Although many kinds of music exist, it is essentially one of the universal languages around the world. Music connects people, and brings out the best in us. It brings different perspectives to light, and can change the way others think. Music is binding, and has the power to change lives. It is one of the most special things to have every been created. Who knew that collections of different sounds could come together and create a whole culture in itself? Around the globe, music is a wonderful tool to change moods, minds, and bring people closer to one another. It is loved by most humans, and for good reason.

I grew up in a music family. No, my parents are not in a band and I did not spend my childhood following them on tour. My parents, instead, are lovers of music and taught me to love it as well. No matter the genre, there was almost always music playing somewhere around me. In the car, at home, or at relatives' houses, there was always some kind of tune. My first favorite bands were The Police and ABBA. One of my lullabies as a little girl was "Lost in the Supermarket," by The Clash sung in my mom's soft voice in my little bed rather than Mick Jones' booming one in a large concert hall. Even today I am surrounded by the music of my parents' generation, which has given me an open mind to all different kinds of music.

I have been told that I have a good, strange, and eclectic taste in music. I'm not sure if all of them were meant to be compliments, but I took them as such. My favorite artists today are Florence + The Machine, The Script, P!nk, and Sara Bareilles. Each of those are a different genre, but to me they are all the same. Each of those musicians brings joy to my ears with their music, and that is what is most important. Their music can lift my mood or even bring it down, depending on the tone of the song. Even so, I find ways to make the most depressing songs into something of delight and happiness.

By no means do you have to be a talented musician to enjoy music. My dabbling with the ukulele is where my musical talent comes to an abrupt end. I cannot sing, or play piano, or do anything else even slightly associated to music, but I can listen with an open and sensitive ear. If my friend wants to show someone their favorite song, I am the first to volunteer to listen. I love to discover new music, even if I don't end up liking it.

Music is the perfect companion, and can turn it off whenever you want because it isn't clingy! I am always playing music, in my headphones or out loud. To me, music is so much more than sounds coming from a speaker. It truly is a language, one that can alter moods and free someone from their inner troubles.

I consider myself lucky to have grown up with music as a constant fellow. My parents raised me to have a musical ear, and I still carry it around with me today. No matter where I go, I try to have music in my head as much as possible. Music has changed my life, and has saved me from so much inner turmoil, because although words sometimes fail, music never does. I cannot imagine a world without music, and I hope I never have to.