MEIKEL IS SAD TIMES AND BE MACHMIR IN GOOD TIMES.

Bring on recorded music.

Thus, the prohibition against music should be observed properly regardless of the general circumstances. However, in the in the following situations one may be lenient in playing or listening to music during this time:

Where one is suffering from anxiety
The music is played for young children
One who is unwell and the music can calm him or her and motivate their general well-being
One who is quarantined (this doesn’t include the general lockdown that certain states have imposed upon their residents).
There’s even more room to be lenient in all of the above-mentioned cases prior to Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

In any situation which does not fit into the above criteria, where one feels that music is an important factor in helping their general well-being, one should consult a Rav on an individual case by case basis.

One more point: While it’s important to take into account the positive effect playing music has during this time, we must also be cognizant of the negative repercussions this may have in terms of the Chunuch of the family when they discover that some rules is fall by the wayside due to the current outbreak. They need to understand that Halacha is a strong as always and any leniency is only based on very specific circumstances and as per the guidance of a Rav.

It must also be noted that the original prohibition against celebrations, haircuts and music etc. during the days of the Omer was originally instituted due to a plague at the time. The Poskim mention many other similar tragedies that happened during these days. Indeed, many seforim explain that the days of Omer possess the aspect of din, severity, and the Rebbe adds that this could have been one of the triggering factors to that which occurred. When we’re experiencing unfortunately similar occurrences in our times during the same time, we ought to be extra careful in this matter and not attempt to seek leniencies, other than that which was described above.

Please note that these halachos apply in general situations. In unique circumstances, a different halacha may apply. If you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rov. For more Halachos log onto http://www.halacha2go.com
Supplementary material courtesy of http://www.AskTheRav.com under the auspices of Rabbi Braun, shlita

The importance of music in terms of elevating the spirit cannot be underestimated. At the same time the prohibition against music during the time of sefira should not be taken lightly either.

Thus, the prohibition against music should be observed properly regardless of the general circumstances. However, in the in the following situations one may be lenient in playing or listening to music during this time:
* Where one is suffering from anxiety
* The music is played for young children
* One who is unwell and the music can calm him or her and motivate their general well-being
* One who is quarantined (this doesn’t include the general lockdown that certain states have imposed upon their residents).

There’s even more room to be lenient in all of the above-mentioned cases prior to Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

In any situation which does not fit into the above criteria, where one feels that music is an important factor in helping their general well-being, one should consult a Rav on an individual case by case basis.

One more point: While it’s important to take into account the positive effect playing music has during this time, we must also be cognizant of the negative repercussions this may have in terms of the Chinuch of the family when they discover that some rules is fall by the wayside due to the current outbreak. They need to understand that Halacha is a strong as always and any leniency is only based on very specific circumstances and as per the guidance of a Rav.

It must also be noted that the original prohibition against celebrations, haircuts and music etc. during the days of the Omer was originally instituted due to a plague at the time. The Poskim mention many other similar tragedies that happened during these days. Indeed, many seforim explain that the days of Omer possess the aspect of din, severity, and the Rebbe adds that this could have been one of the triggering factors to that which occurred.
When we’re experiencing unfortunately similar occurrences in our times during the same time, we ought to be extra careful in this matter and not attempt to seek leniencies, other than that which was described above.