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Hearing

Music for Self-Care & Music Therapy

A person can experience relaxation and self-care through music, which is a creative art that is strongly linked to our emotions, evoking feelings such as sadness, happiness and calmness (Plack, 2018). Music can be appreciated actively (e.g., playing a music instrument, singing, or improvisation), or receptively (e.g., listening to a favourite band) (Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 2013). This leads to the field of music therapy, a professional healthcare profession that supports and develops the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing” of an individual (Bunt, Hoskyns, & Swami, 2013, p. 11).

Apps for Playing
Music Instruments

Creating and playing music can help express emotions, improve confidence, and manage anxiety (Foran, 2009; Henderson, 1996). Please explore the following free digital applications for music creation and improvisation for Android or iOS platforms. Click on the name of each application for an external link:

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  •  Real Piano - Play And Learn by Bilkon Technology (available for Android only)

    • This app simulates a piano and keyboard on the screen of your phone/tablet to create an opportunity for learning chords and music notes. A person can play with different instruments like the grand piano, synth, organ, acoustic guitar, and flute. Participants can record their created music and share their innovations on social media.
       

  • BandLab – Music Making Studio by BandLab Singapore Pte Ltd. (available for Android and iOS)

    • The program allows an individual to import a music track or create your song from scratch, collaborating with other participants and publish your music for the global community. Those interested in music creation can enjoy details such asaddings beats, loops, and vocals from hundreds of free sound files.

Apps for Singing

Singing is an aural stimulation that positively impacts physical health, emotional states, and neural network reconfiguration improving chronic medical conditions (e.g., lung diseases, asthma, etc.) and mood disorders (Kang, Scholp, & Jiang, 2018). Below are a selection of free applications to practice your inner voice and singing capabilities:

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  • Yokee by Yokee Music LTD. (available for both Android and iOS)

    • This application allows a person and their friends to sing karaoke and collaboratively engage in recording, sharing, and listening to their favourite tunes. Participants can vote on their favourite recordings, adding an interactive element to the platform.
       

  • Smule by Smule (available for both Android and iOS)

    • A person can use this application to engage in singing and making friends. Consider this application to practice singing solo, in a duet, or join a group performance. There are options to create music with celebrity singers and Disney characters to have a creative flare to your singing.

Apps for Listening to Music

Similar to active musicking, receptive music activates new brain pathways, which improve memory, mood, and abilities to acquire new cognitive and emotional information (Foran, 2009; Sacks; 2007; Levitin, 2006). If you are interested in listening to music, please explore the following free applications:

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  • AccuRadio - (available through any web browser)

    • This website offers over 60 genres of free music for aural stimulation.
       

  • Relax Melodies: Sleep Sounds by Ipnos Software Inc. (available for iOS and YouTube)

    • This application is ideal for users who experience insomnia and distress. By offering various soundscapes, bedtime stories, and meditations, consider this platform for awareness of environmental sounds.

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