Composers shouldn’t overthink; it hinders their creativity.” – Howard Dietz
The importance of the entertainment industry and its contributors cannot be underestimated, as it holds a significant place in our society. Despite concerns surrounding the entertainment industry, it undeniably brings numerous benefits to our lives. With the increasing stress and mental health issues in our society, people often find solace in the masterpieces created by the entertainment industry. Music, a fundamental aspect of entertainment, serves as a powerful tool in improving moods, alleviating pain and anxiety, and providing an outlet for self-expression. Research has highlighted the various ways in which music positively affects our physical and mental well-being. Music therapy, conducted by board-certified music therapists in hospice and palliative care, complements traditional treatments for conditions ranging from anxiety, depression, and stress to pain management and post-degenerative neurologic disorder rehabilitation. Beyond its impact on stress and depression, music has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of dementia.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that listening to music can enhance blood flow, reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, the motivational power of music during workouts and exercise is undeniable. The benefits provided by the music industry are immeasurable, and recognition is due to composers and educators like Charles Goodger, who dedicate their time to creating beloved musical compositions for audiences of all ages.
Charles Goodger, an England-based composer and the founder of The FunSongs method, was born in London on January 10, 1955, and currently resides in Italy. His company, FunSongs Education, received an ELTons Award for innovation and excellence in English Language Teaching (ELT) in 2011 from the British Council and Cambridge English.
In addition to his musical compositions, Goodger has made appearances in several motion pictures. He had a cameo role as an English-speaking tourist in the third episode of the first season of Summertime, produced by Cattleya Rome for Netflix in 2019. He portrayed the character of the caretaker David in the independent horror film Clara, directed by Francesco Longo in 2020. Charles Goodger’s performance in Clara earned him a Certificate of Achievement as Best Actor from the Bombay-based Accord Cine Fest organization in 2021. He was also voted the Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film at the Fantastic Film Festival in San Diego, CA, USA, that same year.
Goodger’s musical excellence has led to the creation of various compositions, including “On Halloween,” sung by Charles Goodger, “On Halloween JXA remix,” sung by Charles Goodger, “I Love Christmas,” performed by Charles Goodger and Keziah Chalkly, “Best for the World,” sung by Charles Goodger and Chiara Manning, “Best for the World JXA remix,” performed by Charles and Chiara Manning, “A Song for Winter,” sung by Charles Goodger and Keziah Chalkly, “Our Autumn Song,” performed by Charles Goodger and Rebeka Ritene, and “I Love Summer,” sung by Charles Goodger and Genevieve Cremin, as well as “Terra d’Ambra e di Emozioni/Land of Amber,” performed by Al Bano Carrisi.
Goodger graduated from Queen Mary College, London University, in 1977 with a degree in Modern Languages and Literature, specializing in Spanish and French. He also obtained a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate from the Royal Society of Arts and completed an RCM Music diploma (piano). In 1985, he left London and has since lived in various locations, including Latvia and Israel. He currently resides in Italy with his wife, Maria Teresa Brintazzoli, and their son Samuel.
In addition to his roles as an actor and music composer, Charles Goodger is also an author. He has written several books, including “Trade and Business International” in 1991, “The Language of Travel” in 1993, “Trade in Action” in 1994, and “Trade Routes” in 1998. While authoring these books, Goodger established The FunSongs Education Ltd. in 1996, a Windsor-based organization. This venture aims to engage individuals of all ages in learning English through original action songs. The academy provides a safe space for students to connect and express themselves, fostering language skills and personal development.
The FunSongs Education program not only equips students with a strong command of the English language but also encourages them to discover their inner potential and nurture their skills, contributing to their personal growth.