It's World Music Day!

World Music Day, also known as Fête de la Musique, was originally conceived in France by Joel Cohen, who proposed celebrating the beginning of summer with an all-night musical celebration. Eventually the concept was adopted by the French music and dance director, Maurice Fleuret, in Paris in 1982, who asked musicians to take over the streets with public performances.

Since then, it’s become a worldwide phenomenon, celebrated every June 21. The purpose of the celebration is to encourage both amateur and professional musicians to perform in their communities. The act of “making” music is most important and is represented by the slogan: “Faites de la musique” (literally “make music”), a homonym for “Fête de la Musique.”

There are two stipulations to the performances presented under the Fête de la Musique celebration; that is, the performances must be free to the public and the musicians must donate their time for free.

Learning to sing can improve our health

Many people aren’t conscious of their breathing and only use small amounts of their lung capacity. Singing can help us improve our breathing, which is important for feeding oxygen to the body and expelling stagnant air, germs, and environmental toxins from deep within the lungs.

Singing has also been shown to boost the immune system, relieve stress, and provide a form of mental exercise.

Music Therapy

Music and music therapy can provide health benefits in the form of a reducing pain and anxiety and in coping with grief, illness, and depression. Music therapy has been used in hospitals to help patients recover both physically and mentally from intensive treatments. It can be beneficial for patients, staff, and families—basically anyone in earshot!

There are many ways to enjoy music; just like different music suits different occasions, some types of music are better suited for specific health benefits.

Other benefits to music

Music can help boost your brain power.

Music therapy can be a natural remedy for snoring.

Make music a part of your day

Look for performances in your community, or start your own. It can be a great way to make new friends!

People in Vancouver can check out Make Music Vancouver events that will feature 300 bands and 1200 musicians playing at impromptu stages all over Yaletown and Gastown.