Music Is All Around Us

Have you ever listened - really listened - to the natural world around us? We live in the mountains and forests of Colorado. The natural world around us is just bursting with music, and we should all take the time to listen to it’s tune. Ever wondered what inspired the great composers of our past? I do. I imagine them outside in nature, listening to the sweet melodies of the birds, to the wind rushing through the trees. The sounds with each bird and each tree are different. Many of our classical composers were inspired by birdsong, flowing water, and other sounds from the world around us.

Let’s try an experiment. Take a walk in the forest around you. Try to make note (or even record) some of the soothing sounds of nature. Here are some ideas to get started:

Animals:

Our forests are chock full of birds and animals. We have a wonderful variety of birdsong. Have you heard the elk talk to one another? Even those pesky coyotes have a song. Take the time to listen and compare them all! What about the insects? The noises of our natural world is vibrant and alive with beautiful song! We have all heard the cicadas singing at night!

Wind:

Compare the beautiful sound of the wind through the aspens with the wind through the pines. Note the differences and similarities. The breeze in the grasses even makes a sound if you listen for it!

Water:

Rivers and streams have their own melodies, and they are usually quite soothing to us! Waterfalls and rainfall give us a steady ebb and flow of soothing sounds.

Immersing ourselves in the natural world around us can be a rewarding and relaxing experience. Let yourself sit quietly and listen to all of the beautiful sounds around us. Let us know what your favorites are!