Let music speak, for words are failing: Bond with your family over music during COVID-19

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” — Plato These immortal words have always been the gospel truth and they ring even more true during these times when the world has been asked to stop, go back, stay alone and blink along with only hope at their disposal. When in isolation and when in solitude, people are turning to music for as Plato said, it tends to give wings to the mind and flight to the imagination. Music has an inherent strong effect on people, music can be used to influence one’s feelings and the different rhythms and melody can make even dour situations more pleasant. If we put everything rather succinctly: Music or even participating in making music has been helping people to better cope with feelings which include anxiety, loneliness, stress, or dejection - the emotions which have been on the surge owing to this pandemic and lockdown. Studies have found that music playing in the background create a more focused, immersed environment and this leads to less stressful and more mental energy which leads to higher levels of efficiency. So, at a time when we are all forced to stay isolated when families are confined to video chats and phone calls, a music concert – on a live stream which can be enjoyed by all together, is nothing short of a boon. This is the opportunity to stay together even in isolation and let the melody dictate the mood for the entirety of the session. And when the singer is Anup Jalota, the maestro of Indian classical, the combination becomes rather tantalising. An in-house live session where Padma Shri Anup Jalota will take control is the opportunity for you and your family to bond all over again, and dispel the gloom and stray negative thoughts and allow music to consume you. Music can be very therapeutic and a powerful tool to use at home and even when you are alone and well, India classical music always has the groove and the melody to transcend boundaries and speak to your inner being. Hindustani Music has always been known for its soul and hence, when an intimate atmosphere of the house concert is created where there is a synergy between tradition and innovation, the energy and zing become rather palpable.