Try New Things

At some point, we find a certain type of music (or even a certain artist) and stick with it. In fact, studies have even shown that after a while, we stop enjoying new music, and that’s why we keep going back to the tried and tested tunes we’ve loved for a long time. 

Of course, that is a generalization, and unless you try new things, you’ll just never know. So why not? By diversifying your playlist even a little, you might come across some wonderful and unexpected pleasures and treasures that open you up a little more to what great music can be like. You’re not going to like everything, but if you want to appreciate music more, trying new genres and artists is a great idea. 

Learn To Play

Another excellent way to appreciate music more is to learn to play it yourself. When you can read sheet music, when you understand how harmonies work, when you know more about what goes into creating music in general, you’re sure to have a better appreciation for it when you listen to it. 

You don’t have to become an expert in playing whatever instrument you’ve chosen, but having a little knowledge and the ability to play some simple tunes is a great place to start – it’ll open up all music much more for you, ensuring you can get more deeply into the mechanics of it, rather than just what you hear as the finished result. 

Practice Active Listening

How do you listen to music at the moment? For a lot of people, it’s something that’s on in the background while they clean the house, cook dinner, read a book, or drive their car, for example. And although it’s great that you can fit music into your life like this, the issue is that when you’re multitasking, you’re not really getting the full experience of a piece of music – that only comes with active listening. 

What do we mean by active listening? Active listening means really immersing yourself in the music you’re listening to – it means only listening to the music and not doing anything else or being distracted. In this way, you can hear all the little intricacies that you might have missed otherwise, and you’ll get a better understanding of the piece. 

If you want to try this, you’ll need to set some time aside specifically to listen to your music, and you’ll want to be in a place where you’re not going to be disturbed. When you can really listen to the music, you’ll appreciate every note, making it all that more special.  

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1. Soundcloud

SoundCloud is a popular digital music streaming channel that enables musicians to connect with fans and provide songs directly to listeners. Although the music-sharing platform has a paid subscription service, you can access the website and listen to some tracks for free with a basic account. SoundCloud gives artists the option to mark certain songs as free for download. Downloading music in various formations is also possible. Visit SoundCloud and hover your mouse over the player; find out if a song is free by clicking the three-dots button. A download file menu may appear if the particular track is freely accessible.

2. The Internet Archive

Free audio lovers will find the Internet Archive useful. This nonprofit digital library contains an endless catalog of books, music files, software, websites, and even more. You can browse Archive.org and filter music according to criteria like genres. Not every song on the archive is free, but in cases where such possibilities exist, you will have numerous file formats to download your favorite songs for free.

3. ReverbNation

Users can filter their searches on ReverbNation to find free songs. The music hub was launched in 2006 to help musicians, producers, and fans collaborate and communicate. ReverbNation is one of the best avenues for listeners craving better connections with new stars. On that note, you can leverage ReverbNation’s built-in player to listen to their favorite songs, or better still, search the site’s free mp3 collection to download tracks.

4. Torrent sites

The Pirate Bay, Torlock, and Soundpark are popular examples of music torrent websites. P2P file-sharing technology provides an alternative gateway to download music. Millions of internet users rely on torrenting sites and applications to download music, movies, and games. However, this can be tricky and unsafe if you don’t follow the best practices. Torrenting without virtual private network (VPN) protection can expose you to risks, including fines and other legal consequences. If you don’t mask your IP, law enforcement agencies may catch you if you download copyright-protected content on peer-to-peer networks. Consider learning how to torrent safely with reliable VPN apps. This will reduce your cybersecurity risks and shield you from surveillance agencies spying on your online activities.

5. YouTube audio library

YouTube constantly updates its audio library with new tracks. The platform is especially convenient for digital creators in the YouTube space who need royalty-free songs to include in their videos. All users with YouTube accounts can download a limitless number of songs for free on YouTube Studio. YouTube’s audio library policies also allow creators to use their tracks in monetized videos. There is no requirement for attribution unless the downloaded song carries a Creative Common License. 

6. Musopen

Musopen is among the top go-to free music download platforms. The website has tons of classical songs, sheet music, and digital records that are free, legal, and royalty-free. Stream your favorite songs online or download the track freely for any purpose. The feature is listening to online radio with your PC or mobile device. Find free music for downloads in different ways: search the website according to the music composer, instrument, format, and time. Another means to access free music downloads is to leverage Musopen’s music discovery tool, which allows you to filter tracks by mood, such as sad or relaxing, and license type. Users can’t preview songs without logging in but can also download virtually any media file with an account. Free-account holders may download a maximum of 5 songs of standard quality per day.

7. BeatStars

BeatStars platform offers music download services, too. One amazing feature of this website is users can access newly added songs and sort them according to the genre, mood, instrument, beats per minute, and energy level. However, you may have to subscribe to your favorite artist’s profile before accessing their music download link for free. But this is worth the effort since you don’t have to pay a dime to entertain yourself.

Music is an integral part of entertainment, and knowing where to download yours is important. Hopefully, you’ll consider the platforms stated above for the desired outcome. 

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Hans Christian Anderson said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” This has been seen in the lives of elderly patients as they come alive by the memories conjured by old melodies. As people age, their minds and souls continue to grow and become trapped in failing bodies.

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Music can help improve the quality of life of elderly people limited in their daily activities. Between their home health care and struggles to do daily tasks older people who are stuck in their homes have lost much of their joy to live. Music can help them regain that passion for life. Here are a few ideas for incorporating more music into your loved one’s life. You can even incorporate these ideas into a plan with top home care agency in Philadelphia.

MP3 Player

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It won’t take you long to load 100 of your loved one’s favorite songs on to an MP3 player or another music device, but it will afford them hours upon hours of enjoyment. Whether it is big band music from the early 1900s or 80’s hair bands, it shouldn’t take too long to find the music that speaks to their soul. If you have a little bit of time to devote to the project you could even make a list of their favorite songs to put on their music device.

Play an Instrument

If your loved one used to play an instrument, even if it was back in their 20’s, don’t be afraid to pull out the case, dust it off and play a few notes. It may surprise you how quickly they remember how to play. If they’re willing you could sign them up for lessons so they can continue increasing their talent.

By encouraging them to play you are helping them to have another hobby that they can invest themselves in and feel like they are progressing instead of just sitting around the house. If they are confident enough you could even do a mini-recital with them so they can show their friends and family the progress they are making.

Concert

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If you hear that a concert is coming to town that they might enjoy then get tickets and take your loved one. A sit-down concert is a great way for them to get out of the house and enjoy something they love.

Music While Exercising

Movement to Music’ helps elders exercise gently

If your loved one has an exercise routine that they do each day, even if it is just walking around the house, try playing some of their favorite upbeat songs from when they were younger. The music may help them to keep better balance as they focus on something else while walking. It could also help them to remember days gone by so be prepared to listen to some riveting stories from before you were born. Some senior living community facilities implement this practice into their daily routines to help facilitate memory support.

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You will be surprised at how alive the music makes your elderly loved one feel and act. They will have stories to tell and melodies to hum along with as they enjoy a blast from their past.

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5 Changes to Make When Summer Turns to Fall

Of course, you want to gather together for a day of fun, but it’s not always easy to plan out and decide what kind of activities to include. If your harvest celebration needs a boost or just something new to get any returning guests excited, you’re sure to find something in these categories that’s perfect!

Food

There’s no better place to start than food, and it brings people together more than anything else. It can also potentially be the most expensive part of your celebration, so it’s definitely a time to invite those attending to bring something to contribute.

Your main meal should consist of good hot food that even the kids will eat. Things like potatoes, corn, and rolls will fit into your theme and everyone’s bellies with few complaints. You can go easy with hamburgers and hotdogs as your main portion or have some fun with barbecuing, too.

Don’t forget the snacks and sweets that everyone will be coming back through the line for all night long. Pie is a classic must have, but sneak in some cookies, brownies, and other neighborhood favorites so there’s something for everyone.

Contests & Prizes

Designing a Simple Rock Music Flyer in Photoshop

Depending on the length of your celebration, it’s a good idea to plan a few activities where your guests can get involved and bring out their competitive spirit. These can be spread out throughout the event or ongoing contests like those you would find at a carnival.

Also, keep in mind the age span you’re entertaining and what restrictions need to be put on certain games. A shooting contest may be exciting for everyone to watch, but you want to be clear about how old you have to be to participate, as well as designating spaces only competitors can enter.

But there are still plenty of fun games to choose from that everyone can take part in. Host a baking or an eating contest, set up relay races that incorporate silly items like blindfolds and pumpkins, plan a scavenger hunt, or invite everyone to dress up in costume for the chance of winning a special prize.

Crafts

30 Fall Crafts to Get Ready for the Season

Plenty of your guests will love to watch these games going on, but they might prefer to keep it to that, so a few non-competitive activities will be a necessary complement to any contests. These craft areas will be especially attractive for any young children in attendance.

If this is something you’re really excited about, you can get creative with craft supplies like feathers, glue, and popsicle sticks for children to piece together in festive decorations they can take home. Looking for something a little more low-key? It’s easy to print out themed coloring pages from the internet and grab a few boxes of crayons and colored pencils.

You may want to do something a little more out of the ordinary, too, so hiring someone to paint faces next to your space for painting and carving pumpkins would be a fun addition that keeps the kids from making too much of a mess.

Entertainment

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With so many interactive activities to choose from, you may be feeling overwhelmed, but don’t worry. You can pick a few of your favorites and fill the bulk of your event with some classic entertainment.

Designate an area for music and dancing. You can hire a local music act or pull out the speakers and make your own playlist. Guests can get a breather with intermittent performances spotlighting their talents of singing, acting, or reciting poetry.

It’s also a great time to let people just talk amongst themselves admiring your harvest, discussing your new dome storage from https://www.dometechnology.com/applications/wheat-storage/, and catching up on one another’s families. It really doesn’t have to be overdone, but a few well-placed activities can make your harvest festival that much more memorable.

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Rachelle Jones, a women’s health doctor, helped us put together this list of self-care tips that you can do in 10 minutes or less each day.

1. Read

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Take a few minutes to read something that you enjoy. Whether it’s a magazine, a book, a blog, or even a Facebook post, take some time for yourself to sit and read something just for you.

2. Call a Friend

How long has it been since you called your best friend? Call a friend up and talk to them for a few minutes. They’ll appreciate the sentiment and you’ll feel much better after you’ve caught up with your friend.

3. Color

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Adult coloring books are all the rage. Pick on up for yourself, or print off a few pages of one, and sit down for 10 minutes or less and just color. Don’t worry about anything else except the task at hand. Let your mind relax as you fill the colors in the lines.

4. Meditate

All you need is a few minutes to meditate. Meditating is especially helpful if you find yourself stressed out or anxious a lot. If you’ve never meditated before, try a guided meditation with an app like Calm. This will help you clear your mind and focus only on yourself while shutting off all other stressors.

5. Listen to Music

Music isn’t what we do, it’s who we are!

Music can be very therapeutic. Find a quiet place to relax for a few minutes and listen to two or three of your favorite songs. You’ll feel rejuvenated after this much needed break.

6. Go Outside

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Go for a short walk outside – or just go outside and sit. Allow the air to refresh your senses and clear your mind as you take in the nature that surrounds you.

7. Journal

Find a quiet place and write down your thoughts. Journaling allows you to reflect on everything that you are thinking and feeling. Write down positive thoughts and things you are grateful for.

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Let the Music Take control

Why Did Humans Invent Music?

Music was a big part of my life growing up. I was named after a famous song by American singer-composer Pat Boone. My sister shares her name with Priscilla Presely, wife of the Legendary King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley. My mother played the violin when she was a child, I dabbled in guitar lessons but didn’t get very far and my brother-in-law plays the drums. I cannot remember a single day growing up where my father wouldn’t wake us up to the tunes of HMV FM a famous channel on the radio (even on holidays! So we’d get out of bed quicker) or my grand aunts playing ‘Have a Hap Hap Happy Birthday’ on their prized record player on the birthday of every member of the family close enough to hear it. My sister and I were part of the school & church choir. You’d think, being girls and choir members we’d have a special taste for soft music like Jazz, Blues, Classical or Country Music. We couldn’t be further away from that spectrum with our love for alternative Rock, loud Pop and filthy Rap instead. But that wasn’t all and I can now safely admit that there seemed to be some sort of competition with kids our age in the neighborhood, blasting our stereo-systems, showing off who had the latest most popular No.1 tracks in whatever countdowns and charts that were famous in the day – normally the Billboard hot 100s, VH1 Top 20s or the MTV Hits Playlist. We’d listen to songs on repeat till we got the lyrics right. The music videos were just as important as the lyrics and I remember this one time (when the internet was still in it’s infancy and not easily accessible) my sister and I figured out the sequence in which MTV would rotate and order their music videos and we rushed home from school to catch Michael Jackson’s ‘Black or white’ Video on cable. That was insane! Very often my sister and I would talk to each other in lyrics or break out into song if movie dialogues sounded similar to lyrics, something I continue to do with my husband to this day. I often find myself irritated with people who have heard a song and don’t care who the artist was, or can’t remember what the music video was like. Yes, I was and still am a Music Geek!

The Genres

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I don’t limit my choice when it comes to music. I loved my dad’s country & western, Raggae and 80’s rock collection just as much as the ‘new age’ music. As a kid and early teen I went through the ‘boy band’ phase – from the more popular Boyzone Backstreet Boys and  N’Sync (because who didn’t love them, right? Lol) to the lesser known C21, Blue, 911 and Code Red and everything in between. As a young adult, I was drawn to more serious music, mostly alternative rock. Linkin Park, Evanescence, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Kanye and Incubus replaced the mushy lyrics of Brian Adams, Michael Bolton and Mariah Carey. At this point I was also listening to a lot of Mr. Mister, Foreigner, Starship, Europe, Def Leppard and Aerosmith. For the first time,  I realized my sister and friends weren’t listening to the same type of music. Some of them didn’t understand and didn’t like it. But the way I saw it, difference in music tastes is a  good thing because it means we’re making self discoveries, relating to what is relevant to us individually and shaping our own uniqueness.

Facing the Music

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Other than self- discovery, music has taught me a few lasting lessons. Being open-minded to music is being open minded to people, lifestyles and cultures.

Before making my home in the U.S, I lived in Mumbai (or Bombay, as the British referred to it) one of the most vibrant, creative and demographically variant cities in India. And what I miss most about the city is the upbeat, youthful and ever transitioning live music scene. I miss the bands, the musicians, the karaoke clubs and general love and awareness of all things musical. In the past few years I have met people who have introduced me to new music genres, indie music in particular. We’ve had the pleasure of discovering new upcoming artists both local and international and had lively debates and exchanges on the topic. So reading “10 (unsolicited) suggestion for the Indian Live Music Scene” written by my friend recently,  made for interesting reading.

People bond over music. I recall going to parties where I’d know very few people. But if no one cared, I’d take control over the music selection and play in-house DJ for the night. Those strangers are now good friends and we continue to exchange and swap playlists. My husband was and always will be a gamer (whenever he finds time to drag himself away from his websites and client projects anyway), something I was never interested in but man, those epic gamming playlists! He and I have our love of music in common even though we have different genre preferences. This common love of music, makes it easy for us to manage the music we store in our car, making drives enjoyable. He’s accepted my EDM tracks and I know every track on Korn’s Paradigm Shift and Placebo’s Loud like Love Albums.

With Music, the future always looks good, especially thanks to Spotify, YouTube, Sound Cloud and the like. This is a shout out to all lovers of music and my musician friends and acquaintances (established and aspiring alike), I’ll be talking more about my favorite tracks, bands, music that has inspired me and what’s trending on the music scene. If there’s anything in particular you want me to share or help you discover, here’s the place you let me know. And as always, good luck with your Music!

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