A Message From Jake Shimabukuro
Aloha and thank you for your interest in MIGM!
My belief that Music is Good Medicine (MIGM) goes all the way back to my childhood. Ever since my mother first put a ukulele in my hands at the age of 4, this magical instrument has been a positive force in my life – helping to steer me away from drugs, violence and other negative influences. It fueled my passion for music, which has helped me to develop in mind, body and spirit.
The MIGM program believes that being directly involved in the creation of music is the key to a healthy lifestyle. This may sound simplistic, but, believe me, if everyone would pick up their instrument after a long, stressful day and spend a few minutes working through a few chords or favorite song, they’d find that little practice session would have amazing therapeutic benefits!
Sure, learning any musical instrument can be a great challenge, but here's a little secret – the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn, as well as one of the most affordable. This tiny, four-string instrument is a universe of joy and healing, with a childlike quality about it that returns us to our youth and energizes our mind, body and spirit. Finally, I believe that everything in our universe is connected. We are all intertwined in a web of energy. Music helps us to tap into that energy and discover things we never thought possible by allowing us to express ourselves. And, by simply expressing who we are, we project positive energy back into the universe, which ultimately makes this world a better place.
I do not know who I would be today if my mom had not taught me how to play the ukulele nearly 30 years ago. I do know, however, that the ukulele is the key to music, and Music Is Good Medicine.
Mahalo,
Jake Shimabukuro
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