Puzzle Description:

Music awakens the brain. Especially learning to play a musical instrument. But how does music touch the very core of our being and excite the neurons deep in our brain?

#1: Teresa K (fasstar) on Oct 7, 2016

Why does certain music give someone the chills? And just what exactly is happening in the brain? Find out here:

https://www.wired.com/2011/01/the-neuroscience-of-music/

Music helps little children's brain development:
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/music-and-the-brain/

Even seniors can get smarter by learning to play an instrument:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/01/140103-music-lessons-brain-aging-cognitive-neuroscience/

Do you play an instrument? What song gives YOU the chills?

Wonderful image and wonderful links. Thanks Teresa.
"Allelluia" sung by k.d. lang touches my spirit.

Oh yeah. Me too, Jewel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYiMJ2bC65A

I've listened to other versions of "Alleluia" and k. d. lang's version is the absolute best.

I played quite a few instruments years ago, but my fingers no longer cooperate.

I used to play the french horn, trumpet and piano. I can't even read music any more, :( I do use my voice, though. I love to sing and used to be in a band 40 years ago. I used to also be a soprano, but as the years went by I became an alto. Go figure!

I am a professional fan. Love music but have never learned to play any instrument and can't carry a tune. Love the puzzle Teresa

Great image Teresa! Great articles too! I love O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. I think this song does exactly what they mentioned in that first article. It starts out slow, playing with the rhythms and chords until it starts to build and finally gives you that climax that you knew was going to be there right from the beginning. See what you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD3VsesSBsw

Another song is one you will recognize from cartoons, Morning by Edvard Grieg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH1JMdWpJ54

This one is a version of Pachelbel's Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra:https://youtu.be/GjaVhO24yeI

Thanks Teresa, that was fun!

puzzle and links are great teresa, thank you :)

Awesome!

Outstanding image Teresa. I wonder what it would look like with single white pixels at the 3rd,5th and 7th fret? There are so many songs that reach deep into my soul that I can't even begin to mention them. The only thing better than listening to them is to play them on any instrument. And if your fortunate enough to sing them with a choir or play them with other musicians then you'll experience a natural high that no drug can compete with. :)

I played one instrument or another most of my life. (Piano in Kindergarten, cello in 2nd & 3rd grade, recorder in 5th, then clarinet in 6th all through high school and college). Now the only instrument I "play" is my voice.

I think I inherited this trait from my mom, but whenever I hear instrumental or choral music, especially during a big upswell, I start to cry. Very frustrating, especially when I'm trying to sing along and my throat closes up.

I'm a guitarist and a singer. A lot of songs bring me to my knees. In My Life, Hey Jude, Let it Be, Elenor Rigby (or most things by the Beatles for that matter) Surfer Girl by the Beach Boys has a special place in my heart. Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, Patience by Guns n Roses. I could go on forever. Great puzzle - thank you

Great list Jen! Great puzzle Teresa!

Another Teresa series! Hurra!
I have been in choirs for 25 years, and learnt some piano. We have a free music school here but it's a little far and I was afraid to drive there. This year I have joined a medieval music group, we use costumes and play old instruments. Next year I made up my mind to learn to play a instrument, I'd like violin but I'm in doubt because I have troubles with my back and arms, so probably it will be guitar, o piano, or recorder.

I was in a recorder group for several years. I played soprano, alto, and tenor. A member of our group was the wife of the well know architect Paolo Soleri whom I got to meet on several occasions. He was such an interesting person with wonderful ideas. The couple that hosted the group were extremely talented also. Ray had a jewelry store where he designed jewelry for quite a few celebrities including Sonny and Cher when they were still Sonny and Cher. His wife was from a musical family in Amsterdam. One of her brothers directed a famous boys choir. Another was the organist at a large church. I felt a little out of place because I had no claims to fame whatsoever.

Wow!!

What Susan said. I am so tone deaf that my musical goal was to someday be a drummer! Ask any real musician, and they'll tell you that drummers are not necessarily musicians...

Thanks for all your comments, everyone. It's so fun to learn more about each of you. Music has a magic that is mystical or spiritual, touching each of us at the center of our being.

Here is the song that touches me deeply, called Illusive, composed by my son Chris (who has never had a music lesson in his life):
http://come-over.to/music/Chris/ButterflyDreams/Illusive.mp3

Thanks for sharing your links. I've enjoyed listening to all your favorites.

That's beautiful, Teresa. He has a good ear. There are some really nice chord progressions making it hard to believe he's never had a lesson. But then, the really talented don't seem to need lessons.

That is amazing Teresa. You must be extremely proud. My brother and I taught ourselves to play guitar and could not read music. My son Brad followed my footsteps but got better than me. My greatest thrill was going to see him play with his band. They were awesome. They cut a CD but the band broke up soon after. :)

I don't think Beethoven ever took a lesson?

I think your playing in a medieval group is so cool Claudia. :)

Wow what a great experience that must of been Norma. :)

Thanks Aldege, it is :)

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