I recently witnessed an extraordinary event about the power of music and how it truly is the language of our soul. I believe the world is a better place because of music, regardless of the type or genre. It gets us moving, motivates us, inspires us, calms us when we’re stressed or anxious, and connects us with others. This is all due to the release of neurochemicals associated with happiness, including oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. These ”feel good” hormones elevate our mood, lower blood pressure, alleviate depression, and decrease the release of the stress chemical, cortisol, among other things.
The human brain has an incredible capacity to process and retain music. We have the ability to memorize and recall the lyrics and melodies to hundreds, if not thousands, of songs. Music does this by engaging the limbic system, which is a complex set of brain structures that form the emotional center of the brain. This explains why some songs make us happy or uplifted, and others make us sad or reflective. For individuals who’ve experienced a stroke, research has proven that the brain can re-wire itself, a process known as neuroplasticity, the lifelong ability of the brain to change. Indelible musical memories may help restore cognition and speech in these patients.
And this brings me to the astonishing event I witnessed while spending time with a friend who recently experienced a stroke that left him paralyzed on one side as well as with aphasia, which impacts the ability to speak. Patients experiencing aphasia are often unable to say a few words or may repeat the same words and phrases over and over. This has been true for my friend in the two months since the stroke. During my most recent visit at the rehab facility he currently resides in, I noticed he kept repeating a simple three-word phrase. He might also utter a word here and there, but not much else. He can nod his head for simple yes and no questions, and his trademark facial expressions are intact. (I must add that he’s only been at the rehab facility for one week, so intense therapy has just recently begun.) I have years of experience as a hospice volunteer, and our training includes ways we can engage with patients who’ve been diagnosed with dementia or are heavily sedated. One way to connect with them is with music. Prior to my visit, I prepared a classic rock playlist on my phone, as I planned to use music as a way to connect with him. I could never imagine what would transpire.
The first song played was “It’s Over,” by Boz Scaggs. Almost immediately, I noticed how engaged he was with the music. His left foot began moving to the beat, and he smiled. We listened for a minute or two and then I switched to another tune. I repeated this for a few more songs and then I played “Bohemian Rhapsody,” by Queen. And that’s when IT happened—my friend, who’s been mostly non-verbal for more than two months, began singing along. He knew the words and the melodies and even began nodding his head in time. He was not only “speaking,” he was fully engaged and uplifted. At this point, my adrenaline started pumping as I knew we were onto something. I played other familiar favorites, including “Saturday in the Park,” by Chicago, “Brown Eyed Girl,” by Van Morrison, “Dreams,” by Fleetwod Mac, and “Show Me the Way,” by Peter Frampton. He kept singing along, song after song. It was truly amazing! A few of these impromptu Karaoke moments were captured on video, precious mementos from this awe-inspiring miracle of sorts.
Research has proven that music therapy can significantly improve language recovery and motor function following a stroke event. And singing stimulates speech, pronunciation, articulation, and vocabulary recall. In a span of about two hours, I witnessed the power of music and its ability to dig deep into our soul and awaken us to new possibilities, even after we’ve suffered a brain trauma event such as a stroke.
The videos are saved on my phone and in the Cloud, and they will forever be imprinted on my heart. I’m grateful for bearing witness to this incredible experience, but mostly hopeful that my friend will make a full recovery thanks to the extensive physical and speech therapy he is receiving. And now, music therapy, too. He’s proof the music is within us all.
Joan's Jottings 
Wow! This gave me chills. What a powerful story about the power of music – and friendship.
Thank you for reading this post. I can’t begin to convey the impact this visit had on me. I will never forget it. It was just beautiful.
What an amazing post Joan. Music has been a big part of my life and at many times a saving grace. I am thrilled to hear of the breakthrough your friend had and am praying and believing for their full recovery. You are a great friend.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I know you have music within you and you have a great talent for being able to dance to music. I grew up in a household full of music. I’d be lost without it. I hope all is well in your world.
I couldn’t LOVE this anymore than I do!
Thank you! It’s one of the greatest events I’ve ever witnessed. Love ya!
I feel so lucky to have share this experience with you and our dear friend!
You brought out of him something’s that’s been suppressed for the last two months and a way for him to feel ‘normal’ and engaging with us.
Your writing fills my heart that someone will read, share and be inspired to follow your example of taking the extra step to reach out to someone they know who is in need.
Music fills the soul and connects us to each other in the most beautiful way!
Thank you Joan❣️
Thank you for reading and commenting. We witnessed an extraordinary event last week, one that I’ll never forget. It has impacted me deeply. I’m so grateful the moments were captured on video. I can watch them over and over…Thanks for being there with me.
That is so cool, Joan! That was very smart to consider using music, and I am shocked at how great the results were. Overjoyed to hear that Dave was singing along when he was even having trouble speaking three word phrases.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on this incredible event.
Gordon
Thank you for reading the post and for commenting. The visit has deeply impacted me. I can watch the videos over and over. I have so much hope he will recover. The world is a better place with him in it, sharing his huge heart and gift of humor.
Joanie,
What a great account!
I am constantly amazed at the empathy and care you show for everyone.
Still up at Beckett Ridge working? We need to touch base.
Thank you for reading. I hope you know how much I appreciate your support and kindness. I’ve learned a lot about empathy. We are born with the capacity to empathize, but like a muscle, it must be exercised in an effort to maintain it. I think we are here to love and support one another, which is why I do my best to be there for others.
I am still working at the golf course. Zach Fink is still the GM, Mr. Tilton is a volunteer starter/ranger, and Tony Bedingfield is one of the assistant pros. It’s a Greenhills thing. Come see us sometime! It would be great to see you in person.
Something made you make that playlist for your friend and how uplifting it must have been for him to know that at least some part of his brain is working right. Music is throughout our lives-from the lullabies our mothers sing to us as babies, through childhood, our teenage years and beyond. My mom was always singing and music brought her peace and contentment at the end. Well done my friend. You brought peace and happiness to your friend and to all of us with your beautiful story. ❤️
I do believe music is food for the soul. I can picture your mom singing as she went about her day. I could live without TV, but I could never live without music. I grew up with a dad who was a drummer in a band. We ALWAYS had music playing. Dad was into jazz and the Big Band sound, mom was into classical music and opera. I was exposed to lots of genres. The event I witnessed last week with my friend has impacted me deeply. I will NEVER forget it. Thanks for reading.
This is truly amazing! I can only imagine the overwhelming joy that you felt. Thank you for sharing. You are a remarkable person that I have never met but connected through our great friend Dave who let’s face it to know him is to love him!
Thank you for reading and commenting. I was deeply impacted by this visit with Dave. It was just a beautiful scene. And you are correct-to know Dave is to love him. He’s a special guy. Maybe we will meet one day. Thanks again.