Why Music Moves Us

The Power of Connection, Emotion and Empowerment

As I stepped onto the stage at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, my heart pounded. Tuba in hand, I was about to perform in front of an audience of 1,300 people. I wasn’t a seasoned pro - I was someone still finding their way with an instrument that felt both exhilarating and daunting. But as the first notes rang out, something remarkable happened: the fear dissolved, and the music took over. That’s the moment when everything else disappears. You stop thinking about the notes, the technique, the nerves - you’re simply in it.

The performance was part of the 500th anniversary of Sedbergh School. We were a mix of players, from professionals to those picking up their instruments after decades. We’d never rehearsed together before that morning; yet as we played, we became something more than individuals - we became a single, unified sound.

The Power of Music as a Shared Experience

From the moment we gathered, there was an unspoken understanding that we were in this together - especially given the venue, home to the world-class Hallé Orchestra. Music has a unique way of binding people, dissolving differences in ability, background, or experience. Research shows that collective music-making boosts oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and trust.

I certainly felt that - but not until my fellow Bass (Tuba) players arrived! For the first half-hour, I was on my own due to traffic delays, feeling exposed - especially when our esteemed conductor announced he couldn’t hear the Bass!

The first notes in rehearsal were tentative, but our confidence grew throughout the morning. By the time we took to the stage that evening, we were a single, united sound. That feeling - of being part of something larger than yourself - lingers long after the final note fades. But it’s not just about the music itself. It’s about the people beside you; the shared breaths before an entry; the quiet reassurances exchanged with a glance. That’s the power of community.

One band member described how playing a note alone felt exposing and challenging; but when supported by others, the notes flowed naturally. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of communal music-making - alone, we may struggle; but together, we thrive.

Community and Kinship

A band is only as strong as its weakest player; fostering an atmosphere of mutual support. Participation in group music-making reduces loneliness, enhances well-being and you don’t have to go on stage to experience these benefits. Whether it was a smile and a nod across the section; a shared breath before a big entry; or simply the camaraderie of working through the music together, the connection was real.

In a world where many struggle with isolation, moments like this remind us just how vital community is. Even as a temporary ensemble, there was a deep sense of belonging - and that feeling was amplified by the sheer scale of where we were.

Awe and Wonder

Playing in a venue as magnificent as the Bridgewater Hall was an experience in itself. Feeling the vibrations of sound reverberate around me was profoundly humbling. Knowing I was part of something that moved others - even on a stage that has hosted the world’s greatest performers - was awe-inspiring.

Reframing nerves as awe can lower stress levels and increase life satisfaction. Awe isn’t confined to music; I’ve felt it in nature and when viewing art. Nobody is likely to feel awe looking at one of my paintings, but great art lifts the soul in a way that resonates deeply.

Music, for me, creates moments of transcendence - whether I’m in the audience or performing. It has the power to take you beyond yourself and into something deeper. The evening finished with a rousing performance of hymns and songs connected to the school. The sheer power of over a thousand voices singing alongside an orchestra was overwhelming. The barriers between audience and performers dissolved, leaving only a collective sense of unity and joy. Research shows group singing increases endorphins and dopamine levels, fostering happiness and reducing stress. In that concert hall, it was a moment of true togetherness.

Personal Achievement and Overcoming Anxiety

As someone who has only been playing the tuba for a short time, stepping onto that stage was both exhilarating and daunting. Performance anxiety is real and something I’ve struggled with in the past. But here, it felt different - when you truly focus on the music, there’s no room for fear. Playing, blending with others, and being in the moment silences the inner critic. When the final note of Highland Cathedral rang out, as well as reiefl, I felt immense pride - not just for myself but for everyone in the Band who had faced their own challenges to be there.

Presence and Flow

One of the most striking aspects of performance is how fully it anchors you in the present. It’s nearly impossible to dwell on everyday worries when you’re concentrating on tempo, dynamics, and staying in sync with those around you. This deep focus creates a state of flow - a sense of effortless immersion where time dissolves. Entering a flow state enhances happiness and reduces anxiety and depression. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in different directions, these moments of presence are invaluable. That’s the beauty of music - it doesn’t just connect us to others; it brings us back to ourselves. Whether on stage or in the audience, music has a way of dissolving distraction and anchoring us in the moment. That’s something that has stayed with me long after the final note faded.

A Lasting Impression

I walked away from the Bridgewater Hall not just as a performer but as someone who had been part of something truly special, as reflected in conversations afterward with fellow musicians and audience members.

Music isn’t just sound - it’s connection, courage, and transformation. It binds us in ways that words can’t; silences our inner critic and immerses us in the present. Whether you play, sing, or simply listen, music offers a way back to yourself. So if you've ever thought about picking up an instrument again or joining a group, consider this your sign. You won’t just find music - you’ll find a deeper connection to yourself and others.

This article is dedicated to the Sedbergh School OS Band and to Alan Lewis, founder of the CCF and Sedbergh Town Bands.

Click here to watch a video of the concert - put together by OS Chay Turner-Richards. Whilst I can highly recommend watching the full concert - including some magnificent solo pieces - if you want to jump straight to the Band’s performance, it starts at 15 minutes, 30 seconds.?