Leonard Bernstein said, “It can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable."

The language of passion. The thing that can express feelings and emotions when words cannot. The thread that has bound together people, culture, and history. From Bach to the Beatles, or the primitives drumming beats, to the backbeats of rock n roll today, music continues to be the universal language. Billy Joel said, "I think music in itself is healing. It is an explosive expression of humanity. It is something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we are from, everyone loves music." For some music is entertainment, for others a place to feel safe. And still music is a lifestyle for some. I would like to say I fit into that category; Music has always been a huge part of my life. I love it all from show tunes, to classical, and even Lady GaGa.

This year however I was faced with a vocal chord injury from overuse. In order to start healing my vocal chords, the prescription was simple: no singing and little talking for an extended length of time. This recess from singing has taught me a lot such as new singing and speaking techniques, vocal health, but most of all how much singing and music means to me ,and how important it is. I also learned that you don’t have singing on Broadway to have a vocal injury. It happens to teachers, coaches, clergy, in other words, anyone who relies on his or her voice for their profession.

We all need to pay attention to how we use our voice and vocal health is general. If you’re a singer, don’t be afraid to rest your voice when it starts to go. And the world will keep singing if you don’t take the solo or the part in the musical. I believe music is gift that we all can benefit from weather you are making music or listening to it.

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything,” Plato.