George Gemeinhardt Discusses How Music Brings Joy to People’s Lives

George Gemeinhardt has succeeded in every field he’s tried, including in music. As the 1972 recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Band Award, he knows a thing or two about performance and how music can improve life. In a world where more children are ignoring the world of music in favor of internet fame, he hopes to inspire at least a few to try out music to see what joy it brings them in life.

George Gemeinhardt on the Importance of Music

George Gemeinhardt has split his life between business and music, though he mostly plays for fun and enjoyment these days. Though some of his business partners don’t understand his love of playing, others get where he is coming from as a person. That’s because music is one of the most positive things in the world and a powerful way to bring people together and manage the challenges that life brings their way.

Multiple studies have shown that listening to and playing music can help with negative emotions by letting people express them adequately and constructively. Rather than feeling anxious or unable to process these negative feelings, music enables you to communicate them positively. Self-expression is critical to happiness in people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest.

Performers, in particular, get these emotional benefits because they are creating music near and dear to their hearts. Even better, the sound of the music itself can bring joy. Studies show that people hearing music they like often feel a euphoria that fights negative emotions and improves their quality of life. Music also bridges cultural and personal gaps, bringing together people who may not have much in common beyond the love of a performer or musical style.

Just as critically, George Gemeinhardt believes music can be a healing, creative art for people who need it the most. For example, his musical skills have helped him manage anxiety, feel better about his life, and create an array of other emotional benefits. Likewise, young children and teens struggling with the stresses of reality may find that music performance provides a beneficial outlet.

Even those children or teens who don’t want to perform may still find that music creates a fascinating creative outlet. For example, some people become music critics and write about their favorite bands and performers. Others prefer just listening to music and letting the soothing tones of their favorite music calm their anxiety, hype them up for the day, or provide other real emotional benefits.

While George Gemeinhardt still believes that performance is the key to real satisfaction in music, listening to and casually enjoying your favorite bands, composers, and performers is still a significant benefit. He strongly suggests seeking outside your comfort zone and finding music you might not have listened to otherwise, such as classical and jazz players, that can soothe your heart and inspire your creativity.