Music Appreciation

As I turn on the radio and let my ears absorb the sweet enriching sound of a million voices singing, I slowly close my eyes and let the music empower my mind. Music is something I find tremendously pleasant, and the remarkable thing about music is that it exists everywhere in the world. From Africa to Japan to the Aborigines in Australia, diversity is visible in all sorts of music.

As a singer, I enjoy performing an eclectic assortment of songs from French to African and from the baroque period to modern day; in doing so, I get a one-of-a-kind experience. Five minutes on stage makes hours of rehearsal and practice all worthwhile. Even now, when I hear the audience my stomach feels as if a thousand little butterflies are inside, my mouth gets

The music starts, and my mind begins to gather the lyrics. Finally, I sing. Millions of thoughts scurry through my mind as I try not to show my nervousness. Occasionally I scan the audience for a reaction. Are they enjoying the performance? Can they see the effort I put into it? Can they even hear me at all? Soon enough the song comes to an end and the audience shows gratitude for my performance by clapping. All my nerves have run away, and the enthusiastic applause sets my mind at ease. I’m done, but I want to do it all over again.

This is how I persevere in both situations: My love for music and singing overpowers my stage fright and I am able to use my nervousness as a motivator to impress the audience.

With that being said, I believe intrinsic motivations are more valuable and beneficial than extrinsic. If I were offered a reward or had the option to sing to avoid a punishment, I would work to please one individual or group rather than for my own enjoyment. However, this does not mean extrinsic motivations are entirely inferior. Often, having an attainable goal to work towards pushes me to work harder to realize my full potential in the

Since concerts and entertainment are typical activities that service men and women are deprived of, performing for them would be rewarding and beneficial. However, the only way I will be extrinsically rewarded is by sharing my love and talent for singing with others.

The lessons I have learned as part of Millbrook Madrigals choir have been the most valuable. I learned that singing keeps one healthy by exercising the lungs and heart, and also releases endorphins in the brain to keep one happy. I discovered that music is my source of relief when times are stressful, and I believe that singing and listening to music with others is where I am perfectly satisfied. When I am surrounded by music, I light up. I do not need to be at a certain place at a certain time to be happy, just music anywhere and anytime is enough to fulfill my