MM Exploration

Music has always been a constant presence in my life, beginning as something small, a seed that was planted during my school years. Like many kids, I participated in basic music classes, singing songs or learning simple rhythms. At the time, I didn’t realize that this was the start of something that would grow into one of the most significant joys of my life.

As I got older, I began to explore different genres of music from all around the world. Each new discovery brought its own kind of excitement. I remember the thrill of finding music that spoke to different moods or moments in life. From the lively rhythms of international pop, the depth of folk traditions, to the calming sounds of instrumental compositions, I embraced music as an evolving companion. Every new genre I stumbled upon was like opening a door to a new emotional world, and I loved how music could shift the energy around me or provide a soundtrack to my thoughts.

In high school, I started learning to play the piano, which marked a pivotal moment in my relationship with music. The piano became more than an instrument to me; it was a place where I could find peace. I developed a particular fondness for classical music, and it became a sanctuary—a version of music I could escape into when life felt overwhelming. The compositions of Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy gave me a place to slow down and simply be, their timeless pieces allowing my mind to relax and my soul to find calm. Playing the piano, especially the classics, provided an outlet for emotions that I sometimes struggled to express otherwise.

More than just a means of relaxation, music has also become a crucial part of my creative process. It’s not just a background sound, but a source of inspiration that fuels my writing. There’s something about the way music can evoke emotions without words that resonates with me as I try to translate my thoughts and feelings onto the page. Whether it’s the emotion in a haunting melody or the storytelling in a song’s lyrics, music has always inspired my creativity and helped me enhance my writing. I strive to infuse my words with the same kind of emotion and connection that music brings to me, in the hopes that my writing can be something everyone can enjoy—something that reaches people in the same way music reaches me.

In many ways, music has shaped who I am, not just as a listener, but as a creator. It has allowed me to express myself, to grow, and to connect with the world in a way that words alone sometimes cannot. Music has been there through every phase of my life, and I know it will continue to play a vital role in everything I do moving forward.

I often wonder how different my life would be if music had never been a part of it. It’s hard to even imagine, but I know that without music, so many of my choices would have been altered. Music has been such a guiding force, a constant companion that has shaped the way I approach the world and my creativity. Without it, I think the course of my life would have taken a different shape.

For one, my passion for the piano would have never developed. Those hours spent practicing, learning the complexities of classical pieces, would have been replaced with something else, though I’m not sure what. Music gave me a sense of discipline, a place to focus and find peace. Without that outlet, perhaps I would have sought a different form of expression or relaxation, but it wouldn’t have had the same impact. My relationship with creativity might have felt more scattered, less grounded.

The career paths and opportunities that connected me to music, directly or indirectly, would also have shifted. So many of my creative pursuits have been fueled by the inspiration that music provides. Writing, for instance, is something I would have pursued no matter what—it’s in my heart and part of who I am—but without music, the journey would have been much longer and a bit more difficult. Music has this way of unlocking ideas for me, helping me express emotions that are hard to pin down with words alone. Without that, I would have had to search harder and longer for new ways to ignite my creativity.

There have been moments when I haven’t been able to rely on music—whether it’s during times of silence or when I needed to focus solely on the task at hand—and in those moments, I’ve learned to adapt. I’ve sought new forms of inspiration, like nature, reading, or even meditation. But the absence of music in those instances is always felt, as if something is missing, and I have to work a little harder to tap into my creative flow.

If music were suddenly taken away completely, I would lose a vital source of inspiration. Music has this unique ability to stir emotions in me, to evoke memories or feelings that I can translate into my writing. It’s like a bridge between my inner world and the words I want to put on the page. Losing that bridge would mean losing a powerful tool in my creative process, and I would have to rebuild that connection in a new way.

While I have no doubt that I would still write, still seek to share my thoughts and ideas with the world, the process would feel lonelier and less vibrant without music. Music makes the journey smoother, more colorful, and more alive. Losing it would mean losing a piece of the joy and excitement that comes with creating, and I would miss that deeply.

Here’s my favorite pianist, Yiruma, playing my favorite piano piece, River Flows in You. This piece has always been my ultimate goal since I first started learning to play this beautiful instrument:

Starting next week, I will be posting a new song from various genres and countries, each based on the film industry of choice for that week. I’ll be reviewing a new one each week, so stay tuned for an exciting exploration of music and cinema from around the world!

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