Incorporating music at home Mickelthwate grew up listening to music at home and attending concerts, and he incorporates this in his own home with his children. For instance, when enjoying some Saturday morning pancakes his family may have Queen and the Beatles playing in the background. “It doesn’t always have to be classical music,” said Mickelthwate. That said, Mickelthwate suggested using soundtracks from Disney movies or composers like John Williams for those curious about adding some classical music into their rotation but unsure where to start. The familiar songs will be easily accessible for the whole family while featuring symphonic structures that can pique interest in exploring more classical compositions. “I would start with where kids hear orchestral music, and nowadays that is usually in movies,” said Mickelthwate. “It’s a great way to get your feet wet.” Research has shown repeatedly that in using music to help people relax, it’s best to use a genre they prefer, said Nowels. From new age to heavy metal, she has seen people able to connect and refresh with a surprising range of styles. “Listening to music that you enjoy is a great way to make you feel better and relax,” said Nowels, who played and studied piano growing up and works as a piano teacher in addition to her role as a music therapist. “To help with your overall mental health … you can try to learn to play an instrument. It’s a rewarding, meaningful activity that you can carry on at home.”
Inspiring young musicians Singing can also benefit one’s mental health as it usually requires purposeful breathing techniques and strengthens one’s respiratory system. This can also lead to the social aspects of music – such as joining a choir – that can create social interactions naturally around a common interest. “With mental health, it’s important to be connected with other people,” said Nowels. “Choirs and ensembles can provide that.” Though voice may have the easiest entry point into participating in music, the fact that voices change at different times in life – such as during puberty – can cause some disruption as people try to hone their musicality. Mickelthwate said learning an instrument can help someone achieve and maintain a consistent level of musical skill they can build upon throughout their lives. With so many online resources available – such as guitar lessons on YouTube – there are a variety of ways kids or even whole families can try their hand at an instrument or two. “With an instrument, you can continue practicing,” said Mickelthwate, who suggested students attending schools with a music program should take advantage of that opportunity to learn and practice. Mickelthwate enjoys when the Oklahoma City Philharmonic engages with schools and youth organizations to provide them real-life examples of people who make their living in music. They never know when they may inspire a child who wants to work in music but is not sure how to get there.
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