4 . Getting older means greater maturity and wisdom.     1     In a society that is aging fast, it has become crucial to find ways to prevent related mental and emotional disorders. Music emerges as a promising tool for promoting well-being of the elderly.

Music has a great power to cause strong emotions and intense pleasure.     2     singing and dancing to music with others is not only fun but also improves mood. Musical activities are great ways to reduce stress because they take our minds off problems. They also help us feel less lonely and more connected with other people.

    3     A song may become a soundtrack for a particular time, such as a delightful party with friends that you had along time ago. Listening to that song allows you to remember all the happy memories from that time.

Finally, music contributes to keeping our thinking skills sharp. It makes our brains work hard in unique ways to understand the rhythm and melody.     4     For example, exposure to background music, particularly classical music, during cognitive (认知的) tasks is shown to improve older people’s cognitive processes, such as processing speed and working memory.

In conclusion, music is a powerful tool to fight against aging-related emotional and cognitive problems. It is an enjoyable and social activity, available to anyone regardless of their background or previous musical experience.     5    

6 . Guy Noble, one of Australia’s most famous conductors, who conducted the touring concert “East Meets West”, said he’d like to learn more about Chinese music. “I’m impressed by the history and the beauty Chinese music has,” he’s said in an interview recently.

“East Meets West” concert tour in Australia was resumed this year after being postponed twice due to the pandemic. It was hosted in Canberra last Saturday, bringing audiences some well-known Chinese and Western pieces such as Jasmine Flower, Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, and The Yellow River.

While it was called “East Meets West”, music from China and the West with the same themes was brought together. Chinese singer Ya Fen and Australian singer Victoria Lambourn performed a duet (二重唱) Hope Betrayed, which was inspired by the Chinese classic novel A Dream of Red Mansions. Noble said he loved the duet as it showed completely different singing styles: traditional Chinese opera style and Western opera style. “They’re not exactly the same, but they came together,” he said.

Having been a professional conductor for more than 20 years, Noble called music an international language. He noted that most music at the concert was about love, which was also an international language. He also spoke highly of some Chinese musicians, such as pianist Lang Lang who he thought has inspired many kids in China to learn music.

Noble admitted his knowledge of Chinese culture was limited. He said that conducting the Canberra concert was “an experience that I’ve enjoyed”, which made him more interested in discovering the background and history of the music, as well as the stories behind it. Noble is ready to create more things that can involve dance or calligraphy or some of the other aspects of Chinese culture, and put them together with music.

8 . Music is considered a great creation. It can be seen as creativity in the pure form. In society, for some people, music is a “pastime (消遣)” while for others, it is a “lifestyle”.     1    

Music is a great source of entertainment (娱乐). Though people are different in culture and language, they enjoy music and get entertainment from it. It may be part of advertisements on TV or ring tones on mobiles.    2    

Music helps communicate thoughts and feelings.    3    In this situation, music is a good way to express them. This is also the reason why some songs get more popular among the public as compared to others. It is so because people connect with some songs more.

Music sends messages to listeners. We all have observed on television many times that in certain background music is played in the scenes (情景) that describe sorrow.     4     In this way, music actually communicates with listeners without the help of words. It is interesting to know that music itself is so powerful that it does not need words.

    5    Music has deep effects on the mind and spirit of people. It directly affects the hormones (荷尔蒙), which creates a feeling of pleasure in the listener. It is because of this reason that listening to peaceful music makes us less worried or nervous.

9 . Millions of people enjoy watching Strictly Come Dancing on television every weekend. If you swing, and dance at home as the stars perform a jive or rumba, then why not give Latin dancing a go?

    1     These are the cha-cha, samba, paso doble, jive and rumba. They are classed being different from ballroom dances, which include the waltz, foxtrot, quickstep and tango.

You dance with a partner and perform stops and routines that you both learn, set to a series of energetic music.     2     Being in hold means a dance couple hold hands and dance closer together. Start by joining a beginner’s class for your age at a local dance school.     3     Or ask the class organizer to help find a partner for you. Some beginners’ classes will be a mix of Latin and ballroom.

    4     This can be fun and help you make friends and learn from others. The teacher will show simple steps and moves. You need to slowly put them together.     5     Dance studios have big mirrors on the walls so you can see how you’re doing, and special floors to help you move easily.

If you really enjoy it, you and your partner can have private lessons together with a teacher, and even enter local and national competitions once you’ve practised enough.

10 . What a year, it’s been for music! Although the industry is still influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, so many talented artists were able to put out hit songs, and music videos this year. Here are some of the best ones!

“Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)”— Doja Cat

It has taken Doja Cat many years to become an artist capable of critical respect. Planet Her is one of her most breathtaking albums released, and among so many standout tracks (歌曲), “Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)” takes the lead. With a tasty hook, soft and comforting disco atmosphere, the song deserves all the recognition it has gotten.

“Easy On Me”—Adele

Adele made her long-awaited return this year. Her track “Easy On Me” broke the world record for the most streamed song in 24 hours, with 24 million streams. Adele is the queen of ballads, and we. love “Easy On Me” for its subtle soul sounds, daring vocals, and heartfelt message about asking for forgiveness from our loved ones.

“Happier Than Ever”—Billie Eilish

Talented artists like Billie Eilish only come once in a generation. We believe “Happier Than Ever” is to Eilish what “Bohemian Rhapsody” is to Queen. Sure, maybe the former song isn’t as rock-heavy or revolutionary as the latter, but it is similarly emotional, vocally impressive, and a song we think will remain as a “classic” in years to come.

“Butter”—BTS

If the Beatles brought the “British Invasion” to the U. S. in the 60s, BTS is bringing the Korean Wave in the 2020s. This year, the beloved K-pop group’s “Butter” broke so-many records, and it’s hard to keep track. What makes the song so tasty is its sweet and playful atmosphere, amusing lyrics, and ability to show each group member’s unique personality. Because of that, it easily became a smooth summer anthem, which gives us a reason to smile, dance, and sing for a change.