Hello Humans,

What does it mean to be human? What is human? What is not? We are humans right? I have been thinking about who we are as a species lately. One thing every culture has had throughout time is music. Maybe this is no surprise, but it’s worth remembering.

Our ability to make music, and to absorb it, is part of being human. The physiology/brain adaptations behind music in humans is mind blowing. Break down music a bit here with me: beat, cycle, pulse, pitch, timbre, harmony, melody, texture… These elements of music can be used one at a time by many different animals. Combining them all is unique to humans. Wait! We can go one step further… we can improvise! If you want to go deeper into this I suggest Music and the Brain from The Great Courses.

Why does this matter? Amid all the turmoil of discontent and us-vs.-them politics, there is a great longing to move past struggle and find real solutions. I think the world is looking to find a way to connect, grow, and be together peacefully. Rhythm/Music/Singing has helped cultures accomplish this very thing for as long as humanity has existed.

TaKeTiNa allows anyone to connect to their own humanity and others through rhythm and music. It’s time to use what we have to keep moving towards a better world and doing it with open hearts, joy, laughter, and rhythm.

Peace,
Jacob Stein
Human