Dear Friends -
Many moons before I became a consultant helping others navigate their third act, I was a professional oboist. Classical music wasn’t just a backdrop to my life—it was my life. Though I eventually transitioned careers, music has never stopped being a powerful tool in my day-to-day.
It’s how I shift my mood.
It’s how I unlock creativity.
It’s how I process emotion.
I have playlists for productivity, for joy, for grief. When I need to let out some sadness, I put on the Adagio movement of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony. Every time, it moves me to tears—and frees me a little in the process.
Whether you were once a musician or just a music lover, this week I invite you to consider:
How is music showing up in your life right now?
And how might it help you live this next chapter with more meaning, clarity, and emotional range?
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🎧 Why Music Still Matters in the Third Act
As we age, music becomes more than entertainment—it becomes a portal.
Memory: A single song can transport you instantly to your first concert, a college road trip, or your wedding dance. Our brains are wired to store musical memories deeply.
Mood Regulation: Music can energize or soothe. It helps with sleep, focus, and stress relief—without a prescription.
Relevance: Staying curious about new music can keep us open-minded, connected, and culturally aware, especially as younger generations use music to express what matters to them.
🔄 Try This: Music-as-Medicine Toolkit
1. Curate Your Life’s Soundtrack
Make a list of songs tied to key memories—your first love, a pivotal career moment, a time of grief or joy. Then, play them. Journal what comes up.
2. Build Purposeful Playlists
Create custom playlists for emotional support or creative flow. Start with categories like:
“Create & Focus”
“Move & Energize”
“Grieve & Let Go”
“Gratitude & Grounding”
3. Stay Current with AI
Paste this into ChatGPT or your favorite AI tool:
“Give me a playlist of new music by emerging artists over 50—or artists blending classic influences with modern sounds. I want to feel inspired and connected to what's current.”
🎶 Spotify Playlist How-To: Curate Your Own Soundtrack
Creating a playlist on Spotify is easier than you think—and it’s a perfect way to support your mindset, mood, and meaning in the third act.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Open Spotify (mobile or desktop).
Click “Your Library” > Tap the “+” icon to create a new playlist.
Name your playlist something intentional—like “Creative Flow” or “Morning Mojo.”
Hit “Add Songs” and:
Search by artist, song, or genre.
Explore “Made For You” recommendations to find new music.
As you listen during the week, add songs that shift your energy in a helpful way.
Bonus: Use the “Enhance” feature to let Spotify auto-suggest songs that match the vibe.
Try creating one playlist for your past (nostalgia), one for your present (current mood), and one for your future (how you want to feel next).
🎻 Learning an Instrument in Your Third Act
There’s something powerful about becoming a beginner again—especially when it comes to music. Learning an instrument in your third act isn’t just a fun hobby; it’s brain-boosting, mood-lifting, and deeply fulfilling. Whether you always dreamed of playing piano, strumming a guitar, or finally understanding how to read music, now is the perfect time. Start small: try free lessons on YouTube, or use apps like Yousician, Simply Piano, or Fender Play. For more personalized guidance, look for local teachers through a simple Google search or ask nearby music schools about adult classes. Even one lesson a week can build confidence, community, and creativity. Remember: you're not too old, and it's never too late to make music.
🧭 Your Invitation This Week:
Let music be more than background noise—let it guide you.
Revisit the songs that have shaped you.
Explore the ones that might shape you next.
And if you’re feeling stuck in transition, remember: the right song at the right moment can unlock something inside you that words never could.
Here’s to creating the soundtrack of your Third Act—one powerful note at a time.
Warmly,
Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️
P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara