What's Your Favorite Way to Use Music?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Music has a way of fitting perfectly into our daily lives - whether we're working out, relaxing, or just adding some fun to our day.
Here are some of the common (and one not-so-common) ways we use music in our daily lives.
Motivation for Workouts
Nothing gets you through a tough workout like the right music. When you're at the gym, running, or lifting weights, good beats can keep you moving. High-energy songs boost your energy and keep you focused. Whether you like rock, pop, or something with a great beat, there’s a reason why so many of us put on our headphones before we start sweating. The right playlist isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential for keeping the motivation high.
My wife has curated several of her favorite workout playlists, and she even has a few with music to tempt me to get off the couch in my recording studio and join her! Lol 😎
Relaxing and Unwinding
When it’s time to relax and let go of the day’s stress, music can be your best friend. Whether it’s slow acoustic songs, calming classical music, or even soothing nature sounds, the right music can help you unwind. There’s something really comforting about letting soft songs take away your worries. It’s like a massage for your mind, and you don’t even need to leave the house!
My wife has a private meditation and yoga room in our house where she uses this type of music to great effect.
Background Noise for Work
Let’s be honest - working in silence can be really boring. Music as background noise helps create the perfect setting to stay focused. Whether you prefer instrumental jazz, lo-fi beats, or anything else that keeps you in the zone, a good playlist can help you ignore distractions and get things done. It’s all about finding the right balance - music that’s interesting enough to keep you awake but not so loud that it takes over your focus. The right beat might just be what you need to do your best work.
Music is the first thing that goes on, whenever possible, before I do anything! For me, the music is the "star of the show," and the work is the background noise! Lol 🤣
Social Gatherings and Parties
Every good party needs great music. Music sets the mood and brings everyone together - it can turn an ordinary get-together into an amazing time. Whether you’re having a barbecue, a dinner party, or just hanging out, the right songs can make everyone feel relaxed and ready to have fun. It’s about picking songs that make people want to dance, talk, and, most importantly, have a good time. Music is what makes these moments truly special.
For those of you who read my birthday tributes to famous musicians, you know that we have a variety of get togethers with family, friends, food, and drink to celebrate the occasion. We stream their music and watch their music concert videos on disc while we enjoy the festivities! It's all about using music to pay tribute to great musicians and as an excuse to have an excellent time!
Learning to Play an Instrument
Music isn't just for listening - sometimes it's all about making your own! I learned to play the guitar back in high school by copying guitar solos off my favorite record albums. It was tough at first, but there was nothing like the feeling of nailing a riff from a song I loved. I can't even count the number of record albums I wore out doing this! Haha 😆
Learning an instrument can be an amazing way to connect with music on a deeper level, and it makes you appreciate your favorite songs even more. Plus, it's pretty cool when you can pick up a guitar and play along to your favorite tunes. Whether you're just starting out or already jamming, there's always something new to learn!
These days, there are music videos and online platforms to learn to play a variety of instruments!
Tell Me What You Think
Are you someone who listens to music frequently? Do you listen purely for fun or to help you in a particular endeavor?
So, what do you use music for the most?
- Motivation for Workouts
- Relaxing and Unwinding
- Background Noise for Work
- Social Gatherings and Parties
- Learning to Play an Instrument
- Other
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Happy Halloween! - Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 😎
~ 75% Human-written content.
Recent Comments
60
All of the above yet again Frank!!
Except for maybe playing an instrument... I need to dust off my triangle (if I can find it) and see if I still have my skills from my youth!!
Rock On!!
👍🤣😎🍻🍸🎸
Haha, Nick, I just checked and you can buy a triangle (instrument) on Amazon for less than $10 U.S., so no excuses! 😎😎🔺🎶🍻
Frank 🤘🎸
No excuses indeed then Frank, but... I'm sure I have my trusted vintage one somewhere around here!!
Just need to sort through the wife's clutter to find it!!
🤣👍😎🎸🍸
All vintage instruments are awesome, Nick!
I have a triangle MIDI patch on my Roland keyboard synth, which makes every note sound like a triangle at that pitch. Very cool! 😎
Frank 🤘🎸🍻
Very cool indeed Frank, but... I still haven't found my trusty triangle!!
I bet she has thrown it away and just won't tell me!!
Rock On!!
🤣👍🍻🎸🍸
It’s most likely stashed away in some closet or draw, Nick.
At this point, your best bet is to get yourself a guitar! Lol 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
I may well have to do that Frank... I'm just not sure that the neighbours would be best pleased though!!
🤣🎸🍻🍸😎👍
Hahaha, I've upset a lot of neighbors in my day, Nick!
When I was in high school, my science teacher lived directly across the street. My brother and I apparently bugged him with our loud music, but not late at night.
He couldn't understand how I had the highest grades in his class when I was always blasting music on the stereo or my guitar. He kept asking me when I studied, and I would give him some vague but polite answer. One day, he upset my brother, and he told him that I thought his class was a joke. Not nice! 😵💫
Now we have a lot of yard space between us and everyone else, so I can make as much noise as I want! Lol 😆
Rock On! 🤘🍻🔉
Frank 🎸
Great story Frank and that is certainly an advantage of your man cave!!
I live in a complex of 54 different apartments in close proximity and the neighbours complain when the TV is a little loud!!
Rock On!!
🤣😎🎸🍸🍻👍
Hi Nick
You need a guitar with a headphone amp.
Lots of free smartphone apps available! 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Nick
With all the free instructional guitar-playing videos on YouTube, you'll be good to go! 👍😎
Frank 🤘🎸🍻
Will do Frank! I actually went to a musical shop earlier and loved some of the acoustic guitars!!!
I may well go back and purchase one this week!!
Rock On!!
🎸🎸🍻😎👍🍸
Hi Nick
I recommend you get an electric guitar; here's why;
It is easier to learn on because the strings are thinner and closer to the frets so they are easier to push down.
It makes very little noise unless you plug it into an amplifier, and you can easily hear it without plugging it in. You can get a guitar amp app for your smartphone and use it with headphones.
You can pick up a very nice electric guitar for $200 to $300. I recommend you look into the Fender Squier series. It is their low-end, but made very well and they sound great. I know some pro players who use them onstage!
Take a look (not an affiliate link):
https://www.sweetwater.com/c589--Squier--Electric_Guitars
Let me know if you need additional guidance. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Sound advice Frank!!
I will certainly keep this in mind when I visit the shop again this week!!
👍🎸😎🍻
Hi Nick
Yeah, play around with an acoustic first and then an electric, and you'll notice the difference immediately! 😎
Let me know how you make out.
Frank 🤘🎸
Honestly to block out the noises, the stress, etc. Blasting good music loud enough gives me a kind of peace.
I use music for everything you mentioned and more :-)
The last two years have been tough. I listened to a lot of Michael Franti, and recently, my new favorite is Jelly Roll, with some Eages and Cher sprinkled in.
Sometimes, music says what you can't; somehow, the words hit harder if you feel them in that moment.
I wouldn't know what a day is like without music. Upbeat music lifts you up, while downbeat music makes you feel your feelings.
My mother made us learn an instrument. I chose the organ, and my brother chose the accordion. I bet my mom regretted that, lol. Not to mention the ever-dreaded Recorder we all had to learn in grammar school :-)
That's a very therapeutic approach to music, Kerri! 👍
Leaning an instrument is awesome, no matter which one you choose! I hope you're still playing yours. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Yeah theraputic is a good word for it :-)
Gosh I haven't seen that organ since I was a kid, one of my parents probably threw our recorders out the back door lol.
I would love to learn guitar some day, my mom got me one for Christmas the year I hurt my neck and shoulder, someday, maybe when I retire :-)
The best way to learn guitar is to pick it up and start playing, Kerri!
Then, when you retire, you'll have all the basics down. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
I sure don't want music to be Radio Goo Goo... I use it throughout my day for various things, from walking music to work music, to solitude, to whatever I am doing at the time! This music is usually influenced by my mood, as well, so one day it might be something more mellow and later it might be Metallica. You just never know!
Hope all is well!
Karin
Great way to approach your musical day, Karin, and I appreciate the Queen reference! Lol 👍
I'm doing excellent & I hope you are, too! 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
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Hi Frank
What can I say, music is playing most of my day, at least while i'm awake! 😴🤣
Driving by myself is one of my favorite times to crank it up!! Also, while mowing the lawn with ear buds!!
Whatever the case, keep it cranking!! 🎶🔊🎸🎵🎶 And of course...Rock On!! 😎🤘🎸
Tim 🎼
Yup, we're kind of clones in that regard, Tim! 👍👍😎
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
Frank 🎸