Sharing Our Art (Art and music help sooth trauma)

 Sharing Our Art

by Sara Penny, CCAC Vice President (for Iron County Today)

 

Part of the challenge of any art form is the moment you share it. I try to get my violin students to share their music for the joy of it, not just as a performance. Playing for a family party or a neighbor who is homebound can be more meaningful than in front of a big audience.  

 

Probably my most important performance was for a friend's sister who had been violently assaulted. We were living in Beaumont, Texas at the time. My friend had taken time from work to help her sister, but needed to get back to work. Her sister's face was swollen, bruised, and unrecognizable. I just played my violin so she could relax and feel safe enough to be able to sleep. The music soothed her so she could start to recover. I saw her several months later and fortunately she was healing. Music can help calm trauma. 

 

How do you use music and art in daily life? Do you have certain music you play when you need to relax or energize? Are there certain colors that help spark mood adjustments? Sometimes wearing a bright color can help me have a more productive day if I start out a bit sad. Going to the art museum or one of the galleries helps brighten my mood. Taking time for a play, dance, or music performance is helpful. 

 

When you have worked for months to prepare an exhibit or a performance it is helpful to have friends and family come and do a little cheerleading. Every artist and musician I have ever known has some self doubt. Some are unable to share their work because they afraid of judgement. At a certain point, most love the art so much they can't keep it a secret any more. If they get even a little positive feedback it helps build confidence. Just being present is support, even if you don't know how to respond to the art.

 

The families I work with are the best morale boosters for the young musicians. Recently a small boy, age two and a half, showed up with his brothers holding a toy violin and a real bow. I normally wait until at least three years old, but this child has four older brothers who are all playing violin or cello, so he is asking to play. We are learning the rhythms, posture, and bow hold for a few minutes each week. He is determined, which is helpful, and his mother is consistent in helping, so I expect he will do well.

 

It takes a long time to learn an instrument and we have to balance feedback for improvement with support for the process. Repeating a tricky phrase a few times to improve is much better than just allowing the mistakes to perpetuate. Regular practice is certainly more effective than an occasional marathon. 

 

One of the things I love about Cedar City is the supportive nature of the artists in helping each other. Go to an art opening at the Kolob Gallery or Frontier Homestead and you will feel the camaraderie. This is also an evident in the theater and music organizations. People are rooting for each other's success. As with most aspects of life, when we share we get something intangible, but valuable, in return. Encourage the artists in your life. Share your art and thanks to everyone building our arts community.