Draw Your Rhythm

Did you try the exercise for finding your voice through singing? If you haven’t had a chance to do that yet, I hope you’ll be sure to give it a go.

This time, let’s try expressing music or rhythm through drawing. I usually play this game with young children, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, too. It’s also good to try it as a game for the whole family.

First, prepare two or three songs that each have a different and unique feel to them. For example, you could pick a sweet serenade ballad, an exciting dance song with a strong beat, or a dramatic orchestral piece. Find some colorful crayons, colored pencils, or markers, and prepare some large, blank paper.

Play your music selections one after the other. First, relax your body and mind, and listen to the music comfortably. It’s also good to close your eyes and feel the music with your whole body.

Now, play the songs again from the beginning. This time, as you listen to the music, choose a crayon or colored pencil in a color that appeals to you and draw the music or rhythm that you feel on the paper. Let your hand move freely and let your mind move freely, expressing the music through your drawing as if you are performing dahnmu, energy dancing.

Finally, sing your favorite song as you express that song as a drawing. It’s fine to hum the tune instead of singing the lyrics. The important thing is to be deeply absorbed in the song and transfer the feeling of the song into a visual image.

Although it’s a very simple exercise, try it for yourself and you’ll be amazed at how much of a sense of freedom and release you feel from this simple game.

Let’s take this opportunity to remind ourselves that the essence of art and creation involves revealing and expressing the life inside of you naturally, without embarrassment or fear, as you feel a deep connection, a sense of oneness with yourself.

If you would like to share your music drawing with Ilchi.com visitors, please scan it and send the image file to community@ilchi.com.