Opinion     

Keeping time with 'International Country Music Day'

China.org.cn, September 17, 2014

• I recently took up the guitar and have greatly enjoyed the many tutorials available online. Country music has never been more accessible. Neuroscience is showing that music in all of its forms, regardless of the music genre, is not only food for the soul, but also great exercise for the brain and the whole body. Indeed, few other activities light up almost all parts of the human brain. For example, when playing a song on a guitar, one uses the logical part of the brain because of the strong relationship that music's rhythm and patterns share with mathematics. One also uses the older "reptilian" parts at the base of the brain that give rise to our emotions. Singing a song also involves the use of language and communication. Brain-muscle coordination is involved in producing the precise movements required to play an instrument.

  Music is also increasingly being used as therapy, for example, to aid in stroke recovery. It has been found that patients are particularly influenced by the music they listened to in their adolescent years. This music can be utilized to draw the patient out mentally and help him or her recover from the damage caused by a stroke. Music has long been an important part of education, and it is right to worry about activities such as music and dancing being cut out of school programs.

  In the end, music in all of its forms is one of the great joys of life and one of the richest features of any culture. Given China's unique and ancient culture, music is very much part of the society's DNA. As a key player in the 21st century with over 20 percent of the world's population, it is only natural that China would experience an expansion in musical tastes as it has done in so many other areas. I will not be at all surprised if China soon begins producing its own major country music stars who will be popular not only in China, but also internationally. In spreading their music throughout the world, they will educate the world about Chinese life and values and give an important voice to uniquely Chinese worries, challenges, dreams and aspirations.

  The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm

  Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

   

Copyright © China.org.cn. All Rights Reserved