Music and Its Functions and Roles

For as long as mankind has walked on this earth, music has been an important part of our culture and lifestyles. Each walk of life beats to a different drum. Different cultures use music for many aspects of their lives; for religious purposes, for celebrations, for comfort, for sorrow, for relaxation, for sports, for dances, for energy, for learning, for sleeping, and for sexual experiences. Everyone uses music for something. Music connects with people and reaches them in ways that words simply cannot. Music is a representation of what feelings sound like. It expresses emotion and brings that characteristic out from within us; it tells us a story. Every generation has its’ own sound and different music styles have emerged and become

Music was held in great esteem during the medieval period. Music was not simply for frivolous purposes or revelry. It

Music is arguably one of the world’s most important universal languages. Documentation of music can be found as early as Biblical days and can be heard all around. Think about all the places one is exposed to music: radio, TV, elevator, stores, restaurants etc. Every culture and country has its own style of music and the importance of music is paramount to individuals in many ways. Music is so powerful it can create a visceral response by lowering the heart rate and decreasing stress levels (Wright, 2017). Evidence has also shown music to activate areas of the brain that are engaged during “Other euphoria inducing stimuli such as food, sex, and drugs of abuse” (Wright, 2017, p. 3). Music, sound perception – the most powerful sense, can impact the way one feels and behaves (Wright, 2017). With evidence proving to have an impact on the brain both physically and emotionally, supporting a 5% tax increase to fund both curricular and extracurricular programs will enhance student’s development and provide to them a well-rounded education.

We've been talking a lot about social rituals. Well, just what exactly is a social ritual? Social rituals are, basically, traditions or customs that a society has followed for many years. For example, in America, most people follow the custom of dating. In Israel, they tend to follow the tradition of arranged marriages. Yet, in some countries, they use courtship. Even though all three of these approaches to finding a mate are different, they all are very similar because they are all Social Mating Rituals. Now, of course, mating isn't the only social ritual. The way our culture responds to and views death is a social ritual in and of itself. So is the way we do warfare. The way we eat and the way we clothe

One of the earlier examples of music being tied deeply to a society and to their religion is in ancient Greek mythology as well as their society. Not only is music in ancient Greece considered sacred, the very term music originated from the word Muse and the Muses, who in Greek mythology were the daughters of Zeus and the goddesses that represented the arts in all of their many forms, and even to the modern day many writers and musicians can be heard

Throughout history music has been a powerful tool that has affected everybody in unique ways whether it be by sending a strong message or just provoking a variety of different emotions. Music has been a big part of my life since a very young age. It has helped me work harder in all aspects of my life, taught me to appreciate everything in life no matter the scale, and optimize my creativity.

The relationship between music and mood has been studied as far back as ancient Greece. Since then, scientists and researchers have been using music in therapy in an attempt to change and explain emotions. While the beliefs behind the ability to change one’s mood have changed over the millennia, from the idea that the planets control human emotions to modern-day music therapy, it remains an accepted belief in psychological research that listening to music has an impact on the mood and emotion of the listener.

Music is anything that produces sound in which creates a certain tune with or without harmony. For most people, music generates a cause of relaxation wherein it creates an ambience that is gratifying to our mind. According to O’Brien (1987), the dominant purposes why music is agreeable for many is that it regales, builds disposition and used in occasions. It also contributes to the development of our character and personality regarding how we behave or act with others. Moreover, learning music enhances our knowledge, imaginative, communal and personal aspects (Hallam, 2010; Kaschub et. al., 2009).

Music plays an important role in our world, as the global dictionary of theology says, “Music is a part of everyday life. From heavy beats pounding in cars, to advertising jingles on radio” (King), or as Ruth Jorgensen says, “music was a social phenomenon and examined some of the ways in which groups form around particular beliefs and practices”(Jorgensen). Music has benefited the world in many ways all throughout history, from the expression of love and devotion towards god in a mass to the expressionism and individuality of jazz during the New Negro movement these are just a few of the many ways music has impacted our world greatly. Carlos R. Abril, and Brent M. Gault wrote in their journal research that some of the major benefits of the education of music consist of “the transmission of cultural ideas and beliefs, the development of a sensitivity to and appreciation for the arts, and the opportunity to foster creativity, teamwork, and cooperation through participation in music” (Abril and Gault). It is our responsibility to see how music has improved us as humans and it is our responsibility to raise our future generation with the understanding, love, and creativity that comes with the teaching of music.

During the 1920s and the 1930s the music industry started to blossom. The invention of the phonograph and the radio allowed music to be distributed to many people. This was the first time people got to listen to various types of music and music became categorized into genres. The first two genres that existed were race records and old timey music. Race records was music that was performed by African Americans and old timey music was what they called music made from poor southern white people. Recording companies knew what people wanted to listen to so they sent scouts to the south and to find authentic music. Recording companies were able to attach race to sound and was able to create race records and old timey music. People loved these type of music because they thought it was authentic southern music. Ultimately the people decide what kind of music is good and that is what they listen to. When the community listens to the same music they have similar views on politics. People are able to relate to each other when they listen to the same music. Music is able to bring people together and allows them to communicate with each other.

Music influences us on a very deep subconscious level. It flows through us and affects our thoughts, concentration and even behavior. Music has not only represented cultures but has reinforced the ideas on which they were built. Music gives people and identity something that they can relate to. With this paper the author hopes to reveal the great psychological influence music has on both society and the individual.

“Music plays an important role in culture and is a strong influence on today's youth” (White,2007). In “This Is Your Brain on Music: the Science of a Human

In history, music has been derived from Ancient Greek muses, or nine goddesses of art and science. Music was comprised around 500 B.C. by experimenting with acoustics and math-related tones. Named after Pope Gregory I, the Gregorian chant, during the Middle Ages, was the base for all music to follow (Robert Sherrane). The ancient Greeks assigned the god Apollo to reign over both music and healing (Trehan, 2004). This form of music was strictly used in a church environment, but towards the end of the Middle Ages, it left the church and it was adopted by French nobles. Both Aristotle and Plato described music to hinder the individuals listening to it. Plato explained music and dancing to be fearful and anxious, but Aristotle preached the power of music to restore health and routine to people who have trouble with emotions. Over time music began to change and become more popular in society. During the Renaissance, music was growing to be even more popular than it had

Music is very important in our society. For example, music is played in movies, on television shows and commercials, in stores and shops, on the radio and in many other places. Music can do many things to people. It can affect your mood, work, and health. “Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There's not some trick involved with it. It's pure and it's real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things” (Petty).

PANPACIFIC UNIVERSITY NORTH PHILIPPINES Tayug, Pangasinan Term Paper In Communication Skills II Second Semester S.Y 2009-2010 The Role of Music in Learning PREFACE This term paper explains the relevance and role of music in learning.