Channel Your Inner Chopin
Not a professional musician? Quit those piano lessons as soon as
mom would let you? No problem: Here are some suggestions for
incorporating more music into your life-and reaping the tuneful,
healthy rewards:
+ Hear it. Next time you hit the cardio machines, ditch the
magazine and fire up the iPod instead. Visit iTunes and download
free, weekly "Podrunner" podcasts, which are nonstop, hour-long
mixes by DJ Steve Boyett. The beats per minute stay at a constant,
exercise-appropriate pace to keep you working. Also visit
MassageEnvy.com/SootheMeMusic for a free download of relaxing music
that will keep you feeling as if you just got out of your massage therapy
session.
+ Watch it. Check out "Community Drumming for Health and
Happiness," a DVD from percussionist Jim Greiner that will teach
you basic drumming techniques with an emphasis on improving
"health, happiness and fitness." Find it at Amazon.com or at
communitydrumming.com.
+ Read it. Pick up Who's Afraid of Classical Music by Michael
Walsh (Book Sales, 2004) to broaden the range of music you're
interested in and knowledgeable about. Before you know it, you'll
find yourself humming Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition"-and
feeling calm, centered and at peace while you do it!