Do you make it a point to keep physically fit?
We are learning that Music has a great deal to do with health, and
surely health has much to do with your ability to produce Music.
Music is being used more and more in the hospitals for quieting and
cheering the patients. Music played an important part behind the lines
in the great war in the way of lending support and courage to those so
sorely in need of it.
What, on the other hand, has health to do with Music?
Music is self expression. If that self which produces the melody be ill,
the fact will be reflected in the playing. Music displays the hurts of
the body and the hurts of the heart, as well. So it behooves us who
would be musicians to keep well in mind and body.
To a great extent, this is just a question of common sense. Be
thoughtful of your eating, your sleeping, and your exercise, and let
Nature care for the rest.
But when misfortune of any kind does overtake you—and we are all caught
at sometime or other—turn freely to your Music for relief. You will find
it. Pour out your soul in the melody of your instrument. If there is
bitter in the heart, let it come out. Get rid of it. If there is
sadness, express it and replace it then with joy. If there is doubt,
play on until at length comes peace again, and sweet assurance. Music
brings health—and health lends joy to Music!
Practice Exercises 12, 17, 18, and 19 faithfully.