This time of year, people often reflect upon things they are thankful for, such as friends and family. We would like to take a moment to reflect on music we are thankful for. Music can reach people in a variety of ways as it can accompany important life moments. Specific songs can spark memories and evoke strong emotional responses. A nursery rhyme your parents sang to you as you were growing up, your favorite song to dance to in high school, the song that makes you think of your best friend, the first song you saw live at a concert, the song that played at your wedding, the song that helped you through a really tough time, and the song that can always make you smile are just a few examples of how important music can be to shaping our life experiences. Did any songs pop into your mind as you read that list? Write them down! Make your own list of music you are thankful for, put each song into a playlist, and listen to it when you feel like you need to, since music will always be there for you.

Here is an example of what your list could be like:

I am thankful for Queen for being the first CD I listened to at night when I felt like I outgrew my baby lullaby CDs. I am thankful for the line in Bohemian Rhapsody that goes “thunderbolts and lightning very, very frightening” because I thought it was silly so I sang that song randomly all the time as a six-year-old.

I am thankful for marching band arrangements of popular songs because the sound of instrumentation reminds me of being in marching band in high school and college which is where I made many great friends.

I am thankful for standard classical clarinet music since playing it and being in various ensembles led me to some of my greatest memories, best friends, and career path.

I am thankful for Praying by Kesha because it evokes strong emotions from me each time I hear it.

I am thankful for jazz music because it reminds me of a loved one.

I am thankful for Love on Top by Beyoncé for always reminding me of summer 2014.

I am thankful for the music I make together with the people I work with since it can further our connection and enhance our strengths.

The list can go on and on. We would love if you shared some of the music you are thankful for with us! Music can be special to us in so many ways, which is one of the many reasons why it can be a therapeutic tool to use with the clients we work with. Whether it is sparking memories and feelings from the past, or creating new memories and feelings in the moment, music can be a powerful thing to be thankful for.