On LOVE and MUSIC (from February 2016 Newsletter)

The month of February, with Valentines’ Day quickly approaching, has me thinking about LOVE! There are so many different kinds of love in this beautiful world! Love of family, love of friends, love of special activities…which for me has always been music.  When I was six years old, my father bought me my first instrument- a Blues Band harmonica. He and I had a really special bond, which our mutual love of music only strengthened.  We would spend long stretches of time in the kitchen learning to play new songs on the harmonica together.  And this was only the starting point! My heart skips a beat when I think back on how that early musical influence led me to where I am today- living in the great city of Nashville and writing and performing music that engages children and encourages their own unique, creative spark! 

Both love and music have extremely powerful influences on the brain.  The “brain on love” exhibits single-minded concentration on the object of love, due to serotonin levels.  The “brain on music” gains increased cognitive abilities, prevents memory loss, and enhances intellectual and emotional skills. Just imagine what a LOVE OF MUSIC can do for your children!

-Fawn Larson