Enter to Win: iPod Mini-Speaker & Other 'August Rush' Prizes

In 5th grade I wanted to play drums because they were cool As a bespectacled asthmatic, anything approaching cool was what I wanted. So my parents agreed and I took drum for a year, and got good at it. However, our elementary school band needed some lower brass. Our teacher (who later went on to challenge Boy Scouts about women leaders - and won! She is a strong influence in my life) saw something in me that said "tuba". Before I could say "WHAT?!" I was learning euphonium (a baby tuba). I got good at it, but it wasn't cool. However, as a result of playing it well, I learned how to breathe better and it became as therapeutic as musical. As I got better I became more confident and my battered ego got bolstered. Through Junior High and High School I progressed and took up the tuba - no weeny e flat for me, but the big guy, b flat. I got better, stronger and more confident. Tuba became the core to a musical center that has held me together all through life. Things sort of conspired to prevent me from pursuing professional music, but I still play tuba. In fact, the very concept of being (and not simply playing) the Big Bass Brass in a band was the theme of my ordination paper. To this day, almost 45 years later, I daily bless my teacher and all who supported and encouraged me. And I still play - though not as often as I would like. However, I sing loud, laugh long, and love to do anything that makes me breathe deep (a joyful experience of the Holy Spirit, if ever there was).

Music has played a HUGE PART in my daily inspiration. For years, I worked as an appliance salesperson and you have to be GEEKED to sell.
Every single day, I would turn up my stereo while getting ready to work.
My favorite inspirational pieces came from Rocky "Gonna Fly Now"; Madonna
and Aerosmith. I would be pumped to sell before I even left the house.
Music also has been a splendid resource for relaxing me and giving me the
strength to endure various trials and heart aches. So much so that I wrote a poem about this many years ago. The title is MY MUSIC, as follows:
Wake to the glorious sound of Music
Pounding and banging
hamonizing
and on this day celebrate
sense the love within!
Throw a party
for the gift of life
Throw a party
for yourself
Daning to an unknown beat
even I can have angel's feet
don't admire the magic
Come join
the elation is free!
Throw a party
for the gift of life
throw a party
for yourself!

For every moment in life, there is a song. Whether it be happy or tragic, the music in your mind plays on.

Music is a part of everyday life. Music has always played a huge role in my life, from singing at an early age, to piano and guitar lessons in my teens, all the way through today where I have been involved with several bands and currently help lead worship services at church.

Music has a way of bringing people closer together, touching each of our hearts. For every moment, a medley For every tear, a note and for every thought, a chord on the music scale of life.

At 14, with a big group of kids went to our parish priest and asked if we could have a youth club, he agreed as long as we devoted some of our time to the church, thus the Our Mother of Mercy Youth choir was formed. After chasing off the first organist, I "volunteered" my oldest sister, who is a magnificent pianist. For over 15 years we sang at mass and at other churches around Houston. We were quite unique, a big bunch of teenagers singing 2 part harmony that went from hymns to gospel music. We became the OMOM Catholic Gospel Choir, so unheard of we were wanted all over town! After 30 years, we both retired. She went back a couple of years ago to help with the senior men's choir and their director/organist passed away, God rest his soul. She gently added a few women to the group and this year I joined her, so we are back together again spending Tuesday evenings rehearsing and Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. mass. It's great being back in a choir again even if at 51 years old I am the second youngest person in the group of about 20 senior and middle aged members! I'm a better reader/lector than singer but it's great praising God in song again!

When my water broke in the middle of the night, I was 29 weeks pregnant, the baby not due for another 11 weeks. My husband Gary and I rushed to the hospital hoping and praying we wouldn't lose this baby we'd waited so long for. After many years of trying to get pregnant, a couple miscarriages, a couple surgeries, we'd gotten so close this time. Was it all going to end, like this?

Because I didn't go into labor immediately, the doctors kept me in the hospital on complete bed rest, trying to keep the baby inside me as long as possible to give her (yes, we knew it was going to be a girl) the best chance she could have. Over the next few days I cried more than I'd ever cried in my life, torn between grieving for what I thought might never be and hoping for what could be, for this little life to survive. We'd recently been listening to the latest Shawn Colvin album and Gary and I started singing the song "I don't know why," to my big belly every day, several times a day.

Zoe (which in Greek means Life) was born five days later when I developed a uterine infection and it was too dangerous for her to stay inside me any longer. Over the next five weeks as she fought her way through apnea and learning how to breathe and swallow and suck we continued to sing this song to her. And when we brought her home from the hospital when she finally reached 4 lbs., we kept on singing that song to her every night...for the next 10 years or so.

She's 14 now, a great student, wonderful musician and amazing person, though a little too old for bedtime lullabies. But I recently made a "coming of age" mix CD for her, my own picks of songs I wanted to surround her with as she moved into adolescence. And believe me, "I don't know why" held a place of honor in that collection. "I don't know why, the sky is so blue," the song says. "I don't know why I'm so in love with you. But if there were no music, I would not get through. I don't know why I know these things, but I do."

I FORGOT TO ADD MY INFO TO THIS FOR THE CONTEST, SO I AM REPOSTING

For me I lead a harmfull life as a teen and well into my adult life until 9 yrs. ago. And after reaffirming my beleif and faith in Jesus, it came to my surprise how wonderful a christian radio station that I happened upon a year ago has given me a sense of life enjoyments. I moved to the Central illinois area a year ago from the very busy Chicago area, after coming here I tuned my car radio into a station called 91.5 WCIC Family Radio, which in turn had me tune all of my radios into this station and it is #1 in the memory bank. Growing up I used to stick my nose in the air whenever my mother would have any kind of christian music playing in the car or house, because I always felt that God had abandoned me when my sister died when she was 18 and I was 12. My mother was a very mean person verbally and at times physically so I turned to drugs to escape the pain of my everyday life at home. With this came a lot of distruction that I created for myself. After moving I made a promise to myself that I was going to live my life according to Jesus's will for me instead of my own will, and with having the voices behind this station, and the talk show hosts such as Dr. Dobson and others through this station I have gained a wonderfully centered life in Christ as my leader. The music that they play on this station is wonderful, no matter what my day is like it seems like they are reading my mind and they also seem to play just the right song. I have done volunteer work with this station for fund raising, and I have even participated in some of there other activities. Groups like Jars of Clay, Casting Crowns, Third Day, and Kutlass have inspired mean beyond words. When these groups where created you can see that our Lord Jesus Christ was the ultimate creator of the groups thru the words and the way the words talk to you like your the only one listening at the time.

Music is such a powerful thing. I have always loved music. It makes me feel connected and alive. I play the guitar, sing and write folk songs. I'm not so great but the process is fantastic.

Music was my escape during my childhood. I was in an unhealthy household environment that left me fearful and confused. Through listening to music on my little transistor radio I could let my feelings come out that were so inhibited. I started playing the piano at the age of eight, and by the age of ten I won a contest were I performed as a soloist playing a concerto with the Little Chicago Smyphony. I spent hours practicing on the piano and hours listening to the radio. That was decades ago and I can identify almost all the songs from the late fifties through the early seventies within a few notes. When I hear those songs my feelings flow into this great new life that I am now in. thank you

I've always been a fan of Peter, Paul & Mary and I still think their music is some of the most thought-provoking evere,

Starting in elementary school I sang and played guitar in a church folk group and participated in school talent shows. In high school I joined a youth performing group and we shared musical reviews at local nursing homes as well as other benefits. Later on I began writing songs for a hobby and since I work in a school, have been fortunate to be able to share some of my compositions (even if they never make the big time) with the kids at my school.

After my Mother passed away, I was feeling very alone in the world, being an only child, and my children were growing up and leaving the nest. One day I got in my car and turned on the radio, and as I was driving, Aretha Franklin came on singing God Will Take Care of You, a song my mother loved and used to sing alot. A peace came over me that day, and I continue to be comforted by that and other songs we so loved.

Music is the Sound Track of our lives.

Music has helped me through boredom, through sad times, and has added to my most joyous times as well!

This sounds nice.

When I was a teenager- I used to make cassettes for the MAN I loved- it definded our relatioonship (at the time).

Music has always helped me to forget the worries and calm me down when I am feeling stressd.

When I was deeply depressed and had thoughts of going to Heaven to be with God, my Savior used music to reach me and pull me out of that depression. I would listen to songs by Phillips, Craig, and Dean, and Steven Curtis Chapman, and God used their songs to touch my heart. He spoke to me through those songs to tell me that it wasn't my time yet and He still had things for me to do here on Earth. God pulled me out of my depression using music, and to this day (several years after the event) music holds a special place in my heart; it reminds me of where I've been AND where I'm going. Music reminds me that my time is not yet up, and I've still got things to do here on Earth! God bless...

when my brother-in-law was killed suddenly in an accident, we had to drive 7 hours to my sister's to be with her. Music was the only thing that kept me from driving off the road, and helped comfort the pain.

MUSIC IS THE SOUL OF ALL ANGELS IT BRINGS IN GOOD MEMORIES, SOMETIMES IT BRINGS US SAD MEMORIES.I HAVE LOST MY HUSBAND AND MY MOTHER IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.AND MUSIC WAS THERE TO HELP US THOUGHT IT. THE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER. MUSIC HAS BEEN MY LIFE SINCE I WAS LITTLE. I WAS 5 WHEN I LEARNED TO PLAY THE PIANO BY EAR. BUT DON'T OWN ONE.MY PC AND TRUCK RADIO IS ALL I HAVE. WHEN I WALK, AND WORK TO CLEAN UP MY 3ACRCEAS OF LAND I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR MUSIC AGAIN! I AM A SINGLE MOM. WITH OUT MUSIC IN OUR LIVE IT WOULD BE SUCH A SAD SILENT WORLD. MAY GOD BLESS AND BE WITH US ALL. THANK YOU. REJOICE... SING TO THE HEAVENS A SONG OF LOVE.....

Thanks for the contest!

Music has lifted me out of depression, helped with mental illness, and other tragedies in my life. You can find a detailed editorial I wrote about it on associatedcontent.com under Terri Rimmer in the search bar. It's called "How Music Has Affected My Life."

thank you for the contest and making some people happy

Music has always been a big part of my life. I have a virtual soundtrack in my head that goes with me everywhere and changes with my mood.
I was recently diagnosed with a disease that has no cure and fell into a pit of depression. I started listening to Fernando Ortega, a Christian aritst, and his music touched my heart, brings me joy!! He has a song called "On This Good Day" that is one of my favorites and I tend to hum or sing it without even realizing it at times.... my granddaughter who is 22 months old special-needs looked at me the other day and sang, on this good day!!!! She has a very limited vocabulary and it was almost as clear as a bell. Music is the international language that brings people together, memories come flooding back, and can inspire people to get out of bed in the mornings on some days!!!

I could realy use this stuff

I can remember sitting on the living room floor watching my parents dance to anything that came on. From Bruce Springsteen to Billy Joel. I learned from them the emotional and spiritual power of music. My dad bought me my first guitar when I was a kid, and I've been using music as therapy ever since. Music touches everyones life, and a lot of times we don't even realize it when it's happening. Think about driving in a car, listening to a classic radio station. All of a sudden a song comes on that you haven't heard in years, but immediately your memory jumps back and you remember when that song came out. You remember who you were dating when that song came out. You remember what kind of car you driving, and where you were working. You remember what was good about life, and you remember what was bad... and it all revolves around a song. We all have artists that we feel speak to us on a certain level through their lyrics. One of the most amazing feelings is hearing a song that you can relate to for the first time. Whether it makes you think, or makes you dance, or makes you cry, music is always around. It's been the single most important thing in my life so far, helping me through good times and bad. Showing me that healing and inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.

Music has been my inspiration and my means of prayer and worship since I was very young. It connects me to my mom, as she tells stories of standing around the piano singing and harmonizing while her Dad played. I believed she passed onto me a love of music. I play the piano and sing. When I feel lost, or heart broken, I sit at the piano, and play until my sprit is in a place of quiet and at peace. It calms me and centers me. As a cantor at our Church, it offers me a way to share my gift in prayerful song.

I am an adoptive mom, and my son and were connected before his birth. When I visited his life giver, I would touch her belly, and talk and sing to him. I think he began to know me from my voice, and when he was only 6 hours old, and I held him for the first time, he listened to my voice, and responded to my soft humming and gentle cooing. I truly feel that my passion and love for music has been passed onto my son, as he likes to sing and plays the Clarinet.

I am specializing in giftedness in my Doctoral program. I am very interested in musical intelligence and in giftedness in boys. I am especially intrigued with gifts and talents in adopted children, often wondering about the nature and nurture of giftedness.

My son and I are seeing the sneak preview tonight. I have visited the movie's website and the music sounds wonderful! I can't wait to get the DVD and the CD, and yes, it would be nice to have the gift package you are offering. I would share the T-shirts and sweatshirts with my mom, my sister, my son's life giver, and my son.

Thank you, and God bless.

I became disabled 5 years ago at 34 years of age, and since this time I have drawn myself closer to our Lord. At night when I lay down, I insert my earbuds into my ears, turn down the light, and drift off to Steven Curtis Chapman, the Newsboys, Rich Mullins and about 24 other Christian Musicians. It really helps ensure a great nights sleep that night, and I feel more uplifted when I get up the next morning. I suggest this for anyone who has difficulty falling asleep at night.

Does music inspire me? When I saw this question I decided to post my first comment as I just became a member. Music has always touched me.... particularly music accompanied by touching words. I can remember being as young as 9 years old and crying to songs I heard on the radio. One song in particular that I remember is the song sung by a child called 'Dear Mr. Jesus', and also Michael Jackson's 'Man in the Mirror'. Since then the radio has been springing tears in my eyes and standing my hair up on my arms. Songs like 'Here Without You', 'I'll Stand By You', 'Lightening Crashes', Arms Wide Open', 'I Hope You Dance'...... and the list could go on and on. All my friends will attest to my deep connection, as if they are with me, I beg them to listen to what the words are, hoping they will connect as I have. I sing to the radio whether I am in the car or home, whether I am alone or not! Sometimes I would rather just listen so I put on peacful meditation music or calming music sung in spanish or another language. And every night I go to sleep listening to Soundscapes on my tv. It clams me and centres me. I have always wanted to play an instrument so I can create my own music, but it seems I am stuck in a feeling of perpetual laziness! Besides the few piano tunes I remember how to play I can't do much else. So, for me, I am SO thankful that others have the creative ability and dedication to speak from their souls and create the songs and music that touch me like nothing else does!

I was always confused as a child. Our home was emotionally chaotic, I often escaped alone into my own world, in my mind, and I really valued this private space that was mine alone for many years. Although I was surrounded by a musical mother and father who had day jobs, 'hearing' rythmes and sounds was nature for me since I was five. Because of the non-peaceful homelife of parents visible irritations and differences of one another, I developed a learning disability along the way, but never told anyone, not even my parents. I was looked at as awkward and forlorn to other children, it seems, but I never let anyone take away my passion for music and music making in my head. Often times, I moved from different social circles, trying to fit in, but no one had ever remained loyal to me as a person really. My craft for percussion and
song on piano has excelled and exceeded what I had ever hoped it be and far more than I imagined than when I was a small child. I have learned to overlook the negativity and jealousy of other people druing my painful,adolescent years when they realized it takes a certain kind of person to be friends with someone who chooses to practice or be alone for some hours to study and invest in practicing my music to develop the style and tone and expression that I'd always wanted to be, while other kids were choosing to just hang out (too much) with one another and goof off, while I knew that I would be lonely because it was me who wanted to practice piano. It has taken many years to hone the sound and expression, but it has occurred. I'm glad. As I gain a certain satisfaction and effortless humility when I look into the eyes of someone who listens to my piano playing style now in private moments (like a concert one on one) and good feeling I get inside when it is my gift of musical talent that made them feel, or smile or reminisce about a memory of something or someone. A soothing effect from me, who was once fragile, scared, and had a learning disability.

I have overcome the learning anomaly in a ten year, private self-determined spirit while perfecting my craft and hopefully blessing other people with it. I am not famous, nor have I any visible musical prestige to my name, but I have seen the extraordinary happen in the response of hearers when I can spontaneously play a few special tunes in a hotel lobby grand piano in the wee hours of the morning, often when a drunk business man or lonely adult woman is sitting near to me, gaining from my music. In those moments, I feel honored and grateful that it is was through my painful childhood and my never-giving-up attitude that I could possibly influence others to feel and get in touch with themselves through my music. That, indeed, is the miracle for me.

When I was 5 yrs. of age, my mother & a friend went to church and sung the song we had been practicing as a trio. The song was "Rock of Ages"
I have always said that I get my gospel sermon from the music. When I was in 6th grade everyone had to choose a song to sing, the teacher playede the piano & the class voted for the best. I sang "It is No Secret". My mother played the piano, so every night after dinner it was practice time. Even though I did not win, as I was singing the song the Spirit moved me. For me I was so shy I did not think I could ever get up in front of the class. It was amazing, I felt the Lord helping me make it through it without any mistakes. My Grandmother use to play the piano on the radio & my mother use to tap dance on the radio. My step-father came into my life when I was almost 13. He was a professional musician. Getting to go to his bookings, I loved every song that was played or sung. The jam sessions were a riot. Then
I got married & low and behold my then husband had been in a band in High School. He loved to sing Elvis songs. It took many a year before it got it down & sang beautifully. When our youngest daughter got married he sang "Love Me Tender" at the reception as the bride and groom danced to it & everyone blew bubbles towards them. Just picture this in your mind & the room was silent as he sang. Well, I ended up with my now husband & yes you got it, he use to play in a band as well. Now tell me that music was not meant to be in my every being of my body & soul. However, the story does not end hear, the most favorite music my mother played on the piano was "Hungary Rahpsody".
Not only did it fascinate me to watch her play, but this selection moved every bone in my body each & everytime she played it, it was long & exhausting, loud & fast, but it was so absoluetly beautiful.
My heritige goes back to the fact that the composer was
Von Wagner (pronouced with the W as a V), my great-grandmother's brother-in-law. Now the thing is I cannot sing, I would clear the church or any place if I started to sing. I have two inflictions to my vocal chords & I was told not to ever sing again. That's okay, I recorded myself a number years ago & I wanted to flee from the house when I played it back. I lip sync in church or any event were you must sing, but I tell you every song has a message. Now, this has to be told. My fiancee & I before my now husband, our song was by Anne Murray "Can I have this Dance for the Rest of my Life". George sang this to me often. Three days before our wedding he passed away. I went to the florist, asking her to take some of the roses he had grow, make a ribbon & put on it the our song title. It was so beautiful, the ribbon around the roses was large & the banner came down with the words & then "V" clipped at the end. Everyone that saw it teared up. It laid across the table in front of the pulpit along with family photos & so forth. I promised George that I would take care of the lot where his wife was put to rest. George was cremated. I get out there, put on my music & before you know it I have it all raked, cleaned, redecorated & everything else that needs to be done. I truly find Peace while I am out there. I had been praying to get enough money to buy a concrete bench to sit on. Well, about two years later I was there & someone had put a concrete bench out for there loved one & it was such a blessing that it was near his place of ashes. Now music is without a doubt in my every being, how could anyone walk this earth & never be touched by any type of beautiful music. And by the way, my oldest daughter played the Viola & won lead in the Florida State Orchestra. My youngest daughter played the cello & was the lead player. What else could I possibly say, except when it is my time to leave this earth there will be uplifting music & song, not any sad or teary songs.It will be as much joyous as can be by my families promise. Course, they shall have their tears, but I know without a doubt that the songs & type music that will be played, will certainly be uplifting. I hope each and everyone of you that read this is touched in some way, we all are on this earth to try & make it better & the best it can be. Life is way to short & don't forget to tell your loved ones & friends that you love them & tell them often, because once they are gone they cannot enjoy it at the cold tombstone, but let them enjoy the loving words while they are alive & carry it with them. It will not only be loving for them, but you will see what it also does for you, you won't ever regret it, trust me, I know & I express often love, it does not always have to be in words, it can be just doing something for someone or just sitting with someone & letting them talk for a day as you listen & learn.
Thank-you and God Bless you all, Barbara C.

Make me a WINNWER!!!!

I have been singing for all of my 25 years of life, but REALLY singing for about 9 years. I enjoy singing because it's a real stress releaser. When I feel that I'm not that good at something, I write a song and feel accomplished. Music brings people together. I have a lot of my friends due to singing because it's something that we can all relate to(and sing to)even if you aren't that great of a vocalist, you can still express your feelings through the words of a song with a happy melody that lifts your spirits up. Well, I hope that gives you enough to read.

P.S
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN!!

Lighten up a dark day

One day, long ago, I was going into our campus mailroom, whistling some song or another. Another, older and much more popular student came into the room and commented on my choice of tune and the fact that I was whistling. She said it in a curious, comical, positive way. I replied that wherever I go I seem to have a soundtrack and sometimes it simply leaks out into the world. She was quite amused at the thought. To this very day, I have a soundtrack of somesort, even as I sit through tedious meetings, walking down city streets, hiking mountain paths or along beaches, even when I am watching TV. Music seems to help me pace myself, deal with trying or boring situations, and provides me with a vast library to draw from when I need to supply some music for services of worship or even as examples to make a point.

Before I joined my school orchestra I was a shy and stayed to myself most of the time. After I joined orchestra I made many new friends and had many new interests that I was able to share with my classmates and connect to them more. Ever since I Orchestra I have not quit or given up no matter how hard the situation. Joining orchestra was one of the best things I have done with my life so far.

Wow!!

Music has been my savior. It has made me who I am. Before I was in band I spent my time wandering around in my life getting messed up with drugs and other things. When the most amazing thing happened I moved to North Carolina and I met the middle school band director. He saved my life. He asked me what I wanted to play and I ended up being a flute player. Music consumed my life. I joined the high school band and made friends and grew confident. I even got to try out for leadership. It taught me how to interview and skills to survive in front of people. I met my husband through music. He is now a band director so I still work with his marching band. Everyday I see how band gets and keeps our kids out of trouble. THis band program has been through the worst of times but they are a family. They protect each other and love each other like family memebers. One of our students got in an accident and air lifted to the hospital. 10 of the band students drove the 45 minutes to check on her and the rest of the band met at 6:45 that next morning to pray for her. I do not see any other groups sticking up for each other. Music is what keeps me going. If I didnt have music and band to come home to I would loose my mind. It makes me tick, it is everywhere!

Music is like food, it is everywhere, you need it to survive and there are as many kinds of music in the world as there are people. I have always loved Elvis, The Beatles, Rock & Roll and anything from The Doors, Santanna or David Bowie but 2 years ago I was asked to teach an Art & Music Appreciation Course at Colorado Tech. University. I had to learn the intricate details of music, Classical music and all of the great composers and musicians like Wolfgang, Bach, and Handel. All of their talent used only for Popes and the Monarchy. No one like you or me would have been allowed to see the Masters. Bach was almost thrown in prison because he asked for a couple of days off.
My realization or "changing moment" was when several students told me that they are starting to listen to classical instead of their RAP, and that they had always taken music for granted and now they appreciate it. In class I would turn off the sound on the DVD, or I asked them not to turn on their car radio, or mp3 for an hour. They began to realize how music surrounds our lives. It changed my life and has changed dozens of my students outlook on life.

Music has always been appart of my exsitence influencing all aspects of my life. Whether High School, band/chorus/orchestra, groovin at woodstock in 69 or church folk groups. Day to day I relate with friends and family from foot stomping country, sweet melody of a bagpipe or talking some new rock hit that my kids and I, might be enjoying at the time. I use music frequently in doing my day to day work in health care, soothing, calming guiding those sick ,in pain or in an emotional impairment. To me music is the vibration of the life force of this peice of rock we all call home. It is in us, arround us and when channeled can help heal us spiritually, physically, and emoitionally. Like my favorite musical words sing " the world is alve with the sounds of music "

From August 2004 till August 2006 i travelled in a christian rock band all over the united states and across the world. In December of 2004, I spent 5 weeks living, breathing, and making music in Hong Kong, China. We played anywhere from 1 to 6 concerts a day... in schools, malls, streets, restuarants, and anywhere else they could think of.

At first, the trip was a huge adrenaline rush. 100's of people would gather to hear us play... to hear me sing. I couldn't imagine any greater glory or fame than what i was feeling right then in that moment.

And then I played in a Filipino church, to a group of women who were "domestic help in Hong Kong households" and barely getting by. To a group of women with so much joy and enthusiasm, not only for our music... but for worship, which is what the music was actually intended for... that I finally saw the error in my ways. I was singing for the glory it brought to me... not for the joy it brought to others.

The rest of the time I was in Hong Kong, or on tour stateside... i tried to remember what i learned in the small Filipino church: God has given me the gift of being able to make music. It is not a privilege, it is not a right... it is a gift. When I remember to sing not for myself and my glory, but for God and HIS glory... that is when my voice sounds the sweetest... because it is finally doing what it was made to do.

Music was introduced into my life by my older brother(Raul-Junior) when he learned to play the guitar. When I was in elementary school I learned to play the fife, in junior high school I played the Clarinet: and during my years of high school(not in music group) while a member of St.Michael's Drum Corp, I learned to play the glockenspiel. Music is a very important part of my life because I appreciate the instrumental,vocal,and the stories within the songs. I've lived with Epilepsy for over 27 yrs. of my life,and I was able to show children from underprivledged neighborhoods how to play an instrument and to enjoy the challenge of music in their lives. However,with my own children they've got their choices of music,they too learned to play instruments. My daughter now in the U.S.Navy even remembers a dedicated song I always played for her when she came home from the hospital after giving birth during a car accident(19 yrs. ago), and of course she now she has tattooed on her calf the meaningful words from Rod Stewarts Song-FOR EVER YOUNG". Music will always play a very important part of my life,spiritually,and in my every day life. Sincerely, Betsy Abrams

It was 1994 and I had just moved to Austin, TX. I was working in recording studios as a back-up vocalist and a producer, with plans to eventually go solo. Austin was a place I knew I would live when I was a teenager. All of my life I have known things, and have been involved in several horrific cars accidents which, by all accounts, I should have been dead.

In 1996 I met an older woman who looked a lot like my grandmother. My
Grandmother passed away when I was 13 yrs. old. I was instantly drawn to her. One day I went over to her house to chat about her life living in the 1930's. Her husband at the time was near death and as I looked at him that day, an Angel appeared behind him. The Angel was about 10 ft tall and emitting light of all luminous colors.

The light and colors put you in a state of complete bliss. I felt at home and filled with an amazing love that I had never encountered before. The Angel spoke to me. It asked me if I wanted to leave or to stay here and do work. Instantly I saw flashes of all my accidents and I realized those accidents had occurred because I had wanted to leave. I replied,” I want to stay!"
The voice of the Angel made me feel like I was finally home. A home that I
encountered before I came to this life. In the next few weeks, I felt as if I was being watched over with so much love! Soon after, a friend took me to see a world concert pianist, Barry Osier. When I heard him playing I felt I was linked to him. A feeling of oneness burst inside of me. I knew I had to meet him. I had been working so hard in the recording studios singing and making plans to go on the road with a well
known country singer in Nashville. After the concert, I got the chance to meet Barry and introduced myself. I told him I was going to create music with him. I gave him my phone number not knowing what would happen but, feeling as if I had done the right thing. A few months passed by and Barry called me and wanted to meet. I met with him at a studio and was very nervous. He told me to just sing and he would play. The next moments were phenomenal. Within seconds, an angelic sound came from me. Beautiful vibrations of tones that was so pure. When I sang, I did so
without words, just tones. Barry played the piano and carried the music. For the first time I felt as if it was the sound of Angels singing through me. As these tones and melodic sounds were connecting to Barry's piano, I noticed 3 dogs that were sitting together, actually began swaying to the music. Feeling this vibration of tones I felt at peace and connected. I took the newly recorded music home to sleep with. I was thrilled to find that the music healed my sleeping problem, a problem which dated back to my childhood.

A week later, I had lunch with a friend and noticed her seven-year-old daughter had dark circles under her eyes. When I inquired about the little girl's appearance, my friend revealed that her daughter had been sexually abused by her uncle and since then, could not sleep at night. I happened to have carried a tape of my music, and gave it to my friend. She called me a few days later to say that her daughter not only sings with it before her bedtime, but she sleeps peacefully throughout the entire night. "I knew at that moment that this was my journey in life," "My goal is to help all children and adolescents to find peace and light in their lives. And so my journey began and continues. my CD “Soul of an Angel “ is here

Music is the way I lift my mood, accomplish mundane chores and connect with friends and family. No one can be blue for long when music is playing and the soul is lifted. Dusting, etc. is almost pleasurable when one is dancing about the room. My closest friends love to dane as much as I do and nothing is more fun and as uninhibited as grandchildren moving to the beat. It make me smile to think about it!

My family has always been involved in music. As the youngest of 7, I was often in the shadows of my 4 older (and very talented!) brothers as well as two sisters. But I never let that stop me. I've always loved music. As we approach the Christmas season, I began to recall all the old Christmas carols. I used to know every word of every one. I love to share the joy of season when a group goes caroling.

I was born in Russia. I love music since early childhood. When I'm depressed or stressed, music always helps me feel better.When I was 7 years old, my mother hired a teacher to teach me play the piano. I found it very difficult to understand how to read and interpret notes. I was very upset and said I'll never play the piano again. Then my mother said to me 'I know you have potential. Your teacher said so too. One day you'll come back to it'. I didn't believe her then. I always enjoyed music lessons at school (just listening to music and singing). What I heard then was mostly classical music. There were also songs from movies that i liked. Then when I was a teen me and the rest of the family moved to Australia (in 1994). There for the first time really I heard American pop msic and fell in love. I used to spend alot of time listening to 1960s-1990s msic on the radio. Then in 2004 I saw the movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'The Phantom of The Opera' and I fell in love with the story, the legend, the music of it etc. It became a life-changing experience for me on artistic, spiritual and emotional level. It led me to discover new styles of music e.g. like Goth metal, rock, operatic pop and opera music. Now I'm also teaching myself to play the musical keyboard and I enjoy it alot, even though I find it challenging, but it's also very emotionally and spiritually satisfying.

just a little correction: in my previous comment instead of "it led me to discover new styles of music" I meant I "discovered and rediscovered OTHER types of music because of 'The Phantom of The Opera'"

Contemporary Christian Music has changed my entire life! I was amazed the first time I had ever heard it and it instilled a feeling inside of me that I had never before experienced, and there are no words to explain it other than it drew me closer to Christ then I had ever been in my life. It provides me with a better understanding of scripture in a more simplified way. It allows me to feel His precense at all times. I listen to it faithfully everyday. It is everywhere I go when I'm in my car. The feeling of having my Savior with me every minute of every day is so gratifying. I feel as though angels/spirits are all around me all the time. As I said earlier, it's so difficult to put into words. Above all the things I've done in my life, being introduced to Contemporary Christian Music is above all, the most rewarding. Praise the Lord.

There will never be anything to compair to music. The best music is Contemporary Christian, Country. It's safe to say I like all kinds of music. Music tells a story about our countries history, the emotions of the country, the feelings of the country, the patriotic stand of the country and it's people. Music is a very important part of my life, and It also tells of our Lord. This is how I first learned about our Lord Jesus Christ, and how much he loves me. When I'm stressed or upset music can calm me down. I have fond memories of family, old friends, and co-workers that make me laugh.

At the age of three, I began to feel the music everywhere and I would drum and "pretend to play the piano" on everything. No one in my family was a musician and we were too poor to investigate lessons or instruments at that time. By the time I reached age 5 my parents knew they had to find a way for me to learn piano. My father purchased an old upright piano for $25 and my mother found a local women to give me lessons for very little. Right away I was in awe of this fine instrument and could play simple melodies. I never became a composer but playing piano and singing are my passions.
Music is indeed "better than food" to me! I went on to play percussion in my high school and college band. I studied music and became a music teacher and choir director in public schools and in my church. God has blessed me with many gifts and my parents have encouraged me. Now my own children are breathing music in their souls everyday. Music to me is the oxygen of life.

About five years ago I was going through a divorce and heard GrooveLily's lyric on the radio, "She had subjegated all of her desires for the good of the family unit and the betterment of the husband." I felt like they were singing about my life. Although I had never heard of the band GrooveLily before, when I arrived home I immediately signed up to be a member of their street team on their website.

Since then I have traveled to New York City three times, Palo Alto, CA, Kerrville, TX and Lincoln, NE to see my favorite band. They awakened a love in music for me that had grown dormant. Now I frequently go to live concerts and search out new bands.

A friend and I just saw "August Rush" last evening and loved all the different ways that music connected the characters--the lovers, Wizard and his band of street musicians, the gospel choir and August, finding music in everything. I'm putting the soundtrack CD on my Santa Wish List.

It helps me connect with my kids. Music just makes for a happier place.

i have a developmentally ill child who is now 8 years old. he is very hard to communicate with as his mind functions at a 2-3 year old level. I found out not long ago how much he loves music though. i was washing dishes one day and listening to music from the 80's and he was soooo focused on the music and tried dancing. I found he does not like country or alternative though. Its really nice because now when i clean house he dances around and loves chore day. Its soooo wonderful. he seems to be developing a little more and he has a different move for each specific song. His favorite is hugry eyes. We now have something in common.. love for music and 80's songs. I dont know any better way to spend time and communicate with him.. he loves it soo much.

I met my Heaven wished for Husband, because of Music in my life.
My Children fill their lives with joy and mine because of Music.
Love, Hope

I feel so connected to God when I'm listening to my favorite praise and worship cds. My husband and I just love Disciple's self-titled album. :o)

Growing up music was a huge part of my family life. My father loved to sing my mother was a born preformer and my aunts and grandparents played the piano at very visit. During high school my love for music led me to be in the band for four years. Through music and working to preformances we become a 300 person family. All of my best friends i found in band and the power of music brought us all together.

Listening to Keith Green (Christian Pop) at age 18 brought a real spiritual awakening in my life.

So how has music made a difference in my life and how has music connected myself with others?
To start off, music is my life. I'm not talking about hip hop or heavy metal music, I'm talking about classical such as John Williams or Holst. I had a rough child hood when I was young. My father left my mother with three kids (me being the youngest at 1 1/2 yrs old), and has left us with practically nothing. I've have lived with just the basics - however, when I entered fourth grade, my mother suggested that I try joining the middle school orchestra. The thought of being a "viola" player disgusted me. However, I joined to make my mother happy. After about a month of being in orchestra as a Viola player, I loved it and played until I graduated Highschool. I've played many pieces ranging from theme music to mozart, and it had a way of telling me that everything was going to be okay. At my point now, I'm currently attending medical school for Surgical Technology, and I still constantly listen to classical music, my favorite being Jonh Williams (who composes many amazing theme songs such as Jurrasic Park, Lawrence of Arabia, Home Alone and many more).
Music has connected myself with others in more ways than I can express. One that stands out to me is how it connects myself with one of my close friend who I'll leave annonymous. We've met each other in third grade and has been friends since. However he has a disease where he constantly shakes and is slower than normal. Yet, get him on the subject of music and he can talk about it for hours. He formed his own band with his father and has just given me his CD a while ago and it's truely amazing. Our frienship constantly increases due to our love of music. Another way it connects myself with others is that my love for Christian music also leaves me with surprises. I'm a shy person when it comes to meeting people. Specifically, last year at my first year of college, I met my girlfriend by sharing my love for music. By talking about music, I was able to open my self up to her and eventually ask her out! We are still currently dating (was one year on October 14) and I am pretty sure she is "the one". Those are only a few ways that music has connected myself with others.
As for now, I must get back to studying, and of course listening to August's Rasphody!

Music is a trigger for me. It can pull me back to good times
and bad. Events and emotions long forgotten. People that I wonder
where they are now when a certain song comes on the radio.
My graduation song and how I use to wonder where I would be now
and how I felt back then and shaking my head at how things have
turned out so far.
The song that was playing when I met my special someone , singing off-key together and laughing at each other.
Music sometimes seems to be the needle in my life sewing my
memories together.

Music connects me to friends who share the same style as I do. I enjoy country and my friends enjoy country music. We can trade music, talk about music and share it when we are together. I'm glad my girlfriend enjoys country music too. But then, she probably wouldn't be my girlfriend if she was goth.

Music is in everything that I do in my waking hours. I drive the kids to school and the radio is playing. Music connects my children and myself together.

Music has lifted me when I was sad. It helps me to understand what I am going through. I grew up loving and singing songs. I still sing at churches and have since I was six years old. I am now 38 and my dad sings and plays the guitar with me. We have never charged a fee for singing. We do benefits for the needy and now my fathers health is failing but he still sings. I realize when he is gone my music will change because no one can play for me like he does. He is my greatest music influence and I love him and idolize him for loving music so I could love it.

What is life without music? It changes you mood and is better than drugs. If your music is diversed then so are you outlooks.

Music allows me to recall a magically moment from my past. A few bars of a favorite tune from the 50s makes me remember my prom in great detail.

Our world is a difficult place to live in. The devil pulls us every which way. Christian music helps me stay grounded in Christ. It is my inspiration for the Lord and the reason I play in our Church Praise band Quest at the First Christian Church, Galesburg IL 61401.

Music has allowed me to connect to others in a way that words cannot.

music brings me up when im feeling down :(

it makes me feel good inside

Music has opened up a new world for me and has given me way to express myself in a way that I couldn't achieve with words. It has made me a more fulfilled and happy person.

Soothes the savage beast in us all

Music has opened up a new world for me and has given me way to express myself in a way that I couldn't achieve with words.

How to begin? I am not a storyteller, nor am I a music prodigy like August Rush himself, but music has played an important part in my life. I grew up playing music. Starting with piano lessons at five years old, lasting until I was seventeen, I branched out to other instruments. I picked the violin for a few years- even played in the school orchestra.

My background played a part in the next turn my musical life took. You see, I am Chinese American- my parents immigrated to the States from Taiwan. Although my brother and I both were born and raised here in the US, we grew up immersed in Chinese culture. We learned Chinese, did various traditional Chinese activities including dance and kung fu, and last but not least, Chinese instruments. We both picked up the er hu (upright chinese violin). We even participated in a Chinese music ensemble, which is not unlike a small orchestra made up of Chinese instruments (and a cello :P). I turned from the er hu to a different Chinese instrument- the gu zheng (chinese zither)a horizontal 21 stringed instrument which I love.

Although it has been a few years since I had music lessons of any kind, whenever I go home for a visit (I'm in college) I can't resist plunking down in front of the piano or the gu zheng and playing a few of the pieces I've learned. There's something about music. It calms and soothes; it brings back memories, or you can loose yourself in it and just forget your troubles for a while. I can't imagine growing up without learning music.

August Rush was a beautiful movie. I was lucky enough to see the sneak preview; and by the time I came out of the theater, I had an overwhelming urge to just sit down at the piano and start playing. I may never be August Rush, or a couple of my friends who excel at the violin (and one who just excels at everything), but I'll always have music and the ability to play it.

Without a piano or my beloved zither here on campus, I have to make do with singing along with my iPod on my way to classes and receiving odd looks because, let's face it- I really can't sing.

I really enjoy all types of music. I have a daughter who is now 14 yrs who has adhd and music has been such an avenue for both us. Since I was a little girl my dad always had sanish music playing such as salsa,bachata ect.. and I learned to appriciate the power of music. The sense of music calms the setting in my room and creates laughter as well conforts when there are problems within the household. Music is a big part of my household and culture.