Composer Helps Families Bond By Creating Custom Songs They Can Play Together.

Music is good for the soul, especially in times of stress.

We’ve seen countless musicians lift others’ spirits during the novel coronavirus, and now someone is returning the favor. Dr. Matthew Shlomowitz is an associate professor of music composition at England’s University of Southampton – and an unofficial creator of smiles!

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When quarantine began, he started writing music for his family to play at home and wondered if he could do the same for others in need of a boost.

He began taking requests in March for custom songs based on people’s instruments and abilities. So far, he’s composed 19 pieces in a project he calls Music for Cohabitors.

“Once you’ve learned the piece, send us a video, and we’ll put it on the web page,” his website says. He’s already received several videos featuring a variety of musicians, from couples to entire families!

“We see all over the place that the lockdown is leading both to social kindness and new forms of creative projects that make sense at this time,” Matthew told the Surrey Comet.

As people have time and are looking to keep busy in a nice and meaningful way, I am also thinking a lot about how the pieces can be challenging for the musicians in a way that can be realistically achieved.

If these examples are any indication, he’s definitely accomplishing that goal!

Not only are his arrangements making quarantine fun, but they’re also connecting families and strangers alike.

As for the rest of the world’s music lovers, he’s giving us something to look forward to! After all, we don’t have to play an instrument to appreciate their beauty.

What a wonderful way to make this uncertain time more enjoyable! Thank you, Matthew, for using your musical expertise to spread hope around the world. We can’t wait to see what you compose next!

If you’d like your own custom song, you can message Matthew here. Share the word with your friends, and check out the Coronavirus Good News Dashboard for more stories of joy.


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