politician Confucius said “music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”
Playing music is even more powerful and it is widely agreed that 20% of kids learn to play music while 70% of adults wish they had.
It’s never too late to pick up the guitar, blow a horn or beat a drum!
Music is a universal language and it has the ability to bring people together and lift our hearts. Tune in today!
