[Applause] The music scene is difficult in part because it's tough to play music. Well, there's that feeling of being totally vibed, getting the stink eye from other players in the orchestra or on the band stand. Have you ever experienced that.In the arts and music fields, it's easy to get beaten down. I wonder if that's why so many college graduates drop out of their dream careers as artists. But I'm just not sure it has to be this way.Even the great jazz saxoponist Charlie Parker when he was young face ch ...

Company Overview - Stockholm Taiko is a unique taiko drumming ensemble based in Sweden, blending Japanese taiko with Nordic folk music [1] - The group is led by Maki, a taiko artist from Japan, redefining the taiko experience with global influences [1] Performance Characteristics - Their signature approach combines the energy of Japanese taiko with Nordic instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes [1] - Performances are a dialogue between Japanese and Nordic traditions, moving from Japan's festival spirit to Scandinavian landscapes [1] - Performances are built on strength, harmony, and movement, embodying Japanese and Nordic traditions [1] Mission - The company's mission is to break boundaries and unite people through rhythm [1]

Core Argument - The speech advocates for incorporating rhythm, specifically Indian classical music's "tal," as a form of brain exercise to improve cognitive functions, mental agility, and mental fitness [1][10] - The speech positions rhythm as a universal tool for managing stress, enhancing mental sharpness, and promoting overall well-being [20][21][22] Cognitive Benefits of Rhythm - Mental exercises like mindfulness and rhythmic activities such as "tal" can build focus, emotional resilience, and cognitive flexibility, strengthening the brain [3][18] - Practicing "tal" engages multiple brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex (problem-solving), motor areas, and cerebellum (balance and coordination), promoting neuroplasticity [18] - Rhythm can serve as a daily mental workout, similar to puzzles or memory games, but potentially more powerful [21] Rhythm in Clinical Interventions - Rhythm can be used in clinical interventions to manage conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by restructuring neural pathways [13][15] - Techniques like drumming, tapping, and guided movement, as well as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), can help manage stress and anxiety [15][16][17] Cultural Significance of Rhythm - Rhythm is integral to various cultures, seen in Indian classical music and dance, Latin American salsa, East Asian Buddhist chants, and Western jazz, highlighting its universal presence [11][12] - "Tal" is not just a musical construct but a way of understanding and expressing life, originating in temples and structuring rituals, dance, and chants [11]