Resonant Rhythms: Exploring Emotions Through Music

**Resonant Rhythms: Embracing Emotions Through Music**

For our third *Resonant Rhythms* class, we once more explored music and emotion—but this time via Zoom. Online music teaching is constrained, yet I was determined that distance wouldn't get in the way of us tapping into the potency of sound and expression.

We began with some instrumental music, as we had previously done. Despite being on our screens, I could observe how the music impacted the students. Some nodded their heads, others closed their eyes, and when I questioned them about what they were feeling emotionally, their answers were just as reflective as when we were face to face. Next, I brought in an interactive exercise where all of the students utilized their surroundings to *make* sound. Some tapped on desks, others clapped or hummed, and some even brought small items from home to make rhythms. The assignment was easy enough: convey emotion through sound. One student employed gentle tapping to replicate the sound of raindrops' pitter-patter and told me that it made her feel relaxed. Another created a fast, repeating beat with their hands, explaining that it reminded them of excitement before a big event.

Although in separate locations, the bond was present nonetheless. Music, albeit behind a screen, united us and enabled each one of us to offer a piece of ourselves. This session reaffirmed what I've learned thus far in *Resonant Rhythms*—music is not merely about hearing; it's about *feeling* and *expressing*, regardless of our locations.