White Horse Black Mountain believes deeply in the transformative power of music and other performing arts. Music has the power to inspire the heart, to calm the mind, to uplift the soul, to heal both the spirit and the body.
- Ancient philosophers understood the power of music
- Indigenous Peoples throughout history understand the power of music
- Spiritual Traditions across cultures understand the power of music
- Modern day scientists have confirmed the power of music
"There is an inner connection between music and the spirit. When language aspires to the transcendent and the soul longs to break free of the gravitational pull of the earth, it modulates into song"
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sachs
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
- Plato
What We Believe About Music and Community
"We aspire to be a sign of life and the heartbeat of the community. We celebrate the power of music to evoke emotions, to touch the souls of those who hear its rhythms and melodies. In an African community, coming together in response to the beating of the drum is an opportunity to give one another a sense of belonging and of solidarity. It is a time to connect with each other, to be part of that collective rhythm of the life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women are all invited to contribute to the society. "
adapted from a quote from The Drumbeat of Life by Sebastian Bakare
What We Believe About Musicians
"Musicians are some of the most driven, courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day-to-day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, they face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get real jobs, and their own fear that they'll never work again. Every day, they have to ignore the possibility that the vision they have dedicated their lives to is a pipe dream. With every note, they stretch themselves, emotionally and physically, risking criticism and judgment. With every passing year, many of them watch as the other people their age achieve the predictable milestones of normal life - the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. Why? Because musicians are willing to give their entire lives to a moment - to that melody, that lyric, that chord, or that interpretation that will stir the audience's soul. Musicians are beings who have tasted life's nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another's heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God, and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes."
-David Ackert, LA Times
What We Believe About Music and Happiness
Research has proven that listening to moving music causes the brain to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical. Dopamine-induced pleasure may help explain why music has been such a big part of human societies throughout history.When you listen to tunes that move you your brain releases dopamine, a chemical involved in both motivation and addiction.