Add Music to your VoiceQuilt
Many VoiceQuilt gift givers add a song – or ask callers to include music. In fact, we’ve seen music used in 4 broad ways.
1.) Add humor.
Many VoiceQuilts include a theme song from a favorite TV show or an audio clip from a radio broadcast. It’s particularly fun when friends sing familiar songs with new lyrics!
2.) Capture A Performance.
Pianos, flute, tuba and violin performances of “Happy Birthday” are always fun.
- There’s nothing quite like a toddler singing “You Are My Sunshine” or a family belting out “Jingle Bells”.
- We’ve also rescued piano and poetry recitals from cassette tapes and other media – as well as “Happy Birthday” singing from old answering machines.
- Or, ask a talented family musician to perform a family favorite.
3.) Elaborate On A Theme.
- Many 50th wedding anniversary VoiceQuilts include a song from the couple’s dating days. The gift giver googles “greatest hits of 1962” to get song ideas and then purchases the MP3 on Amazon or iTunes.
- Birthday VoiceQuilts often start out with a festive song like “Celebrate” by Kool and the Gang.
- Get well VoiceQuilts can be particularly inspiring when callers record encouraging words followed by inspirational music.
4.) Enhance Emotion.
- Many get well VoiceQuilts include hymns, college “fight” songs and gospel music.
- One Valentine gift giver recorded a romantic message and then uploaded love songs.
- Meg C. played “Someone to Stand Over Me” in the background as she recorded a thank-you message to her husband on his birthday VoiceQuilt.
Music adds something special to any VoiceQuilt. Perhaps the best reason for this is summed up by the Founder of Pandora, Tim Westergren:
“When you’re young, music is a huge building block. Part of your identity is finding something you really love and can hold on to. It’s not only that it’s a soundtrack, it’s an exposition of who you are.”
It’s easy to do, too. After recording the greeting your callers will hear (your outgoing message), you’ll be directed to the VoiceQuilt Message Center. Once you’re there, simply click Upload Music.
