Music is all around us, and most of us enjoy it. But most of us don’t know much about it, other than a few famous artists and a few catchy tunes. But did you know that music has scientific roots? Music is a language discovered first by the Greeks, developed through the years, and today used to communicate important messages.
Music is one of those things that everyone can understand, even if they’re not a musician. The ability to make music comes from the inner ear, but it also uses parts of the brain that are dedicated to language. But what exactly is it that makes music sound the way it does?
Music gets a bad rap sometimes, but simply put, music can be defined by its ability to create a mood or atmosphere, influence or inspire and move us somehow. A music festival tends to offer the most amazing opportunity to enjoy music, where thousands of people sing together and enjoy the melodies. That’s why people are more likely to attend live Concerts in New York (or wherever they are).
Music is a universal language that appeals to many, but many also believe music should be listened to without distraction. So, what exactly is music? The definition varies, but most people agree that music is sound produced by voice or instruments or both that humans have created and selected for human enjoyment, as well as religious or ceremonial uses. But music is just sound. What makes it music? (What makes it “good” music.)
Music has been shaping our world since before recorded history. Humans have been creating music for hundreds of years, ever since the hum of hunter-gatherers singing to each other and passing songs down the line. (And yes, I say “hunter-gatherers,” since yes, long ago, man hunted for food.)
Music has been an essential part of human life for thousands of years. Many early cultures believed music, specifically chanting, was the key to the universe and that music was an expression of divinity. Early music was passed down orally from teacher to student, with music notation appearing later. Today, music notation consists of symbols representing pitch, rhythm, melody, and harmony. We can learn these symbols and read from music or simply listen by ear and replicate what we hear.
It is the universal language. For many, music is life. Music can make people feel emotions, establish memories, and lift their spirits. Music can create stress, but it can also relax a person and relieve stress. Music also changes the way the brain functions, causing people to feel happier, and affects people’s blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory functions. Thus, music is a part of life, Music is the universal language, and it is something that unites people around the world.
Music is something many of us enjoy, whether you’re listening to music with your earphones, blasting it through your stereo, or grabbing a ticket through websites like ticketsmarter.com and enjoying a live concert. It’s easy for us to assume that music exists only for our enjoyment, but have you ever stopped to consider what music is? Music is a feeling, and its definition is broad and complex.
Music, while simple in form and relatable in purpose, is complex in the way that it connects people. Like language, music connects us as human beings. Whether we’re listening to our favorite tune or hitting the high notes on the piano, music is all around us and within us.
As a form of art, music exists in many different forms, including, but not limited to, music performed by a soloist or ensemble, background music, incidental music, and dance music. Music is conventionally divided into genres based on similar characteristics or shared characteristics (such as musical style or cultural origin).
Music can be classified in many different ways: according to style, genre, period, and cultural region. Listeners also classify it: as classical, pop, jazz, country, or heavy metal, to name a few. And, of course, there are different kinds of music: instrumental, choral, vocal, and electronic music.