We all have a secret super power.
- I can sing back the melody line of any song after hearing it once.
- My husband can disassemble and reassemble just about anything.
- My cat can tell when it is bed time and ‘hams’ and yowls accordingly.
But what about music’s super powers? Are they super powers for good or evil? Should you take advantage of these super powers or not interfere in the ways of the universe?
Let’s look at each super power, and decide: Good or Evil?
The Power of Universal Interaction: Music has the ability to get the attention of every person whose ears it reaches. Even those who try to resist Music’s Power of Universal Interaction will find themselves interacting on some level with Music. Effects of this super power include: Toe tapping, whistling, dancing, smiles, singing, elevated mood, and spontaneous instrument playing. This super power has been studied with people of all abilities, race, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status.
Good or Evil: My verdict is good, although it may sway to the side of evil on a Migraine Day. What cannot be good about a super power that crosses all boundaries?
Power of Communication: Music has the power to communicate to people no matter what language they speak, if they comprehend verbal language, or if they can respond verbally. The most amazing feature of this super power is that when Music utilizes it, its powers are granted to those impacted as well. Effects of this super power include: safe emotional expression, spontaneous music making, smiles, tears, vocalizations and verbalization, team work, sharing, and positive relationships.
Good or Evil: Once again, I return a verdict of good. Many people suffer from an inability to express themselves, be it because of language barriers, speech difficulties, or a general inadequacy of the spoken word to translate to feelings.
Power of Invisibility: This is perhaps Music’s most difficult to define super power. Music’s power of invisibility enables for all evidence of it to disappear once Music has stopped playing. However, Music’s power of invisibility leaves behind an imprint of the mind of those who experienced this super power. Those affected are often found humming or singing the vanished music, implying that some residual power from their encounter with Music lingers on, often growing stronger with repeated encounters with Music.
Good or Evil: This one straddles the line for me. If said Music happened to be a song I do not particularly enjoy, I must err on the side of evil. If said Music is enjoyable to me and provides a positive experience, then good all the way! The other side of this skill is that it can help improve short term memory, build skills, and improve speech and verbal skills!
Music has some wonderful super powers! I love being a music therapist, and being able to harness these super powers (for Good!) to help those around me.
What are your thoughts on Music’s super powers? Did I leave some out? Do you know of another way an existing one can be utilized? Do you harness the super powers of Music yourself? Tell me all about it!
Yes, I agree that music has a very strong power of communication! It can bring together people of different backgrounds, languages, and cultures. Even if no one speaks the same verbal language, they can all listen to the same piece of music and understand and have their own interpretation. Great post!
-Theresa
Thanks so much for your response Theresa! I have a bit of love for super powers, so I thought “Why not music?” Glad you enjoyed!
I like that music is boundless. It’s been around for so long and is so ingrained into every culture and reflects a multitude of wide beliefs, ethics and history. I think that you can learn so much about other cultures through their music alone. That would be a fun exercise to try….
Music is universal! I love that we aren’t even sure of music’s origins. It’s just something we have always done.
I like that music is boundless. It’s been around for so long and is so ingrained into every culture and reflects a multitude of wide beliefs, ethics and history. I think that you can learn so much about other cultures through their music alone. That would be a fun exercise to try.