Can music contribute to anything worth? Famous music composer, Ludwig van Beethoven once rightly quoted “Music is a higher revelation than philosophy’. Indeed, music has higher magnitude than Just being a mere form of entertainment- it plays a significant role in our society be it politics or religion or even academics. So important is music’s value that it has been recorded throughout history of mankind in numerous ancient writings including the sacred Hindu scripture, Veda.
Thus it is no surprise that even today the value and contribution of music has not declined but on the contrary, risen. Soul, blues, country, metallic, rap, Jazz , pop or gospels you name it; you will always find a music that will make you sing, dance, tap, weep, smile or simply nod and keep you entertained. Music is one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Western music is considered the most entertaining and popular music but at the same time styles such as tango from Argentina and rumba from Cuba are successfully grabbing ears.
Though the most popular songs often deal with the theme “love” other themes such as pain, happiness, loss, fear are also equally popular. However, not only existing but also creating music is entertaining like learning musical instruments, composing or singing. Though loud music may have negative effect on our body, music as a whole has therapeutic value that not only helps to reduce stress and relax but also treat mental diseases like schizophrenia and melancholia. It is true that music has harmful effects if it is too loud or if listened for a long time.
Like the music used in the popular videotape Mario is an example of addictive music that may harm the human body if listened for too long. But the advantage of music to the DOD is far greater than the disadvantage. Researches have shown that music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking, while a slower tempo promotes in keeping calm and peace. Slow and soothing music if used in workplaces reduces stress in workers and moreover, increases their productivity.
Also raga, a traditional South Asian music, helps to triggers the “shakers”, energy centers in the body and reduces the feeling of isolation. Because music has profound effect on body and psyche, it is also eyeing increasingly used in hospitals: to calm patients, to ease muscle tension, and also to help cancer patients and children with ADD. Music has been found to lower blood pressure reducing risk of stroke and other health problems. It has also been found to boost immunity and change the brainwave activity.
Thus it is no surprise to see people opting for music to stay or become healthy. Children and students can especially benefit from music as it has proven to help in concentration, coordination, patience, self confidence together with building skills. Practicing casual instruments such as piano helps in hand and eye coordination whereas singing helps to develop vocal skills. Even a simple song like “One, Two Buckle My Shoe” makes the process of learning numbers easier for children at the same time urging them to think creatively.
Children and students who are exposed or involved in music have been proven to be better performers in areas such as reading, solving Can Music Contribute to Anything Worth? By Blossomed studies show that music trainings helps in physically developing the life left side of the brain and also in spatial intelligence. Besides helping children to imagine and learn, music also gives children a way to bond with each other as when children discover they have something in common they begin to connect. Parents and children can also improve their relationship while learning and teaching music.
However, music does not only help individuals but because music can speak large volume it can effectively spread message to a large number of people. From slavery, war, violation of civil rights to abuse, racism and even global warming, music has been able to protest with its own ways to the issues that govern our world. Where Have All The Flowers Gone? ” by Pete Serge became a popular anti-war protest song during the sass. This song did not only protest against the Vietnam War but also made their generation more aware about the global problems.
Songs like “Not Ready to Make Nice” by Dixie chicks about freedom of speech was written after they received death threats for singing against the Iraq war, protests against the violation of human rights. But music is not only used to protest, it is also used to give hope and optimism. “We Shall Overcome”, a song sung by Guy Caraway together with the Montgomery Gospel Trio and the Nashville Quartet, is perhaps the best known example of civil rights song. Instead of blaming the government, this song registered a feeling of hope and faith among African-Americans during the civil rights movement.
Music helps to conserve and promote the most prized possession of human civilization: religion, culture and tradition. Each community has its distinct music through which it can display its culture and tradition. For example though EDP and gospels both are religious and devotional songs they introduce us to two distinctly different cultures. EDP is a religious Newark music that praises NASDAQ, the local god of music and dance. On the other hand, gospels are highly emotional evangelic vocal music that originated from the African-American Christian community in the southern United States.
Even in Ancient Greece, music was included in important celebration, festivals and spiritual ceremonies. Thus it is absolutely true that music has enabled people to understand different cultures and religions by simply listening. Even today music is still played in important religious and cultural functions as it is considered sacred and holy. In some of the tribal societies music was seen as a form of communication with god and modern Christian and Jewish services can be considered as a remnant of Just such an original purpose.
Music has also helped different cultures to exchange and blend ideas and create a sub- culture. For example Blues and Jazz music is the product of American and African culture. The slaves from Africa are believed to have brought traditional music to America and mixed with the European concept of harmony forming popular music called Jazz and Blues. Also, music has given people from all over the world a chance o bond with each other, forgetting race, religion and sex. Today artists from all over the world can perform in a common stage in harmony.
How can this contribution of music ever be neglected in a fragmented world of ours? Music offers people a chance to express their emotions, opinions, creativity and talent artistically. It is an art that combines sounds and requires special skills. Music also has the power to transport people to a whole new world and Just like paint on paper, it also fills famous Beetles’ song “l Want to Hold Your Hand” not only expresses love but also rainspouts you to music era of sass when they ruled the charts.
Though at first music was only seen as a form of art and entertainment, today it has emerged as a booming industry that contributes enormously to the world economy. In 2003 alone the worldwide music industry was estimated to be US $32 billion. From famous artists to a mere music distributor- music industry provides employment to millions of people around the world. Artist like Beyond, Madonna, Paul McCarty are not only talented but also highly bankable. Music has also been widely used in films and advertisements to promote products.
Especially Plywood is known for its use of catchy music in movies and advertisements. Music has high prospects for those who are involved in it. Not only does it give artist a chance to showcase their talent but also earn a lot of money. Famous pop singer Madonna, reportedly, is the highest paid female artist earning $32 million in a single year. But recently due to the emergence of electronic media such as internet, piracy has spread causing decrease in the sales of music. In 2003, the recorded music sales had dropped by 7. 6% than he previous year.
However, the music industry is taking a lot of measures to stop it. Music has more value than being Just a form of entertainment for the audience. It symbolizes everything humans stand for- religion, culture, peace, economy, freedom, creativity are a few to name. There are no boundaries, race, religion, sex, color or caste in music. Music helps to promote our culture, express emotions, build economy, remain healthy, maintain our identity, and brings political and social changes and many more. Because music makes so many contributions, it is indeed valuable to mankind.
