Be you. Be free.

I am a firm believer that not only music effects our moods but I also believe acting like we are happy with certain actions such as singing in public places, dancing, and other things that could be considered not socially acceptable also can have a huge impact on the way we feel. I tried another experiment out when I was at the gym (which is funny because I tend to do most of my social experiments there), where I danced to the music that I was listening too. Obviously I am a very sane person so I was doing it mostly as a joke (I do not think I would ever just dance seriously in a public place). What I realized is as I and my friend danced and had a good time I was a lot more happy and the time went by so fast. I do not think we need any scientific research to prove that when we do things that may be a bit weird or out of the ordinary without caring what others think that is when we have some of the funnest and happiest times of our life. I feel like a lot of times we choose to live the more passive life with less risk and more care to what others are going to think of us. If only everyone could realize that if we just do not care what others think we would be capable of creating such a happier society. I remember those times when I would go to a dance by my school or put on by my church and I would not dance because I wanted to seem "cool" or I did not want anyone to think I was weird. I would have a terrible time because I cared so much about what the people around me thought. But I realized when I was just myself I not only had a blast but I made so many more friends, and not just superficial friends I made ones that accepted me for me and that had common interests. I encourage anyone out there that is looking to be happier in life. Go and be you, go and dance in the middle of the street with your friends, or sing in a grocery store and make a hilarious music video doing it. Be you. And watch how happy you can truly be.

"You are what you listen to."

Music has an incredible effect on our behavior and mood. Music is such a huge part of my life. I am not complete without paying my college discounted $5 subscription of Spotify (which for those who are new to that application it allows you to find and search any type of music, stream it, as well as add it to persoanl playlists to play whenever you want). I play music whenever I get the chance. As I get ready in the morning, in my car to class, working out, doing homework, etc. I always need to have music and I realized that playing the right kind of music is essential to allowing myself to keep the right kind of mood throughout the day. I decided to actually perform a small experiment to see how music effected my behavior. Every time I would go to the gym I would try out a different genre of music. I would try rap, acoustic, techno, alternative, rock, ext. I would then pay attention as I worked out to how it would effect my workout and how I would feel during and after. I realized that playing music with a faster more intense beat would raise my heart rate. It would also allow me to be more daring and lift more weights. I then realized this music was better then listening to more relaxing slower tempo music because that made me slower at lifting and more tired. Having higher faster beat music was great but then I realized something new. Listening to rap or rock music with lyrics that were more profane made me feel more anxious and made me angrier or made me less sensitive to profanity and other immoral things. Could it be that music can have an effect on our mood and behavior? OF COURSE IT CAN! I began to listen to music with less profanity and better constructive lyrics still with a up tempo beat. The result was a great workout with less anxiety and anger. I also was able to feel good morally during and after. What I learned from this small experiment was that when I write or listen to music I need to be careful what I listen too. The cliche saying "you are what you eat" could perfectly be changed to "you are what you listen too". We need to remember that music has a powerful influence on our lives and if we use it prudently then we can enjoy it and have it influence our lives for the better.

Cheesy Croutons Press Release

Six Strings

Sitting in front of an audience, strumming those six strings of my Epiphone acoustic guitar, and singing a song of my own. There really is nothing more relaxing and fulfilling.

I have always been one to play music. Ever since elementary school I would be anxious to get to the music class to practice the recorder or be one of the special kids chosen to play the bongo that day. I took piano lessons all throughout elementary and middle school and loved music but felt that I didn't find the right niche. One day I was playing my dads classical guitar and something felt right.

Junior year of high school I got a concussion and had back problems so I could not play basketball that year. I was super sad and had no idea what I would do with all my free time. I began to play my dads guitar more often. At first it was a bit frustrating because all I was learning to do was how to play three very basic chords. I was terrible at it. Despite my lack of skill I continued to play and play til I could slowly start playing better. 

Our family friend then was nice enough to let me borrow his acoustic guitar. I liked the way steel strings sounded compared to nylon. I remember playing countless hours at in my room, at my friends houses, or even at the beach. I was obsessed and finally found something that I had a passion doing. 

After practicing different tabs I would find online and watching guitar tutorials on YouTube . I was inspired to start writing my own stuff and put lyrics to it. As I began to do this more and more I began to find my own style of music. This video I am adding is when I performed a song I wrote my first year of college. I am so excited to continue to play and continue this passion of guitar.