I know, it’s been a minute since I have graced these pages. Sometimes life tends to take a turn down winding paths and all we can do is hold on tight for the ride. Well I have finally gained control and here I am. I must say, the one thing that kept me going was my music. Listening to new releases from Ledisi and the Maze feat. Frankie Beverly Tribute and always heading back to the tried and true: Foreign Exchange and Maiysha to name a couple – always kept my head above water. Besides, it was Nietzche who said, “Without music, life would be an error.” I’ve always loved that quote; it always speaks volumes to me.

During the past few weeks with the heartbreaking news of Darrien Albert’s murder and other senseless crimes, my wheels started turning, along with my stomach. I started to reminisce about my childhood and the outlets that we were fortunate to have. Particularly, the smorgasbord of after school activities. We had sports, and arts and crafts. However, if you really needed the extra help after class, there was music.  Even though my music teacher was not the nicest of persons, she took interest in me. And with her guidance and patience, I learned to play vibraphone, on the sly after school. I always thought to myself, “Who the hell plays vibraphone?” And then I discovered the artistry and funk of Roy Ayers, it seriously doesn’t get any better than that!

Children today do not have the same opportunities that we had, because of government cuts and such. Sometimes it just takes that one teacher to make all the difference in the world.  Music programs like The Grammy Foundation and VH1 have always been vocal about funding music programs in school. The Grammy’s have Signature Schools – a program that “gives grants to public high schools for excellence” (and that is just one of their many outlets) and The VH1 Save The Music Program looks to help restore the importance of music in public schools. These are just a couple of examples of how important it is to continue funding music in any capacity. It is fundamental in a child’s learning role yet alone, in everything we do. And I am sure there are many more programs that I haven’t mentioned; at least I am hoping there are. I just don’t think that it necessarily has to be an after school activity, however any extra time devoted to a child learning an instrument, key or scale of some sort, can be monumental in unspeakable volumes. Studies have shown that music moves the brain to pay attention. We are constantly told to play music for fetuses, while in the womb. There are so many examples available, do you really need me to go on?

I wrote a blog entry a very long time ago, regarding music and how its importance is mind boggling. Stevie’s “Songs In The Key Of Life” states it all in a title. Music is scientifically shown to heal and teach in many ways. Commercials are sold to you by jingles = music. Music is also used in different types of therapy = music. There is an actual American Music Therapy Association, really there is. It’s that feeling music has on your brain, your body and your soul, it’s inexplicable. You try explaining to someone how you felt when you first heard your favorite song. Or how your wedding song makes you feel when you hear it in passing. You see? Inexplicable.

Of course you know I would choose music as my outlet for my rant. Yet, all in all, I would just like the kids to have different outlets PERIOD, instead of choosing to kill each other or pick up arms. It’s senseless and it has to stop. There is one video I watched that gave me hope that not all is lost. It was a video of a music class taught by DC based producer Zo! (Zo! And Tigallo Love The 80’s). As I pressed play, chills went straight down my spine. That is such an intense feeling that musiccan evoke. Listen for yourself.  If this can inspire me to write, imagine what it can do for others.