Photo from 2018's single Superhero. Watch here

Music, often hailed as the universal language, transcends cultural, linguistic, and social barriers, making it a powerful tool for healthy communication. Music has little to no generational-, ethnic-, or gender preference; it's simply there to be created, consumed and enjoyed by everyone.

But what if music could be more than just an entertaining past time?

As a youth empowerment coach, not a therapist, I've found that incorporating music and lyric writing into coaching sessions greatly enhances communication skills, especially among teenagers who might be reluctant to engage in traditional therapy. My experiences over the past two months on the YES Tour 2024, and the huge range of interactions I've had with diverse audiences from around the country have reinforced the significant role music plays in fostering understanding and connection between parents and their children; lovers with their significant other, and - most importantly - teenagers learning to understand and express themselves.

But how? Let's dig a little deeper, shall we?

Communicating with Music

Music and lyric writing provide a dynamic platform for expressing emotions and navigating complex feelings, something especially crucial in today's fast-paced, often divisive world.

Especially one that's riddled in social media for connection.

How often have you tried to have a conversation with your teenager, only to be met with grunts and the occasional "yeah, okay"? How many times have you marveled at their preference to "connect" with their friends through SnapChat and BeReal, as opposed to having an actual conversation on the phone?

Shit, how many times have you seen your teenager actually make a phone call?

But seriously: is it any wonder? We raised Gen Z on social media, technology and television - and for 2-3 years [depending on what state or country you live in] of their crucial learning and development time; they were 100% reliant on tech to communicate and connect. So can we blame them for struggling with face to face or direct communication? No. But we can support them in learning how to develop [or redevelop] these skills through creative methods such as music and songwriting.

Especially in times of conflict, where our communication skills often start to suffer.

For instance, the opening track of my latest album, "I Hope You Never," encapsulates this philosophy. It urges listeners to replace reactive behaviors with empathetic understanding, illustrating the power of compassion in transforming conflict. This approach isn't just about avoiding conflict; it's about enriching every day interactions and deepening emotional connections through verbal and non-verbal communication.

In other words: I wrote this song as my own way of breaking free from the tit-for-tat mentality, and leaning in to compassion, understanding and empathy when it comes to conversing with people. Because *news flash* it takes two to have an effective or destructive conversation.

The Power of Music in Therapy and Everyday Life

Music therapy is "the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program", and has been recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing emotional depth and mental health. However, if you're the parent of a teen, you've probably had a bit of pushback against therapy. Now, don't get me wrong, #mentalhealth and #shadowwork are absolutely trending on social media, but there's still a lot of stigma around seeing a counsellor. Now, I'm not going to lie: that could partly be because there's a running joke that therapists and counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists get into their field of work because they're trying to figure out their own shit, and, to put it bluntly: unf*ck themselves. Haha. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing - teachers should never stop learning, and mental health providers should absolutely keep studying and healing, but that is one of the reasons why I decided to not become a therapist. I decided to get into youth development coaching instead - using music to serve as a supportive tool alongside traditional therapeutic practices.

And while I am not a therapist, the strategies I employ in youth empowerment through songwriting align with therapeutic principles, helping individuals, especially Gen Z, to better articulate their feelings and reflect on their personal experiences, and the lessons they learned during their therapy sessions, if they engage in them. After all: music can influence moods and behaviors, support emotional well-being, assist in the recovery process, and help young people remember and go back to their aha moments by providing a non-threatening medium to explore personal challenges.

How Music Enhances Communication Skills

Adding music as an additional tool to coaching or therapeutic sessions improves communication skills by teaching individuals how to express complex emotions and listen to others more effectively. Through music, it's less threatening to learn to interpret the subtle nuances of emotional expression that are often overlooked in regular conversation. Whether it's the tone, the pitch, or the pace, every element of music carries a distinct emotional resonance that helps convey deeper meanings, making communication more profound and impactful.

And I've Been Seeing this First Hand

On tour, I've witnessed firsthand how music connects people from various backgrounds. Each performance becomes a conversation, a shared experience that fosters community and understanding. For example, a recent interaction with a gentleman at Myrtle Beach highlighted how music facilitates these connections. He mentioned to me how interesting it was to watch me connect with, and speak to such a wide variety of people through the music I write, sing and perform. "You're a chameleon", he said. And I laughed.

Because music is an international language. We all connect to a good beat, uplifting melody, or empowering lyrics. So it only makes sense that we can communicate safely and more effectively when we let music lead the direction of the conversation and connection. Our conversation completely emphasized music's role in fostering healthy conversations about difficult topics.

Music and Relationships

Music's influence extends beyond concerts and therapy sessions into everyday relationships. It can serve as a bridge between generations, cultures, and social groups. By engaging with music, individuals of all ages find common ground, share joys, and support each other through challenges. The act of making music or even listening to music together can strengthen bonds and encourage mutual respect and appreciation.

Take Action: Embrace the Power of Music

If you're intrigued by the potential of music to enhance communication and emotional understanding, or if you're considering incorporating music into your personal, educational, or professional environments, I’d love to discuss how we can collaborate. Whether through performances, workshops, presentations, or simple conversations, there are numerous ways to harness the transformative power of music. Music is not just an art form but a vital tool for healthy communication and emotional connection.

Yep. Music offers more than just entertainment. It's a powerful method for healthy communication, providing a means to express, connect, and fully understand one another on a deeper level. As we continue to explore how music can facilitate positive change and deeper understanding in our lives, let’s remember its profound impact on our emotions, relationships, and communities. Join me in embracing music as a way to communicate more effectively and compassionately in every aspect of life.