Genius Hour!

So...Genius Hour.

That time where everyone gets to be a GENIUS about something that they LOVE! For me, the thing I love is music. Where do I even begin? I have always been involved in music in one way or another. I started singing when I was three, started taking piano lessons at the age of five, and the rest is history. I recently completed my Bachelor of Music degree from Queen's University (CHA GHEILL!), and am now currently pursuing a career in teaching! (Both music and drama).

So...Genius Hour.

After spending many years studying music, and pretty much living at breathing it, I feel like I'm finally in a place where I can reflect on my past experiences, and draw information from them. My Genius Hour Question is "What are the benefits of playing a musical instrument?". I want to know!!! Why do people play music, or sing? Is it stress relief? Is it because their parents forced them to? Is it because they want to, and are passionate about it? And how does it benefit them? Mentally? Physically? Emotionally? Is it all of these questions? WHAT'S THE DEAL!?

For my project, I'm going to interview some of my old music colleagues, and see WHY they play and WHAT they get from playing instruments. I'm going to research WHAT benefits other people have documented on the playing of music. I'm also going to document my own feelings and experiences while I sing or play the piano. (In all honestly, it'll actually get me to practice. I've kind of been slacking off since graduation...)

So that's it! For now. I know I've got a ton of research ahead of me, but I'm looking forward to it. Like I mentioned before, music has always played such a prominent role in my life, that it only seems natural to research WHY.