Recently, I thought about something I hadn't in awhile. What has music truly done for me? What do I count as its largest benefit in MY life?

Performing music has certainly pampered my ego to some degree. And honestly, when I’m also able to forgive myself for any extra pride that creates, I've made my peace with that. Gaining and seeking personal validation isn’t wrong all of the time. Maslow considers esteem to be a legitimate human need. (See Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.)

Beyond that, of course, there’s the typical answers I’m constantly telling student parents—when you learn an instrument, you learn self-discipline, you train new areas of the brain, and music can help you through challenging times. But when I asked myself this question, I answered differently. Yes, I’ve benefited in the ways mentioned above, I’m sure, but in terms of what I’m most grateful for, I would have to say the benefits of music boil down to connection with others, in at least two ways.

First, through the friendships I've made in the collaborative music world, I've interacted with some of the most intelligent, forbearing, and sensitive people I've ever met. And I'm talking about sensitivity in the best ways. Not in the sense of playing the victim, nursing personal wounds or being overly dramatic, though I've seen portions of that in myself sometimes. These people are kind, good listeners, empathetic, and always aware of others. They're patient, too.

And secondly, through the language of music itself, I can touch others' souls in a way deeper than words or physical demonstrations of affection. Music often touches not the body, but the spirit. Through frequencies and vibrations expressed beautifully, we find ourselves in tune with something more than just ourselves. A good symphony can comfort, embolden, energize, and cause its listener to exult or sympathize with the broader tender condition of the human heart.

At a baptism I recently participated in, the music I played inspired people I didn't even know. I heard from the family I was helping out that some of their extended family were in the audience, heard my song and, for the first time in years, considered coming back to church as a result. For whatever small part I had in encouraging a reverence for a higher power in the heart of someone else--which reverence generally leads people to be more respectful of themselves and more generous to their fellowman--I'm humbled.

I am so lucky to get to do what I do and be recognized as a healer in my own unique way. Music has done so much good in my life! It also has the power to weaken and torment, depending on the sounds the composer chooses. But for the most part, my participation in classical music throughout my life has been a journey towards heaven.