Undergraduate / "the effect of music on the human psychology" - St. Olaf Essay [2]

Question: During Interim, St. Olaf students pursue a single course, often of an interdisciplinary nature. If you could design your own Interim course today, what would it be?

If I could design my own Interim course, it would examine the effect of music on the human psychology. Why would such random noises bear little effect on the human while music influences him so greatly? My interest in this began when I heard the story of Pythagoras altering moods with different music. He was said to be able to bring about desired moods, thoughts and ideas just from a certain type of music. This idea sparked an interest in me, because I often find that music affects me in similar ways. I propose to explore the different types of reactions that human's exhibit in response to a wide variety of musical genres. I would combine scientific, philosophical, and musical aspects of this phenomenon into my research to better understand what gives it truth.

It is undoubtedly certain that music has physicality to it. To better illustrate this, I think of what I would see at an orchestra hall: stationary, interested and quiet people. On the other hand, I think of what I would observe at a rock concert: loud, agitated and moving people having fun dancing. In this study, I would test a variety of different people's physical reactions including, heart rate, skin conductivity and brain activity. This would allow me to better understand how the body reacts to music, and understand why I am so affected by it.

I would also look at the philosophical or humanistic aspect of music. I like to believe that there is more to music than just its physical reactions. I would research this by studying philosophical text that analyze the power of music, and also interview people of today about on what music means to them. I have always been fascinated by others' take on music, and this would also give me an opportunity to answer one of my most intriguing questions. What makes music a spark for the soul?

Lastly, I would endeavor to answer what musical aspects have a bearing on humanity. I have always questioned what makes a diminished chord inspire fear, or a major chord so awe inspiring. Is it because it had a special resonance with the soul, or is it just the math behind the tones? I would attempt to answer this by studying the effects on humans. This research could help further one's understanding of music and even of oneself. I would find this work intellectually engaging, because of my personal experience with it. I would be able to satiate my thirst for knowledge in many fields, such as classics, music and physical science while positively contributing to understanding others. This intermin course would help me better understand many things, including myself.

Undergraduate / "Piano allows me self-expression" - experience, achievement - personal essay [3]

Please check for focus and fluidity as well as grammar.Thanks

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

Personal Essay

My fingers are flying over the smooth polished keys, my eyes looking straight forward in perfect concentration at the papers before me. I feel my fingers growing tired, but I cannot stop. The black dots pass before my eyes, mixing with my soul to create something magical. This is but a moment of my never-ending journey. Piano allows me self-expression while bringing others enjoyment. Piano has also been my partner and teacher from the day I set out on this grand adventure. While I have only recently begun this journey, I have achieved many accomplishments with it, but most importantly, it has taught me countless valuable lessons that I will treasure through the rest of my life. Piano has taught me the importance of hard work, self-discipline, and dedication. Through my long rigorous practices, it has shown me the value of my curiosity, fueling it infinitely. Most importantly, my piano has taught me about the value of pursuing any true passion no matter what the cost.

My journey began freshman year, in my high school choir. From the moment I entered the room, I felt something different, something I had not yet experienced. It was the effort and discipline that came only from a true hunger for greatness. This is also where I was first exposed to the art of playing piano. What I witnessed truly inspired me. Our pianist was able to press these keys and create such a colorful range of subtle to majestic tones, all from the touch of her fingers. Her ability sparked a desire within me to play piano. I began practicing, just for the pure enjoyment of learning a piece. Playing casually wasn't enough for me though; I desired to be able to play Beethoven's fifth or Mozart's "Alla Turca." To do this, I knew would require hard work and discipline just like what I experienced in my choir. I thought practicing this instrument would only give me the ability to play wonderful pieces. I was wrong. I realized that the piano is like a teacher, guiding me to appreciate the value of my hard work and determination. I have become better at time management and realized what I can truly accomplish when I put my mind to the task. Also, I have recognized that most of the reward lies in the journey not the destination. Piano has shown me the value of having self-discipline and dedication and from this, I have learned to challenge myself, to want new experiences, and to desire to succeed.

Piano has also taught me the value of curiosity. I have been naturally curious for as long as I can remember, but I never thought much of it. Growing up, I always wondered how things worked, be it Legos or automobiles. The piano was no exception; from the first day I was exceptionally inquisitive about the scales, harmonies and anything else that went into a piece of music. I remember my first "real" song, "Für Elise." I desired to know everything I could about it, so I worked on it tirelessly. I even took the sheet music with me on car rides, studying the note values, rhythms, dynamics and mentally rehearsing it. I was able to complete this song in less than a week. This was one of my greatest personal accomplishments because I challenged myself to be something better and succeeded. Piano has imparted me with the importance of embracing my curiosity in my academics. I know now, because of piano, never to stop asking the important questions like "why" and "how," and to use my natural curiosity to drive me along the journey of live.

The most important quality that I have learned from my piano is to follow my passions. I am the first musician in my family, and this has made me a well-rounded individual. My parents are both athletic. Also most of my friends' passions involve playing sports, and I appreciate this. I have found from piano that individual passions are what make us all unique. Following my own path and interests will lead me in a positive direction, even if it means traveling it alone. Because of this, I believe that I will be a unique and beneficial addition to wherever life's roads lead.

My piano has been more to me than just an instrument; it has been one of my greatest teachers. It has had a huge impact on me, shaping who I am today. I have learned that hard work, self-discipline, and dedication will bear prosperous fruit; that I should use my curiosity to drive myself to succeed, and most importantly, to follow my passions. I know that these lessons will serve me well into my college years and beyond. While piano can immensely challenging at times with hard practices and difficult pieces, I welcome these challenges as they have allowed me to grow in many aspects of life.

I eagerly await its next lesson, quietly listening.