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Music and Finding Solace during These Uncertain Times

Music and Finding Solace during These Uncertain Times

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Guest Post by Dr. Ron Johnson
Professor, School of Business, American Public University System

Music is a world within itself
With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands.

Stevie Wonder, Sir Duke

These immortal words are from Stevie Wonder, formerly known as Little Stevie Wonder. Is it any wonder that in times like these, we turn to something as primal, as rhythmic and dare I say, soothing to the soul, like music? There has been research that suggests music makes us feel good.

Just as the seasons turn four times a year, it seems there is a new music style vying for our attention. K-pop, grunge (wait – that was from the 1990s), grime, electronic dance music (EDM), and many other styles have joined the lexicon of popular music. And just as there are four seasons of the year, one would be hard-pressed to top these four musical genres: classical, jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock. They have all spread joy throughout the world, inspiring millions of devotees.

Listening to music is something I do daily – in fact, most of the day, I listen to music. A typical day begins with breakfast, the morning paper (on my iPad), and a cup of coffee.

During this wake-up period, I am usually listening to classical music. I then transition to my home office where my music is turned to something a bit different – either jazz or a curated station from my music provider. Finally, to get through the afternoons and early evening work periods, I love listening to classic rock – mainly from the 1960s and 1970s.

Some people do not like music. Science says it has something to do with the pleasure center of a person’s brain.

Just as many can’t understand (or trust) a person who doesn’t like dogs or cats, I feel the same way about music. Why doesn’t everyone feel the same joy I experience when listening to a Beethoven symphony, a Wagner opera, one of the countless classic songs from The Beatles, or thousands of other examples I can provide?

Music makes us move, dance, jump up and down, and feel joy. In a time of stress, music can provide us solace, help, and information in times of need.

What I love about music is how it inspires and helps us to become more human.  A recent example is the spontaneous outbreak of song in Italy, where residents have been living under a coronavirus lockdown. Listen to this performance, and you will understand what I mean.

Many of our favorite performers are reaching out to us through social media with songs of hope and inspiration. Bono from U2 posted this song – when I heard it the first time, I got chills down my spine.

Finally, we all know that we need to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds. Here are some special ways to reach that standard!

Remember, music will always be with us and there for you – during good times and bad, during our celebrations and mournings, and whenever we need hope. Do yourself a favor and listen to the music!

About the Author

Ron Johnson, Ph.D. is a lifelong music lover – the first record he bought was Windy by The Association. When he’s not listening to music, Ron is a Professor for American Public University System, School of Business, Management Program.

Wally Boston Dr. Wallace E. Boston was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of American Public University System (APUS) and its parent company, American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) in July 2004. He joined APUS as its Executive Vice President in 2002. In September 2019, Dr. Boston retired as CEO of APEI and retired as APUS President in August 2020. Dr. Boston guided APUS through its successful initial accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association in 2006 and ten-year reaccreditation in 2011. In November 2007, he led APEI to an initial public offering on the NASDAQ Exchange. For four years from 2009 through 2012, APEI was ranked in Forbes' Top 10 list of America's Best Small Public Companies. During his tenure as president, APUS grew to over 85,000 students, 200 degree and certificate programs, and approximately 100,000 alumni. While serving as APEI CEO and APUS President, Dr. Boston was a board member of APEI, APUS, Hondros College of Nursing, and Fidelis, Inc. Dr. Boston was appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity by the U.S. Secretary of Education in 2019. He also serves as a member of the Board of Advisors of the National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA), as a Trustee of The American College of Financial Services, as a member of the board of Our Community Salutes - USA, and as a member and chair of the board of New Horizons Worldwide. He has authored and co-authored papers on the topic of online post-secondary student retention, and is a frequent speaker on the impact of technology on higher education. Dr. Boston is a past Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the McDonogh School, a private K-12 school in Baltimore. In his career prior to APEI and APUS, Dr. Boston served as either CFO, COO, or CEO of Meridian Healthcare, Manor Healthcare, Neighborcare Pharmacies, and Sun Healthcare Group. Dr. Boston is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Chartered Global Management Accountant. He earned an A.B. degree in History from Duke University, an MBA in Marketing and Accounting from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. In 2008, the Board of Trustees of APUS awarded him a Doctorate in Business Administration, honoris causa, and, in April 2017, also bestowed him with the title President Emeritus. In August 2020, the Board of Trustees of APUS appointed him Trustee Emeritus. In November 2020, the Board of Trustees announced that the APUS School of Business would be renamed the Dr. Wallace E Boston School of Business in recognition of Dr. Boston's service to the university. Dr. Boston lives with his family in Austin, Texas.

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