Universal Music Day (October 12th, 2024)

I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.

Billy Joel

History of Universal Music Day

Music History dates as far back as human History. In fact, historians tend to believe that music actually predated language in the development of human culture. Human infants even make noises that are very much like singing, and this happens far earlier than they are able to develop language skills.

In fact, music is even a universal part of nature. Birds sing their songs from the trees in the morning and sometimes evening. Humpback whales offer a musical sound that comes with syntax. Mice even do a type of singing at supersonic levels. And the Pacific tree frogs sing about the weather as well as to mark their territory.

Founded as a global celebration that embodies the freedom and self-expression of music, Universal Music Day got its start in 2007 as the brain child of Susan Patricia Golden. Believing that music is the greatest gift that humans can give themselves, Golden considers herself to be a ‘reconstruction musician’, meaning that music allows people to take themselves back to their original freedom of expression as is found in children.

How to Celebrate Universal Music Day

Getting involved with and enjoying Universal Music Day can be loads of fun, Educational, and even good for your Health! Consider some of these practical ideas for enjoying and making the most of this day:

Listen to Some Music

Of course, one amazing way to engage with Universal Music Day is to simply incorporate more music into your schedule for the day! Turn music on while getting ready for work in the morning. Be sure to play some energetic music on the radio while driving the kids to school. Have some background music playing while cooking dinner. And perhaps even play some soft, rhythmic, binaural beats through headphones while falling asleep at night.

Different types of music can be included in all sorts of interesting ways, not only for Universal Music Day but on just about any average day as well!

Create a Universal Music Day Playlist

Depending on the style of music that is most appreciated, it might be fun to create a specially themed playlist that can incorporate some important musical themes in honor of Universal Music Day.

Try making a playlist on Spotify, Apple Music or some other music hosting platform. Then share the playlist with friends and family members to raise awareness about the day. Consider some of these classic 70’s pop songs to get that playlist started:

• Listen to the Music by the Doobie Brothers (1972). The first big hit for this band, this song was featured on the Toulouse Street album and was written by guitarist Tom Johnston who spent years simply playing his guitar all day, every day.
• Sing, Sing a Song by the Carpenters (1973). The debut hit of the Carpenters fifth studio album, this song encourages everyone that their lives will always be better if they just sing, no matter what happens.
• I’ve Got the Music in Me by the Kiki Dee Band (1974). With most of the lyrics repeating the song title, this catchy little tune is delightfully peppy and tells the listener that life will be okay as long as “I got the music in me”.

Learn How to Play an Instrument

Make some music in honor of Universal Music Day! Whether it’s on a new instrument that is similar to one you already know how to play (say, learning the ukulele after knowing how to play the guitar) or it’s a completely new concept, Universal Music Day is a great time to get motivated and engage in taking lessons to learn a new instrument. Even if the instrument is simply your own voice and you are learning to sing in a choir!

Write a Song

Even if it isn’t for anyone to hear but yourself, Universal Music Day would be a great reason to write a little song. Perhaps it will sound something like a jingle from a radio commercial. Or maybe it will be like a children’s nursery song. Or it could be that it will turn into an incredible symphonic delight! Whatever the case, take the initiative to put some notes on the paper and enjoy some song-writing adventures in celebration of the day.

For those who are interested in writing a song for more than just themselves, perhaps consider entering into a song contest that is sponsored by a local music school or other organization in line with Universal Music Day!