Choose the right music for you

Although music is a personal choice, Brodeur invites you to open yourself up to something new -- and to react in whatever way you see fit. "Try new things just to realize the freedom it gives you, she explains. "If you want to sing, if you want to play, if you want to tap, that's OK. Let it go. Engage yourself in the music process." If you're looking for some new music or just a reminder of what's available, here are some artists to get you in the mood.

Music to inspire: When Marsha Moshinsky, an assistant negotiator at Indian and Northern Affairs in Toronto, needs a pick-me-up she turns to Mexican singer-songwriter Fernando Delgadillo. "His songs are often forward looking, about moving on, making effective change," she says. "It makes me want to go out there and do things for the better." Also try: Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Bach, Mahalia Jackson, Woody Guthrie.


Music to relax to: When Catherine Wood, a radio announcer in St. Lazare, Que., needs some down time she looks to Norah Jones. "She has a beautiful voice and her songs are just so calming." Also try: Enya, Dido, Erik Satie, Chris Isaak, Vivaldi.

Music to energize you: For Karen Reppin, an ESL instructor in Vancouver, British blues artist Joan Armatrading is the singer she listens to after a long or difficult day. "What I like most is the composition, how the instruments mesh so well into a melody. When I feel drained of energy, she's a good one to turn to." Also try: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Black Eyed Peas, Mozart, Benny Goodman, Fela Kuti. And don't forget about the power of silence. "Sometimes we need silence," says Brodeur. "