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Jason Lilly

Teacher - English, West Virginia Department of Education

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How has music transformed your life?

In what ways has music influenced or inspired you? What were the songs? Who were the artists? How did the music influence or inspire you? Were you transformed by the music? How? Why do you think music is so effective in stirring emotions, good or bad?

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Topics: live music music
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    Tim blackburn 30+

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    Jul 28 2011: it radically changes how i percieve life. all the time. sometimes it fills momments, sometimes it guides them.

    • Jason Lilly

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      Jul 29 2011: I agree, Tim. Music can change our perception, of the world around us, our relationships, ourselves. Thank you for sharing this.
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    lars francis

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    Jul 28 2011: Music certainly did change my life.

    One song wich I find really inspiring is this one from Baz Luhrmann:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

    • Jason Lilly

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      Jul 29 2011: I love Baz Luhrmann. Great song. Thank you for posting.
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    Sanyu Nagenda

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    Jul 28 2011: The best music is inspiring because it catches a tangible experience and makes it relatable to the masses. At least that is what I consider timeless artists to do. Timeless artists are artists whose music spans generations.

    The most influential artists to my own personal existence are Nina Simone, Chopin, Fiona Apple, Hans Zimmer, Ella Fitzgerald, Femi Kuti.

    Between these artists, their music has never failed to convey or embody the height of experience (whether that be joy, excitement, sorrow, anger, etc.) and I never get tired of listening to them because they have created a timeless sound all their own.

    • Jason Lilly

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      Jul 29 2011: Well said, Sanyu. There are so many artists and songs that convey a feeling that just sinks my heart. My moods change so often and it amazes me that there is so much wonderful music out there to fit every mood, taste, and feeling. Thank you so much for sharing.
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    Eun A Jo 10+

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    TED Translator
    Jul 28 2011: Music has a calming effect on me. I'm a classical geek, and whenever I hear classical music, I feel at peace. At the end of the day, when your body's exhausted and your mind's in chaos, a piano concerto by Tchaikovsky is the best drug!

    • Jason Lilly

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      Jul 29 2011: I love classical music. It is relaxing. Have you listened to much Loreena McKennitt? Her music always calms me, as well.
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        Eun A Jo 10+

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        TED Translator
        Jul 29 2011: Thanks Jason! I haven't listened to much Loreena McKennitt. But I just found her on youtube! Listening to the Highway now.. :-)

        • Jason Lilly

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          Jul 29 2011: Prospero's Speech, Dante's Prayer, The Lady of Shalott... my three favorites. Prospero's speech is one of the most mesmerizing songs I have ever heard. Her voice just gives me chills. Plus I love Shakespeare.
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    Lance Brown

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    Jul 28 2011: Music has a hard wired, direct link to our mood, feelings and sensations. It can heighten them and change them. Just try watching any movie with and without a sound track to see the impact it has on us.

    It helps us recall memories and emotions by being the language of emotion. The combinations of words and sounds in a song link straight into how our brain stores our memories of emotions and helps us to relive these.

    Each music beat of cord is like a pleasant massage of the brain that makes us feel good or can act to jar us when we don't like it.

    • Jason Lilly

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      Jul 29 2011: Have you seen No Country for Old Men? That films lack of a soundtrack just adds to the tension of the plot. But I agree with everything you said. Music does have a direct link to our moods and you can always find music to fit every mood. When I was a teenager, I made "soundtracks" on casette tapes for every mood I had. And I love it when I hear a song that takes me back to some memorable moment in my life.
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