Music and Its Impact on Our Lives Essay (Critical Writing)

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No one can even imagine our life without music. For centuries it was an integral part of our everyday life, our traditions and culture. Listening to the charming sounds of nature, man could not help trying to reproduce it in order to enjoy music at any time. That was the reason for the first primitive musical instruments to appear. Since that time music and mankind were never torn apart. With the development of the society the instruments and the whole music changed. The mankind and music were always at the same stage of development. Starting with the mysterious melodies of the ancient cults and ending with the energetic military marches. Music follows humanity step by step, working its magic on it, showing its power. The ability of music to influence human consciousness was known from the earliest stages of development of the society.

Relaxing and calming at the beginning, it can become energetic and aggressive just in a moment, causing great changes in your mood. “Without even thinking about it, we use music to create desired moods- to make us happy, to enjoy movement and dance, to energize, to bring back powerful memories, to help us relax and focus. Music is a powerful tool for our personal expression within our daily lives– it helps “set the scene” for many important experiences” (Brewer, n.d., para. 2). Music can even serve as a basis for peoples segregation, dividing them into the different social groups according to their preferences or abilities to understand a certain type of music. Nothing could create the appropriate atmosphere better than music. The church music can serve as an ideal example of it. Religions all over the world use the music in the rituals in order to maximize the influence on people and help them to achieve eupathy and humility. Nowadays, with an unrestricted access to the sources, music has conquered the world, sounding from everywhere, suggesting the great variety of genres for any demands. Everyone could find something up to his or her taste.

Talking about my life it is impossible not to mention music. It is a huge part of my everyday routine. My day starts and ends with it. Early in the morning it is quite vital for me to listen to a portion of a good energetic music in order to get up and have a charge for a long day. But it is not enough of course. Like a real melomaniac, I always take my player with me. I have noticed the great growth of my productivity if I do something with music in background. The type of chosen music depends on the type of the job I have to do. If there is some kind of a physical activity I need some fast and energetic music. However, when some sort of mental activity is demanded, I need some calm, not very loud music playing somewhere in the background. This is by no means a panacea for everyone who wants to raise their productivity , but I cannot imagine me working without music

Having come home late at evening, it is just necessary for me to listen to another portion of music in order to relax and forget about all the stresses of the outside world. I even go to bed with the headphones in my ears, listening to my special “good night” song.

Taking into account the fact that I am a great admirer of rock music, it is not difficult to guess that all my friends are great admirers of it to. I am more than sure that common tastes in music are the good basis for friendly relations. This is not only the question of having something to discuss or to listen to together. If a person has the same preferences in music that means that he has something in common with your inner world and with your soul. Of course, there is that type of music that you will never listen with your friends. It is that kind of music which affects the deepest parts of your soul and you can only listen to it while keeping to yourself. At that moments no one is allowed to trouble you.

Music also has a great impact on the way we communicate within our company. The excessive tension or some miscommunication in relations can be easily dispersed by means of music. The sounds of the familiar song cool heads and return friendly atmosphere.

There is one more aspect of music which is worth mentioning. It is its lyrics. Being not less ancient part of our culture than music, the word has even more influence on peoples hearts and minds. The combination of such powerful remedies gives a marvelous results. This combination of sounds and words affects all your senses, penetrating deep inside your soul. Looking through the lyrics of my favorite songs, I can say that the text is of the same importance as music in the song. While listening to it for the first time you pay special attention to lyrics, especially if it resonates with your mood. The song runs in your head and you repeat it over and over, enjoining the harmony of the words and your soul.

The most common topic for all songs is, of course, relations of any kind. It is the basis of human life and music, as an integral part of it, cannot stand off. Love and hatred, faith and betrayal, and all others shades of human feelings are praised in thousands of songs. The mans attempts to find his reason to live should also be mentioned. The great number of songs is devoted to that problem, making people think or helping them to find an answer. One of my favorite songs “ The Show Must Go On ” by Queen (Queen 1990) is also one of the best compositions touching the problem of self-determination. While listening to it you cannot but feel the great suffering of a man who realizes the duality of his inner world and necessity of playing the annoying part. The Freddie Mercurys heart cry makes the great effect on the listener, making you think about your own place in the world, the way you live and spend your lifetime and reconsider your values and priorities.

The love theme is also one of the especially beloved by lyrics authors. Everyone on this planet has its own favorite love song and I am not an exception. The great song “ Not Strong Enough ” by Apocalyptica (Warren 2010) tells us about the pangs of the love-crossed man who cannot be with his darling. The most dramatic moments of the lyrics are wonderfully emphasized by music, the most powerful beats comes with the most bitter worlds, projecting the singers and the authors mood on you, making you feel the same. That great interplay of words and music makes you shiver. Especially strong effect is achieved if the song correlates with your mood or life experience. In that case the song becomes a some kind of an anchor, which evokes certain memories and feelings connected with a certain life period. No matter where you are and what your feel, from the first beats of the song you will remember the first time you have listened to it and your emotions at that moment.

The love theme is a part of a bigger theme of gender relations, which is also quite popular in music. According to the generally accepted tradition there is some stereotypical pattern of behavior for both genders which is praised in the songs. Historically, man always strives for womens love, trying to overcome all the obstacles on his way. He fights the injustice, erases the boundaries of social or race segregation just to reunite with his beloved one. Music is a reflection of the mans thoughts that is why all this issues are blended in it, The artists want to share their feelings and experience with us, to warn and protect from the mistakes they made, to show that all the prejudices are only in our heads and we have to overcome it.

Summing it up, we should say that music is not just part of our lives, it is something bigger, and that determines our mood and emotions. It helps us to forget everything and enjoy one of the greatest gifts of nature – the sound.

Reference List

Brewer, B. (n.d.). Music and Learning: Integrating Music in the Classroom . Web.

Queen, (1990). The show must go on [Reordered by Queen]. Innuendo [7″, 12″, CD]. London, England: Metropolis Studios.

Warren, D. (2010). Not strong enough [Reordered by Apocalyptica]. 7th Symphony [CD]. Germany: Sony Music.

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Essay on Music for Students and Children

500+ words essay on music.

Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. In the words of William Shakespeare, “If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Thus, Music helps us in connecting with our souls or real self.

Essay on Music

What is Music?

Music is a pleasant sound which is a combination of melodies and harmony and which soothes you. Music may also refer to the art of composing such pleasant sounds with the help of the various musical instruments. A person who knows music is a Musician.

The music consists of Sargam, Ragas, Taals, etc. Music is not only what is composed of men but also which exists in nature. Have you ever heard the sound of a waterfall or a flowing river ? Could you hear music there? Thus, everything in harmony has music. Here, I would like to quote a line by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musicians, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

Importance of Music:

Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening music ones tends to forget all his worries, sorrows and pains. But, in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized with the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, the research has proved that the plants which hear the Music grow at a faster rate in comparison to the others.

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Magical Powers of Music:

It has the power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of Music can be testified by the legends about Tansen of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving the concentration and is thus of great help to the students.

Conclusion:

Music is the essence of life. Everything that has rhythm has music. Our breathing also has a rhythm. Thus, we can say that there is music in every human being or a living creature. Music has the ability to convey all sorts of emotions to people. Music is also a very powerful means to connect with God. We can conclude that Music is the purest form of worship of God and to connect with our soul.

FAQs on Essay on Music:

Q.1. Why is Music known as the Universal Language?

Ans.1. Music is known as the Universal language because it knows no boundaries. It flows freely beyond the barriers of language, religion, country, etc. Anybody can enjoy music irrespective of his age.

Q.2. What are the various styles of Music in India?

Ans.2. India is a country of diversities. Thus, it has numerous styles of music. Some of them are Classical, Pop, Ghazals, Bhajans, Carnatic, Folk, Khyal, Thumri, Qawwali, Bhangra, Drupad, Dadra, Dhamar, Bandish, Baithak Gana, Sufi, Indo Jazz, Odissi, Tarana, Sugama Sangeet, Bhavageet, etc.

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Personal Narrative Essay: How Music Changed My Life

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📌Words: 930
📌Pages: 4
📌Published: 20 March 2022

Everyone has a passion for something, whether it be sports or public speaking. Well, for me, that passion is music. I have always loved music, and that love has increased more and more over the years. From being in music classes for most of my high school career, I have felt a lot of love and support from my friends and teachers. When I had realized the family bond there is in musical groups, I never wanted to leave. As I was often in either band or choir, I would often see the joy of my teachers when things went according to plan and when we played or sang something amazing. One piece in particular comes to mind. While in my junior year of high school, I was in the chamber choir. My choir director had introduced us to a Christmas piece called “Go, and Tell It on The Mountain.” This arrangement of the song was a very jazzy version of the original piece. After several days of practicing in class, my director stopped us and asked us if we had thought about the words and what they meant. This really took me back, as I had never really been asked such a question before. This experience let me gain more gratitude for the words we were singing, and it helped me to be more expressive and have a love for the music. By the end of singing this piece at our concert, my friends and I were tearing up at the message of joy that the song gave to the audience. I want to help students realize the joy of music and the way that it can touch the souls of the people who listen to them. I want them to feel that they can be united as a family of musicians, that, no matter what part they sing or play, each one of them matters and contributes to the ensemble. I also want them to feel how blessed they are for being able to create music with the talents that they have.

I have felt deep emotions when singing in choir in high school, but nothing has compared to having the privilege to sing in the Brigham Young University Men’s Chorus. Several times I have felt overwhelming joy or deep sadness from singing songs in that choir. For instance, one of the first songs we sang was an arrangement of “How Great Thou Art.” In that song it spoke about the wonderful creation of the earth, the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us, and the power of the Atonement in our lives. Every time we sang that in class, I nearly wept with immense sadness and deep joy at what we were singing about. Countless times our director, Rosalind Hall, would also be in tears because she could feel the joy of music radiating from those men who sang the truth of Jesus’ Creations and His Atonement. From this experience, I have felt the power that music has in our lives and the way that it can change people.

In high school, I always considered myself lucky to be in such amazing groups with such amazing people. When I wasn’t doing as well as I thought, I would often ask myself if it was worth the effort to be in these good ensembles. When I thought about it, I would always think about what my middle school band director always said to us. He would say, “Each of you has a part to play here, each one of you matters. To this ensemble, to me, to your friends, your parents. But you should always matter to yourself.” This has stuck with me throughout all my years in junior high and high school. Even to this day, when I don’t feel like I’m worth it, I always remember what my band director said to us. I want kids to feel like they belong together, and that they matter. Not just to an ensemble, but to me, their peers, their parents, and most importantly to themselves.

I have always been told how talented I am. I’ve gotten comments from my friends, my teachers, and even my parents. Often, my parents would tell me that I should share the talents that I had with others. I had always learned in church about sharing our gifts with others, so I had always kept a high standard when I practiced, so that I could share my talents with others and make them feel happy and to help them feel joy. I have many younger siblings, and when they were all little, I would always sing to them to make them happy. This was especially apparent when I would sing to them as infants. Many times I would have to put them down for naps or calm them down when they were screaming. When I did, I would sing soft hymns to them and within a few minutes, they would calm down or go to sleep. I would often pray to God for allowing me to have this gift of music and to have the opportunity to be able to share it with others.

Music has changed my life in so many ways, and it will continue to change my life as well as others’ lives. I have seen the ways that it can bring joy into not only the lives of the audience, but to the lives of the performers as well. I have seen the ways in which people can contribute to the ensembles that I have been in. Often people don’t think that they matter or that they have an important part, but in reality, everyone is important. I have also learned about how using our talents for good purposes can bless the lives of others. Overall, music has influenced many of my decisions in life, including what college I wanted to attend. I want to be able to share the effects of music with everyone that I meet.

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Essay on Music

Kunika Khuble

Introduction

From the moment we awaken to the gentle chime of our morning alarm, music subtly infiltrates every corner of our daily lives. It’s in the rhythmic tap of raindrops against the windowpane, the melodic hum of a bustling city street, and the harmonious symphony of birds greeting the dawn. Even the mundane sounds of typing on a keyboard or the blaring horns of passing vehicles possess a certain musicality, weaving together the soundtrack of our existence.

In this essay, we embark on a journey to unravel music’s profound impact on our lives, from its subtle nuances in everyday moments to its grand orchestration of human emotion and experience. Join me as we explore the boundless depths of this universal language that transcends time, culture, and circumstance, inviting us to listen, feel, and connect with the symphony of life itself.

Essay on Music

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Historical Evolution of Music

The historical evolution of music is a rich tapestry woven with threads of cultural, technological, and artistic innovation. From its primitive origins in prehistoric times to the intricate compositions of modern-day musicians, music has evolved with human civilization, mirroring each era’s values, beliefs, and aspirations.

Origins of Music

  • Prehistoric music: Archaeological evidence suggests that music dates back to the earliest human societies, with artifacts such as bone flutes and drums discovered in ancient burial sites.
  • Ancient civilizations: In civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, music played a central role in religious rituals, social gatherings, and theatrical performances. People commonly used instruments such as lyres, harps, and flutes, and musical notation systems began to emerge.

Medieval and Renaissance Periods

  • Gregorian chant: During the medieval period, Gregorian chant dominated religious music in Western Europe, characterized by monophonic melodies sung in Latin.
  • Polyphony: In the Renaissance era, composers like Josquin des Prez and Palestrina pioneered polyphonic compositions, introducing intricate harmonies and counterpoint.

Baroque, Classical, and Romantic Eras

  • Baroque period: The Baroque era saw the rise of composers like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi, known for their ornate compositions, elaborate ornamentation, and use of basso continuo.
  • Classical period: The Classical era, epitomized by composers such as Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, emphasized clarity, balance, and formal structure, with symphonies, sonatas, and string quartets becoming prominent.
  • Romantic period: In the 19th century, the Romantic era ushered in a new wave of emotional expression, with composers like Schubert, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky pushing the boundaries of harmony, melody, and orchestration.

Modern and Contemporary Music

  • 20th-century innovations: The 20th century witnessed unprecedented experimentation and diversity in music, from the atonal compositions of Schoenberg to the jazz improvisations of Louis Armstrong and the avant-garde techniques of John Cage.
  • Popular music: With the advent of recording technology and mass media, popular music genres like jazz, blues, rock and roll, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM) gained widespread popularity, shaping global culture and identity.

The Elements of Music

Music, in its essence, is a complex interplay of various elements that combine to create harmony, rhythm, melody, and emotion. Understanding these fundamental components is crucial for appreciating the depth and beauty of musical compositions across genres and eras.

  • Melody: Melody represents the horizontal dimension of music, comprising a series of pitches organized in a coherent and expressive manner. It is the recognizable tune or main theme of a piece, often sung or played by the lead instrument or voice. Melodies vary in length, contour, and complexity, evoking various emotions and moods.
  • Harmony: Harmony pertains to the vertical dimension of music, encompassing the simultaneous sounding of two or more pitches to form chords and chord progressions. It provides depth, richness, and texture to musical compositions, supporting and enhancing the melody. Harmony can be consonant (pleasant-sounding) or dissonant (tense or unresolved), depending on the intervals and relationships between the notes.
  • Rhythm: Rhythm is the heartbeat of music, governing the timing, duration, and pattern of sounds and silences. It encompasses elements such as tempo (speed), meter (organizational framework), and rhythmic patterns (repeated sequences of beats). Rhythm creates a sense of forward motion and groove, shaping a piece’s overall feel and energy.
  • Timbre: Timbre, also recognized as tone color or quality, denotes the distinct sound attribute inherent in a specific instrument, voice, or amalgamation of instruments. It is determined by factors such as the instrument’s construction, playing technique, and frequency spectrum. Timbre adds richness, variety, and depth to the music, allowing listeners to distinguish between different instruments and voices.
  • Dynamics: Dynamics denote the volume, intensity, and expression variations within a musical performance. They range from pianissimo (very soft) to fortissimo (very loud), with nuances such as crescendo (gradually getting louder) and decrescendo (gradually getting softer). Dynamics contribute to a piece’s emotional impact and dramatic tension, allowing performers to convey subtlety and passion.

The Power of Music

The power of music is a phenomenon that transcends boundaries, resonating deeply within the human psyche and influencing our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in profound ways. Let’s explore the transformative power of music across various dimensions:

  • Emotional Impact: Music has the ability to evoke and articulate a broad spectrum of emotions, ranging from joy and exhilaration to sadness and nostalgia. Specific melodies, harmonies, and lyrics possess the capacity to evoke profound emotional responses, triggering memories and associations that resonate deeply on a personal level.
  • Cognitive Enhancement: Music stimulates cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Studies indicate that acquiring proficiency in playing a musical instrument or participating in musical training can enhance cognitive function, boost academic achievement, and foster brain health and growth.
  • Therapeutic Applications: Music therapy is a recognized form of therapy that utilizes music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and neurodevelopmental disorders, offering individuals a non-invasive and holistic approach to healing and wellness.
  • Social Connection: Music can unite people, fostering social bonds, empathy, and community. Whether through communal activities like concerts, festivals, sing-alongs, or collaborative endeavors such as playing in bands or ensembles, music creates opportunities for connection, communication, and collaboration among individuals and communities.
  • Cultural Expression: Music reflects cultural identity, values, and traditions, preserving and transmitting the heritage of diverse communities worldwide. Through its melodies, rhythms, and lyrics, music embodies the unique characteristics of different cultures, offering insights into their history, beliefs, and customs.
  • Inspiration and Creativity: Music inspires creativity and innovation, providing inspiration and motivation for artists, writers, and creators across various disciplines. Music fuels the creative process and ignites the imagination, opening doors to new possibilities and perspectives, whether as a catalyst for new ideas or a medium for self-expression.

Music as Communication

With its intricate melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and lyrics, music is a powerful form of communication that transcends the boundaries of language and culture. It can convey complex emotions, tell stories, express ideas, and foster connections between individuals and communities. Understanding music as a mode of communication involves exploring its various dimensions and the ways in which it facilitates interaction and expression.

  • Emotional Expression: Music possesses a unique ability to evoke and convey a diverse array of emotions, spanning from joy and excitement to sadness and longing. Through elements like melody, harmony, and dynamics, composers and performers can craft music that deeply resonates with listeners, enabling them to express emotions that may be challenging to articulate verbally.
  • Storytelling: Music has been used throughout history as a means of storytelling, passing down oral traditions, myths, and legends from one generation to the next. Whether through folk songs, ballads, or opera, music can bring narratives to life, painting vivid images in listeners’ minds and engaging them in storytelling.
  • Cultural Expression: Music reflects cultural identity, values, and traditions, embodying the unique characteristics of a particular group or community . Different musical styles, instruments, and genres are often closely associated with specific cultures and regions, serving as symbols of heritage and belonging.
  • Social Interaction: Music facilitates social interaction and connection, bringing people together to share communal experiences such as concerts, festivals, and celebrations. Collaborative musical activities, such as playing in bands or singing in choirs, promote teamwork, cooperation, and unity among participants.
  • Personal Expression: For many individuals, music acts as a means of personal expression, enabling them to convey their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences to others. Writing and performing music can be a deeply personal and cathartic process, allowing the artists to express themselves authentically and connect with audiences on a deeply intimate level.

Genre Exploration

Music is a vast realm where genres serve as distinct landscapes, each with its own history, characteristics, and pioneers who paved the way for its development. Let’s embark on a journey through some notable genres, tracing their origins and paying homage to the masters who laid their foundations.

  • Classical Music: Originating in the medieval and Renaissance periods, classical music blossomed into a refined art form under the tutelage of master composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven. Bach’s intricate contrapuntal compositions, Mozart’s elegant melodies, and Beethoven’s revolutionary symphonies exemplify the depth and complexity of the classical tradition, inspiring generations of composers and musicians.
  • Jazz: Jazz emerged from the vibrant cultural melting pot of New Orleans in the late 19th century, blending elements of blues, ragtime, and spirituals. Pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker pushed the boundaries of musical expression, introducing improvisation, syncopation, and swing rhythms to the world. Armstrong’s soulful trumpet playing, Ellington’s innovative compositions, and Parker’s virtuosic saxophone solos laid the groundwork for the diverse styles and subgenres that define jazz today.
  • Rock and Roll: Rock and roll burst onto the music scene in the 1950s, driven by the electrifying performances of artists such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard. Berry’s guitar riffs, Presley’s charismatic stage presence, and Little Richard’s flamboyant vocals captured the rebellious spirit of youth culture, inspiring a generation of musicians and fans. With its infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and defiant attitude, rock and roll became a symbol of freedom and self-expression, paving the way for the rock revolution of the 1960s and beyond.
  • Hip-Hop: Hip-hop emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1970s, as DJs like Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash pioneered new mixing and scratching techniques. MCs (rappers) like Grandmaster Flash, Run-D.M.C., and Rakim elevated hip-hop to an art form, using rhymes and wordplay to address social and political issues. With its roots in urban culture and its ability to give voice to the marginalized, hip-hop has become a global phenomenon, influencing fashion , language, and popular culture worldwide.
  • Electronic Music: Electronic music traces its origins to the experimental sounds of pioneers like Karlheinz Stockhausen, Pierre Schaeffer, and Wendy Carlos in the mid-20th century. Artists like Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, and Giorgio Moroder embraced new technologies such as synthesizers and drum machines, creating innovative sounds and textures. With its emphasis on sonic exploration and innovation, electronic music has evolved into a diverse array of styles and subgenres, from the hypnotic rhythms of techno to the ambient soundscapes of ambient.

The Legends of Music

Below is a table highlighting some of the legendary figures in music history, categorized by genre:

Hindustani Classical 1920s-2012 Introduced Indian classical music to the West and collaborated with artists like The Beatles
Rock 1960s Pioneered rock & roll, influenced countless musicians, broke cultural barriers
Pop 1970s-2000s “King of Pop” revolutionized music videos, a global icon
Soul 1960s-1990s “Queen of Soul,” powerful vocals, championed social justice themes
Rock & Roll 1950s-1970s Pioneered rock & roll, blended genres, major cultural influence
Folk 1960s-present Songwriting genius, powerful lyrics tackling social issues
Classical 1770-1827 Deaf composer, revolutionized classical music, enduring masterpieces
Rock 1960s Guitar virtuoso, reshaped rock guitar playing, iconic stage presence
Rock 1970s-1990s Dynamic frontman, powerful vocals, theatrical performances
Rock 1960s-2016 Musical chameleon, genre-bending, influential on fashion and music

Challenges and Controversies

While music has the power to uplift, inspire, and unite, it also grapples with a myriad of challenges and controversies that reflect the complexities of society, culture, and technology. From issues of artistic freedom to debates over cultural appropriation, these challenges underscore the importance of critical reflection and dialogue within the music community and beyond.

  • Artistic Freedom vs. Commercialization: As music becomes increasingly commodified in the digital age, artists often face pressure to conform to commercial trends and market demands, compromising their artistic integrity and creative vision. Streaming platforms and social media have made music more accessible to everyone, but they’ve also led to worries about artists receiving fair pay and the decline of traditional income sources like album sales and live shows.
  • Cultural Appropriation and Authenticity: Music often transcends cultural boundaries in an interconnected world, leading to cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. However, this also raises questions of cultural appropriation and the exploitation of marginalized voices and traditions. Artists who borrow elements from other cultures must navigate a delicate balance between homage and appropriation, respecting the integrity and significance of the cultural practices they draw upon.
  • Representation and Diversity: Despite advancements in recent years, the music industry still wrestles with challenges related to representation and diversity, especially concerning race, gender, and sexual orientation. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ artists often face systemic barriers and discrimination in the music industry, limiting their opportunities for visibility, recognition, and success .
  • Censorship and Freedom of Expression: Throughout history, music has been a powerful tool for social and political protest, challenging authority and advocating for change . However, this has also made it a target for censorship and repression. Governments, religious institutions, and other authorities may seek to censor music that they perceive as subversive, offensive, or morally objectionable, infringing upon artists’ rights to freedom of expression.
  • Technology and Copyright Issues: The digital revolution has transformed music creation, distribution, and consumption, presenting opportunities and challenges for artists, record labels, and consumers. Issues such as online piracy, streaming royalties, and copyright infringement have raised complex legal and ethical questions about ownership, fair use, and the future of the music industry.

The Future of Music

As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the future of music holds boundless possibilities and opportunities, driven by technological innovation, shifting cultural landscapes, and evolving audience preferences. Let’s explore the trajectory of music in the coming years and the trends that are shaping its future:

  • Technological Innovations: Advances in technology are revolutionizing the way music creation, production, distribution, and consumption occur. From digital audio workstations and virtual instruments to artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, musicians have many tools and resources to venture into new sonic realms and challenge the limits of creativity.
  • Digital Distribution and Streaming: The rise of streaming platforms and digital distribution has transformed the music industry, offering artists unprecedented access to global audiences and new revenue streams. However, challenges such as fair compensation for artists, piracy, and the dominance of major streaming platforms raise questions about the sustainability and equity of the digital music ecosystem.
  • Virtual Reality and Immersive Experiences: VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies are reshaping the concert experience, allowing fans to immerse themselves in virtual environments and interact with their favorite artists in new and exciting ways. Virtual concerts, live-streaming events, and immersive music experiences are becoming increasingly popular, offering artists new avenues for engagement and monetization.
  • Demographic Shifts and Globalization: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, music reflects the diversity and multiculturalism of contemporary society. Artists from diverse backgrounds and regions are gaining recognition on the global stage, bringing their unique perspectives and sounds to audiences worldwide. This trend toward globalization is fueling cross-cultural collaborations, genre fusion, and the emergence of new hybrid styles and genres.
  • Independent and DIY Culture: The democratization of music production and distribution has empowered independent artists and DIY musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and connect directly with their fans. The ascent of social media, crowdfunding platforms, and online communities has granted independent artists increased autonomy over their careers and creative endeavors, nurturing a culture that prioritizes authenticity, creativity, and individual expression.
  • Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Amidst the growing awareness of environmental and social issues , musicians and industry stakeholders increasingly prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in their practices and operations. From eco-friendly touring practices to charitable initiatives and activism, music is a platform for positive change and social impact, inspiring audiences to take action and make a difference in the world.

Music goes beyond entertainment, serving as a universal language that bridges people across cultures and generations. Its profound impact on emotions, cognition, and social bonds makes it an integral part of the human experience. As technology evolves and societal values shift, music adapts and innovates, offering new avenues for expression, connection, and creativity. Whether through virtual reality concerts, independent DIY movements, or global collaborations, music remains a powerful force for unity, inspiration, and transformation. As we look to the future, let us embrace the endless possibilities of music and celebrate its enduring power to uplift and inspire.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Music Industry — The Influence of Music on Me and My Life

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Music in My Life: How Music Has Shaped Me

  • Categories: Music Industry Personal Life

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Published: Jun 17, 2020

Words: 757 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Essay about music in my life

Works cited:.

  • Baker, L. (2005, January 29). Richmond Rebound/High school basketball players hit books, coach lifts his lockout. San Francisco Chronicle. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/RICHMOND-REBOUND-High-school-basketball-players-2736478.php
  • Coach Carter. (2005). Paramount Pictures.
  • Just Call Him “Sir”. (2005, January 12). The Root. https://www.theroot.com/just-call-him-sir-1790861888
  • Klein, G. (2005, January 10). Q&A with Coach Carter. Time. https://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1014704,00.html
  • McDermott, B. (2019). The coach’s guide to teaching. Routledge.
  • Parker, S. (2013). Positive psychology coaching: Putting the science of happiness to work for your clients. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Raglin, J. (2016). Psychological factors in competitive sport. Human Kinetics.
  • Ryska, T. A., & Yin, Z. (2007). Coaching and learning in schools: A practical guide. Guilford Press.
  • Snyder, E. E. (2018). Handbook of positive psychology in schools. Routledge.
  • Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human Kinetics.

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music in our lives essay

The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being

  • August 01, 2023
  • Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families, Treatment

Music has always held a special place in our lives, forming an integral part of human culture for centuries. Whether we passively listen to our favorite songs or actively engage in music-making by singing or playing instruments, music can have a profound influence on our socio-emotional development and overall well-being.

man listenting to music on headphones

Recent research suggests that music engagement not only shapes our personal and cultural identities but also plays a role in mood regulation. 1 A 2022 review and meta-analysis of music therapy found an overall beneficial effect on stress-related outcomes. Moreover, music can be used to help in addressing serious mental health and substance use disorders. 2 In addition to its healing potential, music can magnify the message of diversity and inclusion by introducing people to new cultures and amplifying the voice of marginalized communities, thereby enhancing our understanding and appreciation for diverse communities.

Healing Trauma and Building Resilience

Many historically excluded groups, such as racial/ethnic and sexual minorities and people with disabilities, face systemic injustices and traumatic experiences that can deeply impact their mental health. Research supports the idea that discrimination, a type of trauma, increases risk for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 3

Music therapy has shown promise in providing a safe and supportive environment for healing trauma and building resilience while decreasing anxiety levels and improving the functioning of depressed individuals. 4 Music therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention using music to accomplish health and education goals, such as improving mental wellness, reducing stress and alleviating pain. Music therapy is offered in settings such as schools and hospitals. 1 Research supports that engaging in music-making activities, such as drumming circles, songwriting, or group singing, can facilitate emotional release, promote self-reflection, and create a sense of community. 5

Empowerment, Advocacy and Social Change

Music has a rich history of being used as a tool for social advocacy and change. Artists from marginalized communities often use music to shed light on social issues (.pdf) , challenge injustices, and inspire collective action. By addressing topics such as racial inequality, gender discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights, music becomes a powerful medium for advocating for social justice and promoting inclusivity. Through music, individuals can express their unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs, forging connections with others who share similar backgrounds. Research has shown that exposure to diverse musical genres and artists can broaden perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and foster empathy among listeners especially when dancing together. 7

Genres such as hip-hop, reggae, jazz, blues, rhythm & blues and folk have historically served as platforms for marginalized voices, enabling them to reclaim their narratives and challenge societal norms. The impact of socially conscious music has been observed in movements such as civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights, where songs have played a pivotal role in mobilizing communities and effecting change. Music artists who engage in activism can reach new supporters and help their fans feel more connected to issues and motivated to participate. 6

music in our lives essay

Fostering Social Connection and Support

Music can also serve as a catalyst for social connection and support, breaking down barriers and bridging divides. Emerging evidence indicates that music has the potential to enhance prosocial behavior, promote social connectedness, and develop emotional competence. 2 Communities can leverage music’s innate ability to connect people and foster a sense of belonging through music programs, choirs, and music education initiatives. These activities can create inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, collaborate, and build relationships based on shared musical interests. These experiences promote social cohesion, combat loneliness, and provide a support network that can positively impact overall well-being.

Musicians and Normalizing Mental Health

Considering the healing effects of music, it may seem paradoxical that musicians may be at a higher risk of mental health disorders. 8 A recent survey of 1,500 independent musicians found that 73% have symptoms of mental illness. This could be due in part to the physical and psychological challenges of the profession. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Germany found that musically active people have, on average, a higher genetic risk for depression and bipolar disorder.

Commendably, many artists such as Adele, Alanis Morrisette, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi and Demi Lovato have spoken out about their mental health battles, from postpartum depression to suicidal ideation. Having high-profile artists and celebrities share their lived experiences has opened the conversation about the importance of mental wellness. This can help battle the stigma associated with seeking treatment and support.

Dr. Regina James (APA’s Chief of the Division of Diversity and Health Equity and Deputy Medical Director) notes “Share your story…share your song and let's help each other normalize the conversation around mental wellness through the influence of music. My go-to artist for relaxation is jazz saxophonist, “Grover Washington Jr” …what’s yours?” Submit to [email protected] to get featured!

More on Music Therapy

  • Music Therapy Fact Sheets from the American Music Therapy Association
  • Music Therapy Resources for Parents and Caregivers from Music Therapy Works

By FĂĄtima Reynolds DJ and Music Producer Senior Program Manager, Division of Diversity and Health Equity American Psychiatric Association

  • Gustavson, D.E., et al. Mental health and music engagement: review, framework, and guidelines for future studies. Transl Psychiatry 11, 370 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01483-8
  • Golden, T. L., et al. (2021). The use of music in the treatment and management of serious mental illness: A global scoping review of the literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.649840
  • Schouler-Ocak, M., et al. (2021). Racism and mental health and the role of Mental Health Professionals. European Psychiatry, 64(1). https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2216
  •  Aalbers, S., et al. (2017). Music therapy for Depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd004517.pub3
  • Dingle, G. A., et al. (2021). How do music activities affect health and well-being? A scoping review of studies examining Psychosocial Mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713818
  • Americans for the Arts. (n.d.). A Working Guide to the Landscape of Arts for Change. Animating Democracy. http://animatingdemocracy.org/sites/default/files/Potts%20Trend%20Paper.pdf
  • Stupacher, J., Mikkelsen, J., Vuust, P. (2021). Higher empathy is associated with stronger social bonding when moving together with music. Psychology of Music, 50(5), 1511–1526. https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356211050681
  • Wesseldijk, L.W., UllĂŠn, F. & Mosing, M.A. The effects of playing music on mental health outcomes. Sci Rep 9, 12606 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-49099-9

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Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

Music and emotions.

Music is like a friend that helps us feel. A happy song can make us smile, and a sad one can make us think of a tough time. It’s like magic how a tune can change our mood so quickly. When we hear music, it’s like our heart listens and feels light or heavy with the song.

Music and Learning

Music and health.

Believe it or not, music can make us healthier. When we are sick or hurt, listening to calm music can help us relax and feel better. Doctors even use music to help patients with pain. It’s like a medicine that doesn’t come in a bottle.

Music and Culture

Music tells stories about where we come from. Every place has its own music style. When we listen to different music, we learn about new places and people. It’s like traveling with our ears to places we’ve never been, learning about the world.

Music and Connection

250 words essay on impact of music on human life, the power of music.

Music is a magical thing that can touch our hearts and change our feelings. It is like a friend that can make us feel happy, calm, or even excited. From the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep, music can be a part of our day.

Think about when you hear a fast, upbeat song. It makes you want to dance and jump around. This is because music can make us feel more energetic and happy. On the other side, slow and soft music can help us relax and feel peaceful. When we are sad, sometimes listening to music can help us feel better.

Music Helps Us Learn

Did you know that music can also help us learn? Many teachers use songs to teach the alphabet, numbers, and other important things. Music makes it easier to remember information because it’s fun and it sticks in our mind.

Bringing People Together

Music is like a language that everyone understands, no matter where they come from. It brings people together. At concerts, people sing and enjoy the music as one big group. Music can help us make friends and share special moments.

In short, music has a strong impact on our lives. It can change our mood, help us learn, and bring us together with others. Music is a special part of being human, and it will always be important in our lives.

500 Words Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

Music is not just for fun; it can also help us learn. Many students find that listening to music helps them focus better when they are studying. Some teachers use songs to teach things like the alphabet, numbers, or history. Music can make it easier to remember information because it is like a catchy tune that sticks in your head.

Music can be good for our health too. It can reduce stress and help our bodies relax. Doctors have found that music can lower blood pressure, slow down our heartbeat, and help us breathe more slowly. This is why sometimes music is played in hospitals to help patients feel better. Also, when we are sick or feeling down, listening to our favorite songs can lift our spirits.

Music and Social Connection

Music and creativity.

Making music is a way to be creative. When children learn to play an instrument or write their own songs, they use their imagination. They also learn to solve problems, like how to make a tune sound just right. Being creative with music can give us confidence and help us express our thoughts and feelings in a way that words alone cannot.

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Home › Blog › Advocacy › How Does Music Affect Society?

November 3, 2021

How Does Music Affect Society?

By Lia Peralta

music and society

Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world for generations. It has the power to alter one’s mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. So, how does music affect society ? The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history. To demonstrate how deeply our lives are affected by music, let’s delve into the sociological effects of music and how it affects culture.

How Does Music Affect Society

Music is an essential aspect of all human civilizations and has the power to emotionally, morally, and culturally affect society. When people from one culture exchange music with each other, they gain valuable insight into another way of life. Learning how music and social bonding are linked is especially crucial in times of conflict when other lines of communication prove to be challenging.

Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together.

At the core of our everyday experience with music, we use it to relax, express ourselves, come to terms with our emotions, and generally improve our well-being. It has evolved into a tool for healing and self-expression, often dictating how we, as individuals, take steps to impact society.

Why is Music Beneficial to Society?

Music has the power to connect with and influence people in a way that feels fundamentally different from other forms of communication. Humans often feel that “no one understands them” or knows how they “truly feel.” Many resort to music to find connections with others to express themselves or find a sense of understanding among peers.

How does music affect our lives? Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us. It even functions to improve our physical health, as it’s been proven that high-tempo music results in better workouts . We connect with others via music, especially those who produce or perform it — we recite their lyrics, dance to their melodies, and form a sense of connection through their self-expression.

Songs and melodies have the power to inspire people, guide their actions, and aid in the formation of identities. Music can unite people – even if absorbed in solitude, capture your imagination and boost creativity. A person who has been affected by music is not alone. They are among the masses trying to find their role in society and form connections with others. Thankfully, while it can help us “find ourselves,” music influence on society can also be seen in:

– Providing a platform for the underrepresented to speak out

– Affecting mood and inspiration

– Helping us cope by encouraging us to express ourselves through movement and dancing

– Bridging a divide in communication

– Creating a venue for education and idea-sharing

Music’s Effect on Our Thoughts and Actions

Music’s effect on the self is far-reaching, tapping into our memories, subconscious thoughts, emotions, and interests. Thanks to the music artists who have put their heart and soul into creating, we feel connected with other people and their difficulties, challenges, and emotions. So much about our brains is still being discovered but through neurology, we are learning more and more about how music affects us.

We all know that being exposed to music’s beauty, rhythm, and harmony significantly influences how we feel. We also know that music emotionally impacts us, reaching into forgotten memories and connecting us to ourselves. Music therapy is often used to improve attention and memory, and can have a positive effect on those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. Music has the potential to be a powerful healing tool in a variety of ways and pervades every aspect of our existence. Songs are used to define spiritual ceremonies, toddlers learn the alphabet via rhyme and verse, and malls and restaurants, where we choose to spend our free time, are rarely silent.

But how much can this ever-present object influence our behavior and emotions? According to research , music has a significant impact on humans. It can potentially affect disease, depression, expenditure, productivity, and our outlook on life. The impact of music on our brain is being better understood thanks to advances in neuroscience and the examination of music’s impact on the brain. It has been shown via brain scans that when we listen to or perform music, nearly all brain regions are active simultaneously. Listening to and making music may actually changes the way your brain works .

According to studies, music impacts how we view the world around us. In a 2011 research paper , 43 students were given the job of recognizing happy and sad faces while listening to happy or sad music in the background by researchers from the University of Groningen. Participants noticed more cheerful faces when upbeat music was played, while the opposite was true when sad music was played. According to the researchers, music’s effect might be because our perceptual decisions on sensory stimuli, such as facial expressions in this experiment, are directly impacted by our mental state. Music triggers physical responses in the brain and puts in motion a series of chemical reactions.

In the book, Classical Music: Expected the Unexpected , author and conductor Kent Nagano spoke with neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin on how music interacts with the brain. The sociological effects of music can include the improvement of people’s well-being due to chemical reactions in the brain, such as an increase in oxytocin. Oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” makes us more inclined to engage in social interactions or build trust between individuals. Music also boosts the synthesis of the immunoglobulin A antibody, which is crucial for human health. Studies have also shown that melatonin, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels increase after only a few weeks of music therapy. The hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline cause us to become more alert, experience excitement, and cause the brain’s “reward” regions to fire.

The Cultural Impact of Music

Today’s popular music reflects the culture of the day. But, how does music affect society over time? How has music changed over the past century? In the lyrics and sound of each era, we can discern the imprints of a particular generation and see history in the making. And, in this day and age, culture is changing faster than ever before, mirroring musical forms that are evolving and emerging at the same rate.

For decades, the effects of music on society have been a source of contention, and it seems that with each generation, a new musical trend emerges that has the previous generations saying, “Well back in my day, we had…”. Music and social movements are intrinsically linked together. Almost every popular kind of music was considered scandalous back in the day, and the dancing that accompanied jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop drew protests and boycotts from all around. Just look at The Beatles, who were considered scandalous by the older generation when they first arrived on the music scene.

While we may not like a new music trend or a particular genre of music, we must also take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are to be exposed to it at all. Music in some parts of the world is not as easily accessible. While music has always been a means of pushing the boundaries of expression, it’s clear that the world isn’t expressing itself in the same way. The various musical trends we’ve seen in just this lifetime provide an insightful look into what is and isn’t being discussed in some cultures.

Music as an Agent for Change

Another essential factor to consider is how strongly music influences society and, thus, human behavior. Music’s impact on human rights movements and its role as an agent for change is clear in the history books. One example is the impact of the “freedom songs” of the Civil Rights movement, such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Strange Fruit.” These songs broke down barriers, educated people, built empathy across the divide, and had a hand in ending segregation. Music today continues to shed light on the inequalities experienced by people worldwide, and it’s clear that music will never stop acting as an agent for change.

Because of how strong of an influence melodies and lyrics have on society, we must be acutely aware of our current culture. Still, more importantly, we must be conscious of the cultures we wish to build and develop via our music. Songs have the power to change the world in unexpected ways, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on issues that have historically been ignored.

Music’s Impact on Youth

How does having music education impact youth? We know from our experience that music in schools improves student, teacher and community outcomes – and in turn, society, specifically the future generation. In a case study about our work in Newark, NJ , 68% of teachers reported improved academic performance. 94% of teachers also saw improvement in social-emotional skills. Schools saw better attendance and ELA (English Language Arts) scores.

Another example of this is our work in Metro Nashville Public Schools , which has been a partner district of Save The Music since 1999. Students who participated in music programs for up to one year had significantly better attendance and graduation rates, higher GPAs and test scores, and lower discipline reports than their non-music peers. Students with more than one year of music participation performed significantly better than their peers with less on each of these indicators.

We Invest in Music in Schools

Whether you’re a music buff or not, anyone can appreciate the impact music has on society. A great way to show this appreciation is by being part of music’s impact on the world and learning how you can help facilitate change. Save The Music is a music foundation that collaborates with public school districts to provide grants for music education instructors and school administrators in the form of new instruments, technology , and online music education . Our initiative helps schools get their music programs off the ground and keep students inspired.

Contact us today to learn how you can save the music through our music education advocacy programs .

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Essay on Music for Students and Children

Music is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and time itself. In this essay, we will explore the remarkable influence of music on our lives, our emotions, and our world.

Thesis Statement: Music is a vital and enriching part of human existence, offering emotional support, fostering creativity, and promoting unity among people.

The Emotional Connection of Music

Music has the incredible power to touch our hearts and souls. When we hear a joyful tune, we feel happiness bubbling inside us. A sad melody can bring tears to our eyes, and an exciting rhythm can make our hearts race. This emotional connection is why music is often called the “universal language of emotion.”

Music as a Form of Expression

Imagine a world without music. Our ability to express feelings and ideas would be greatly diminished. Music allows us to convey emotions, tell stories, and share experiences. Whether it’s a love song, a protest anthem, or a lullaby, music is a powerful tool for communication.

Music’s Role in History

Throughout history, music has played a significant role in shaping societies and cultures. For instance, during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, songs like “We Shall Overcome” became anthems of hope and unity. Music has been a driving force for change and a source of inspiration for countless individuals and movements.

Music’s Positive Impact on Health

Research has shown that music has various health benefits. Listening to calming music can reduce stress and anxiety. In hospitals, music therapy is used to help patients heal and manage pain. Music can even boost our mood and increase our overall well-being.

Music and Creativity

It is not just for listening; it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing creativity. Many artists, writers, and inventors find inspiration in music. The rhythm and melodies can stimulate the brain and help us think more creatively.

Music Education

Learning to play a musical instrument or sing is not only fun but also beneficial for cognitive development. Studies have shown that children who engage with music tend to excel in mathematics and have better language skills. It education is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education.

Music and Cultural Diversity

Music reflects the rich tapestry of human culture. Different regions and countries have their own unique musical traditions, instruments, and styles. Exploring music from around the world allows us to appreciate the diversity of our global community.

Music as a Unifying Force

In times of celebration or crisis, music brings people together. Think of the excitement of a music concert, the unity of singing a national anthem at a sports event, or the solace found in communal songs during difficult times. Music has the power to bridge divides and unite us as one human family.

The Importance of Music in Education

Music programs in schools provide students with opportunities for self-expression, teamwork, and discipline. They also foster a love for the arts and an appreciation for the beauty of music. These programs help shape well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Music’s Enduring Legacy

Great composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach created timeless music that continues to inspire us today. Their compositions have stood the test of time and serve as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of music.

Conclusion of Essay on Music

In conclusion, music is not just a form of entertainment; it is an integral part of our human experience. It connects us emotionally, fosters creativity, and promotes unity among people of all backgrounds. Music’s impact on our health, education, and culture is profound and enduring. As we listen to the melodies that fill our lives, let us remember that music is a language that speaks to our hearts and souls, reminding us of our shared humanity. It is a treasure that should be cherished and celebrated for the enrichment it brings to our lives and the world around us.

Also Check: How To Write An Essay

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Editorial: The Impact of Music on Human Development and Well-Being

Graham f. welch.

1 Department of Culture, Communication and Media, University College London, London, United Kingdom

Michele Biasutti

2 Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

Jennifer MacRitchie

3 School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia

Gary E. McPherson

4 Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Evangelos Himonides

Music is one of the most universal ways of expression and communication for humankind and is present in the everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world (Mehr et al., 2019 ). Hence, it seems more appropriate to talk about musics (plural) rather than in the singular (Goble, 2015 ). Furthermore, research by anthropologists as well as ethnomusicologists suggests that music has been a characteristic of the human condition for millennia (cf. Blacking, 1976 ; Brown, 1999 ; Mithen, 2005 ; Dissanayake, 2012 ; Higham et al., 2012 ; Cross, 2016 ). Nevertheless, whilst the potential for musical behavior is a characteristic of all human beings, its realization is shaped by the environment and the experiences of individuals, often within groups (North and Hargreaves, 2008 ; Welch and McPherson, 2018 ). Listening to music, singing, playing (informally, formally), creating (exploring, composing, improvising), whether individually and collectively, are common activities for the vast majority of people. Music represents an enjoyable activity in and of itself, but its influence goes beyond simple amusement.

These activities not only allow the expression of personal inner states and feelings, but also can bring about many positive effects in those who engage in them. There is an increasing body of empirical and experimental studies concerning the wider benefits of musical activity, and research in the sciences associated with music suggests that there are many dimensions of human life—including physical, social, educational, psychological (cognitive and emotional)—which can be affected positively by successful engagement in music (Biasutti and Concina, 2013 ). Learning in and through music is something that can happen formally (such as part of structured lessons in school), as well as in other-than-formal situations, such as in the home with family and friends, often non-sequentially and not necessarily intentional, and where participation in music learning is voluntary, rather than mandated, such as in a community setting (cf. Green, 2002 ; Folkestad, 2006 ; Saether, 2016 ; Welch and McPherson, 2018 ).

Such benefits are evidenced across the lifespan, including early childhood (Gerry et al., 2012 ; Williams et al., 2015 ; Linnavalli et al., 2018 ), adolescence (McFerran et al., 2018 ), and older adulthood (Lindblad and de Boise, 2020 ). Within these lifespan perspectives, research into music's contribution to health and well-being provides evidence of physical and psychological impacts (MacDonald et al., 2013 ; Fancourt and Finn, 2019 ; van den Elzen et al., 2019 ). Benefits are also reported in terms of young people's educational outcomes (Guhn et al., 2019 ), and successful musical activity can enhance an individual's sense of social inclusion (Welch et al., 2014 ) and social cohesion (Elvers et al., 2017 ).

This special issue provides a collection of 21, new research articles that deepen and develop our understanding of the ways and means that music can impact positively on human development and well-being. The collection draws on the work of 88 researchers from 17 different countries across the world, with each article offering an illustration of how music can relate to other important aspects of human functioning. In addition, the articles collectively illustrate a wide range of contemporary research approaches. These provide evidence of how different research aims concerning the wider benefits of music require sensitive and appropriate methodologies.

In terms of childhood and adolescence, for example, Putkinen et al. demonstrate how musical training is likely to foster enhanced sound encoding in 9 to 15-year-olds and thus be related to reading skills. A separate Finnish study by Saarikallio et al. provides evidence of how musical listening influences adolescents' perceived sense of agency and emotional well-being, whilst demonstrating how this impact is particularly nuanced by context and individuality. Aspects of mental health are the focus for an Australian study by Stewart et al. of young people with tendencies to depression. The article explores how, despite existing literature on the positive use of music for mood regulation, music listening can be double-edged and could actually sustain or intensify a negative mood.

A Portuguese study by Martins et al. shifts the center of attention from mental to physical benefits in their study of how learning music can support children's coordination. They provide empirical data on how a sustained, 24-week programme of Orff-based music education, which included the playing of simple tuned percussion instruments, significantly enhanced the manual dexterity and bimanual coordination in participant 8-year-olds compared to their active control (sports) and passive control peers. A related study by Loui et al. in the USA offers insights into the neurological impact of sustained musical instrument practice. Eight-year-old children who play one or more musical instruments for at least 0.5 h per week had higher scores on verbal ability and intellectual ability, and these correlated with greater measurable connections between particular regions of the brain related to both auditory-motor and bi-hemispheric connectivity.

Younger, pre-school children can also benefit from musical activities, with associations being reported between informal musical experiences in the home and specific aspects of language development. A UK-led study by Politimou et al. found that rhythm perception and production were the best predictors of young children's phonological awareness, whilst melody perception was the best predictor of grammar acquisition, a novel association not previously observed in developmental research. In another pre-school study, Barrett et al. explored the beliefs and values held by Australian early childhood and care practitioners concerning the value of music in young children's learning. Despite having limited formal qualifications and experience of personal music learning, practitioners tended overall to have positive attitudes to music, although this was biased toward music as a recreational and fun activity, with limited support for the notion of how music might be used to support wider aspects of children's learning and development.

Engaging in music to support a positive sense of personal agency is an integral feature of several articles in the collection. In addition to the Saarikallio team's research mentioned above, Moors et al. provide a novel example of how engaging in collective beatboxing can be life-enhancing for throat cancer patients in the UK who have undergone laryngectomy, both in terms of supporting their voice rehabilitation and alaryngeal phonation, as well as patients' sense of social inclusion and emotional well-being.

One potential reason for these positive findings is examined in an Australian study by Krause et al. . They apply the lens of self-determination theory to examine musical participation and well-being in a large group of 17 to 85-year-olds. Respondents to an online questionnaire signaled the importance of active music making in their lives in meeting three basic psychological needs embracing a sense of competency, relatedness and autonomy.

The use of public performance in music therapy is the subject of a US study by Vaudreuil et al. concerning the social transformation and reintegration of US military service members. Two example case studies are reported of service members who received music therapy as part of their treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological health concerns. The participants wrote, learned, and refined songs over multiple music therapy sessions and created song introductions to share with audiences. Subsequent interviews provide positive evidence of the beneficial psychological effects of this programme of audience-focused musical activity.

Relatedly, McFerran et al. in Australia examined the ways in which music and trauma have been reported in selected music therapy literature from the past 10 years. The team's critical interpretive synthesis of 36 related articles led them to identify four different ways in which music has been used beneficially to support those who have experienced trauma. These approaches embrace the use of music for stabilizing (the modulation of physiological processes) and entrainment (the synchronization of music and movement), as well as for expressive and performative purposes—the fostering of emotional and social well-being.

The therapeutic potential of music is also explored in a detailed case study by Fachner et al. . Their research focuses on the nature of critical moments in a guided imagery and music session between a music therapist and a client, and evidences how these moments relate to underlying neurological function in the mechanics of music therapy.

At the other end of the age span, and also related to therapy, an Australian study by Brancatisano et al. reports on a new Music, Mind, and Movement programme for people in their eighties with mild to moderate dementia. Participants involved in the programme tended to show an improvement in aspects of cognition, particularly verbal fluency and attention. Similarly, Wilson and MacDonald report on a 10-week group music programme for young Scottish adults with learning difficulties. The research data suggest that participants enjoyed the programme and tended to sustain participation, with benefits evidenced in increased social engagement, interaction and communication.

The role of technology in facilitating access to music and supporting a sense of agency in older people is the focus for a major literature review by Creech , now based in Canada. Although this is a relatively under-researched field, the available evidence suggests that that older people, even those with complex needs, are capable of engaging with and using technology in a variety of ways that support their musical perception, learning and participation and wider quality of life.

Related to the particular needs of the young, children's general behavior can also improve through music, as exampled in an innovative, school-based, intensive 3-month orchestral programme in Italy with 8 to 10-year-olds. Fasano et al. report that the programme was particularly beneficial in reducing hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, whilst enhancing inhibitory control. These benefits are in line with research findings concerning successful music education with specific cases of young people with ADHD whose behavior is characterized by these same disruptive symptoms (hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity).

Extra-musical benefits are also reported in a study of college students (Bachelors and Masters) and amateur musicians in a joint Swiss-UK study. Antonini Philippe et al. suggest that, whilst music making can offer some health protective effects, there is a need for greater health awareness and promotion among advanced music students. Compared to the amateur musicians, the college music students evaluated their overall quality of life and general and physical health more negatively, as did females in terms of their psychological health. Somewhat paradoxically, the college students who had taken part in judged performances reported higher psychological health ratings. This may have been because this sub-group were slightly older and more experienced musicians.

Music appears to be a common accompaniment to exercise, whether in the gym, park or street. Nikol et al. in South East Asia explore the potential physical benefits of synchronous exercise to music, especially in hot and humid conditions. Their randomized cross-over study (2019) reports that “time-to-exhaustion” under the synchronous music condition was 2/3 longer compared to the no-music condition for the same participants. In addition, perceived exertion was significantly lower, by an average of 22% during the synchronous condition.

Comparisons between music and sport are often evidenced in the body of existing Frontiers research literature related to performance and group behaviors. Our new collection contains a contribution to this literature in a study by Habe et al. . The authors investigated elite musicians and top athletes in Slovenia in terms of their perceptions of flow in performance and satisfaction with life. The questionnaire data analyses suggest that the experience of flow appears to influence satisfaction with life in these high-functioning individuals, albeit with some variations related to discipline, participant sex and whether considering team or individual performance.

A more formal link between music and movement is the focus of an exploratory case study by Cirelli and Trehub . They investigated a 19-month-old infant's dance-like, motorically-complex responses to familiar and unfamiliar songs, presented at different speeds. Movements were faster for the more familiar items at their original tempo. The child had been observed previously as moving to music at the age of 6 months.

Finally, a novel UK-based study by Waddington-Jones et al. evaluated the impact of two professional composers who were tasked, individually, to lead a 4-month programme of group composing in two separate and diverse community settings—one with a choral group and the other in a residential home, both funded as part of a music programme for the Hull City of Culture in 2017. In addition to the two composers, the participants were older adults, with the residential group being joined by schoolchildren from a local Primary school to collaborate in a final performance. Qualitative data analyses provide evidence of multi-dimensional psychological benefits arising from the successful, group-focused music-making activities.

In summary, these studies demonstrate that engaging in musical activity can have a positive impact on health and well-being in a variety of ways and in a diverse range of contexts across the lifespan. Musical activities, whether focused on listening, being creative or re-creative, individual or collective, are infused with the potential to be therapeutic, developmental, enriching, and educational, with the caveat provided that such musical experiences are perceived to be engaging, meaningful and successful by those who participate.

Collectively, these studies also celebrate the multiplicity of ways in which music can be experienced. Reading across the articles might raise a question as to whether or not any particular type of musical experience is seen to be more beneficial compared with another. The answer, at least in part, is that the empirical evidence suggests that musical engagement comes in myriad forms along a continuum of more or less overt activity, embracing learning, performing, composing and improvising, as well as listening and appreciating. Furthermore, given the multidimensional neurological processing of musical experience, it seems reasonable to hypothesize that it is perhaps the level of emotional engagement in the activity that drives its degree of health and well-being efficacy as much as the activity's overt musical features. And therein are opportunities for further research!

Author Contributions

The editorial was drafted by GW and approved by the topic Co-editors. All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the Edited Collection, and have approved this editorial for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to all the contributing authors and their participants for their positive engagement with this Frontiers Research Topic, and also for the Frontiers staff for their commitment and support in bringing this topic to press.

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Uses of Music in Everyday Life

University of California Press

  • September 2004
  • 22(1):41-77

A. C. North at Curtin University

  • Curtin University

David J Hargreaves at University of Roehampton

  • University of Roehampton
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EDITORIAL article

Editorial: the impact of music on human development and well-being.

\nGraham F. Welch

  • 1 Department of Culture, Communication and Media, University College London, London, United Kingdom
  • 2 Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
  • 3 School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
  • 4 Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Editorial on the Research Topic The Impact of Music on Human Development and Well-Being

Music is one of the most universal ways of expression and communication for humankind and is present in the everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world ( Mehr et al., 2019 ). Hence, it seems more appropriate to talk about musics (plural) rather than in the singular ( Goble, 2015 ). Furthermore, research by anthropologists as well as ethnomusicologists suggests that music has been a characteristic of the human condition for millennia (cf. Blacking, 1976 ; Brown, 1999 ; Mithen, 2005 ; Dissanayake, 2012 ; Higham et al., 2012 ; Cross, 2016 ). Nevertheless, whilst the potential for musical behavior is a characteristic of all human beings, its realization is shaped by the environment and the experiences of individuals, often within groups ( North and Hargreaves, 2008 ; Welch and McPherson, 2018 ). Listening to music, singing, playing (informally, formally), creating (exploring, composing, improvising), whether individually and collectively, are common activities for the vast majority of people. Music represents an enjoyable activity in and of itself, but its influence goes beyond simple amusement.

These activities not only allow the expression of personal inner states and feelings, but also can bring about many positive effects in those who engage in them. There is an increasing body of empirical and experimental studies concerning the wider benefits of musical activity, and research in the sciences associated with music suggests that there are many dimensions of human life—including physical, social, educational, psychological (cognitive and emotional)—which can be affected positively by successful engagement in music ( Biasutti and Concina, 2013 ). Learning in and through music is something that can happen formally (such as part of structured lessons in school), as well as in other-than-formal situations, such as in the home with family and friends, often non-sequentially and not necessarily intentional, and where participation in music learning is voluntary, rather than mandated, such as in a community setting (cf. Green, 2002 ; Folkestad, 2006 ; Saether, 2016 ; Welch and McPherson, 2018 ).

Such benefits are evidenced across the lifespan, including early childhood ( Gerry et al., 2012 ; Williams et al., 2015 ; Linnavalli et al., 2018 ), adolescence ( McFerran et al., 2018 ), and older adulthood ( Lindblad and de Boise, 2020 ). Within these lifespan perspectives, research into music's contribution to health and well-being provides evidence of physical and psychological impacts ( MacDonald et al., 2013 ; Fancourt and Finn, 2019 ; van den Elzen et al., 2019 ). Benefits are also reported in terms of young people's educational outcomes ( Guhn et al., 2019 ), and successful musical activity can enhance an individual's sense of social inclusion ( Welch et al., 2014 ) and social cohesion ( Elvers et al., 2017 ).

This special issue provides a collection of 21, new research articles that deepen and develop our understanding of the ways and means that music can impact positively on human development and well-being. The collection draws on the work of 88 researchers from 17 different countries across the world, with each article offering an illustration of how music can relate to other important aspects of human functioning. In addition, the articles collectively illustrate a wide range of contemporary research approaches. These provide evidence of how different research aims concerning the wider benefits of music require sensitive and appropriate methodologies.

In terms of childhood and adolescence, for example, Putkinen et al. demonstrate how musical training is likely to foster enhanced sound encoding in 9 to 15-year-olds and thus be related to reading skills. A separate Finnish study by Saarikallio et al. provides evidence of how musical listening influences adolescents' perceived sense of agency and emotional well-being, whilst demonstrating how this impact is particularly nuanced by context and individuality. Aspects of mental health are the focus for an Australian study by Stewart et al. of young people with tendencies to depression. The article explores how, despite existing literature on the positive use of music for mood regulation, music listening can be double-edged and could actually sustain or intensify a negative mood.

A Portuguese study by Martins et al. shifts the center of attention from mental to physical benefits in their study of how learning music can support children's coordination. They provide empirical data on how a sustained, 24-week programme of Orff-based music education, which included the playing of simple tuned percussion instruments, significantly enhanced the manual dexterity and bimanual coordination in participant 8-year-olds compared to their active control (sports) and passive control peers. A related study by Loui et al. in the USA offers insights into the neurological impact of sustained musical instrument practice. Eight-year-old children who play one or more musical instruments for at least 0.5 h per week had higher scores on verbal ability and intellectual ability, and these correlated with greater measurable connections between particular regions of the brain related to both auditory-motor and bi-hemispheric connectivity.

Younger, pre-school children can also benefit from musical activities, with associations being reported between informal musical experiences in the home and specific aspects of language development. A UK-led study by Politimou et al. found that rhythm perception and production were the best predictors of young children's phonological awareness, whilst melody perception was the best predictor of grammar acquisition, a novel association not previously observed in developmental research. In another pre-school study, Barrett et al. explored the beliefs and values held by Australian early childhood and care practitioners concerning the value of music in young children's learning. Despite having limited formal qualifications and experience of personal music learning, practitioners tended overall to have positive attitudes to music, although this was biased toward music as a recreational and fun activity, with limited support for the notion of how music might be used to support wider aspects of children's learning and development.

Engaging in music to support a positive sense of personal agency is an integral feature of several articles in the collection. In addition to the Saarikallio team's research mentioned above, Moors et al. provide a novel example of how engaging in collective beatboxing can be life-enhancing for throat cancer patients in the UK who have undergone laryngectomy, both in terms of supporting their voice rehabilitation and alaryngeal phonation, as well as patients' sense of social inclusion and emotional well-being.

One potential reason for these positive findings is examined in an Australian study by Krause et al. . They apply the lens of self-determination theory to examine musical participation and well-being in a large group of 17 to 85-year-olds. Respondents to an online questionnaire signaled the importance of active music making in their lives in meeting three basic psychological needs embracing a sense of competency, relatedness and autonomy.

The use of public performance in music therapy is the subject of a US study by Vaudreuil et al. concerning the social transformation and reintegration of US military service members. Two example case studies are reported of service members who received music therapy as part of their treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological health concerns. The participants wrote, learned, and refined songs over multiple music therapy sessions and created song introductions to share with audiences. Subsequent interviews provide positive evidence of the beneficial psychological effects of this programme of audience-focused musical activity.

Relatedly, McFerran et al. in Australia examined the ways in which music and trauma have been reported in selected music therapy literature from the past 10 years. The team's critical interpretive synthesis of 36 related articles led them to identify four different ways in which music has been used beneficially to support those who have experienced trauma. These approaches embrace the use of music for stabilizing (the modulation of physiological processes) and entrainment (the synchronization of music and movement), as well as for expressive and performative purposes—the fostering of emotional and social well-being.

The therapeutic potential of music is also explored in a detailed case study by Fachner et al. . Their research focuses on the nature of critical moments in a guided imagery and music session between a music therapist and a client, and evidences how these moments relate to underlying neurological function in the mechanics of music therapy.

At the other end of the age span, and also related to therapy, an Australian study by Brancatisano et al. reports on a new Music, Mind, and Movement programme for people in their eighties with mild to moderate dementia. Participants involved in the programme tended to show an improvement in aspects of cognition, particularly verbal fluency and attention. Similarly, Wilson and MacDonald report on a 10-week group music programme for young Scottish adults with learning difficulties. The research data suggest that participants enjoyed the programme and tended to sustain participation, with benefits evidenced in increased social engagement, interaction and communication.

The role of technology in facilitating access to music and supporting a sense of agency in older people is the focus for a major literature review by Creech , now based in Canada. Although this is a relatively under-researched field, the available evidence suggests that that older people, even those with complex needs, are capable of engaging with and using technology in a variety of ways that support their musical perception, learning and participation and wider quality of life.

Related to the particular needs of the young, children's general behavior can also improve through music, as exampled in an innovative, school-based, intensive 3-month orchestral programme in Italy with 8 to 10-year-olds. Fasano et al. report that the programme was particularly beneficial in reducing hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, whilst enhancing inhibitory control. These benefits are in line with research findings concerning successful music education with specific cases of young people with ADHD whose behavior is characterized by these same disruptive symptoms (hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity).

Extra-musical benefits are also reported in a study of college students (Bachelors and Masters) and amateur musicians in a joint Swiss-UK study. Antonini Philippe et al. suggest that, whilst music making can offer some health protective effects, there is a need for greater health awareness and promotion among advanced music students. Compared to the amateur musicians, the college music students evaluated their overall quality of life and general and physical health more negatively, as did females in terms of their psychological health. Somewhat paradoxically, the college students who had taken part in judged performances reported higher psychological health ratings. This may have been because this sub-group were slightly older and more experienced musicians.

Music appears to be a common accompaniment to exercise, whether in the gym, park or street. Nikol et al. in South East Asia explore the potential physical benefits of synchronous exercise to music, especially in hot and humid conditions. Their randomized cross-over study (2019) reports that “time-to-exhaustion” under the synchronous music condition was 2/3 longer compared to the no-music condition for the same participants. In addition, perceived exertion was significantly lower, by an average of 22% during the synchronous condition.

Comparisons between music and sport are often evidenced in the body of existing Frontiers research literature related to performance and group behaviors. Our new collection contains a contribution to this literature in a study by Habe et al. . The authors investigated elite musicians and top athletes in Slovenia in terms of their perceptions of flow in performance and satisfaction with life. The questionnaire data analyses suggest that the experience of flow appears to influence satisfaction with life in these high-functioning individuals, albeit with some variations related to discipline, participant sex and whether considering team or individual performance.

A more formal link between music and movement is the focus of an exploratory case study by Cirelli and Trehub . They investigated a 19-month-old infant's dance-like, motorically-complex responses to familiar and unfamiliar songs, presented at different speeds. Movements were faster for the more familiar items at their original tempo. The child had been observed previously as moving to music at the age of 6 months.

Finally, a novel UK-based study by Waddington-Jones et al. evaluated the impact of two professional composers who were tasked, individually, to lead a 4-month programme of group composing in two separate and diverse community settings—one with a choral group and the other in a residential home, both funded as part of a music programme for the Hull City of Culture in 2017. In addition to the two composers, the participants were older adults, with the residential group being joined by schoolchildren from a local Primary school to collaborate in a final performance. Qualitative data analyses provide evidence of multi-dimensional psychological benefits arising from the successful, group-focused music-making activities.

In summary, these studies demonstrate that engaging in musical activity can have a positive impact on health and well-being in a variety of ways and in a diverse range of contexts across the lifespan. Musical activities, whether focused on listening, being creative or re-creative, individual or collective, are infused with the potential to be therapeutic, developmental, enriching, and educational, with the caveat provided that such musical experiences are perceived to be engaging, meaningful and successful by those who participate.

Collectively, these studies also celebrate the multiplicity of ways in which music can be experienced. Reading across the articles might raise a question as to whether or not any particular type of musical experience is seen to be more beneficial compared with another. The answer, at least in part, is that the empirical evidence suggests that musical engagement comes in myriad forms along a continuum of more or less overt activity, embracing learning, performing, composing and improvising, as well as listening and appreciating. Furthermore, given the multidimensional neurological processing of musical experience, it seems reasonable to hypothesize that it is perhaps the level of emotional engagement in the activity that drives its degree of health and well-being efficacy as much as the activity's overt musical features. And therein are opportunities for further research!

Author Contributions

The editorial was drafted by GW and approved by the topic Co-editors. All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the Edited Collection, and have approved this editorial for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to all the contributing authors and their participants for their positive engagement with this Frontiers Research Topic, and also for the Frontiers staff for their commitment and support in bringing this topic to press.

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Keywords: music, wider benefits, lifespan, health, well-being

Citation: Welch GF, Biasutti M, MacRitchie J, McPherson GE and Himonides E (2020) Editorial: The Impact of Music on Human Development and Well-Being. Front. Psychol. 11:1246. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01246

Received: 12 January 2020; Accepted: 13 May 2020; Published: 17 June 2020.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2020 Welch, Biasutti, MacRitchie, McPherson and Himonides. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Graham F. Welch, graham.welch@ucl.ac.uk ; Michele Biasutti, michele.biasutti@unipd.it

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Music In Our Lives: Rethinking Musical Ability, Development, and Identity

Music In Our Lives: Rethinking Musical Ability, Development, and Identity

Music In Our Lives: Rethinking Musical Ability, Development, and Identity

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Why do some children take up music, while others don't? Why do some excel, whilst others give up? Why do some children favour classical music, whilst others prefer rock? These are questions that have puzzled music educators, psychologists, and musicologists for many years. Yet, they are incredibly difficult and complex questions to answer. This book takes an innovative approach to trying to answer these questions. It is drawn from a research project that spanned fourteen years, and closely followed the lives of over 150 children learning music — from their seventh to their twenty second birthdays. This longitudinal approach allows for the probing of a number of important issues. For example, how do you define musical skill and ability? Is it true, as many assume, that continuous engagement in performance is the sole way in which those skills can be developed? What are the consequences of trends and behaviours observed amongst the general public, and their listening consumption? After presenting an overview and detailed case study explorations of musical lives, the book provides frameworks and theory for further investigation and discussion. It tries to present a holistic interpretation of these studies, and looks at their implications for musical development and education.

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‘Music Speaks to Some Deep Need Among Humans’

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A 19th-century diagram showing different musical instruments, including harps and lyres.

To the Editor:

Re “ Delving Into the Archaeology of Music ” (Science Times, May 21):

Virtually all our achievements as a species depend upon humans working together. One human alone, in a state of nature, is a medium-sized animal struggling for survival (and with no use for music). Working in tandem, we produce homes, towns, cities, factories and all the rest.

Music is a vital part of that process. Most traditional music is highly functional. It’s used for religious ceremonies, community events, family gatherings, dancing, courtship and labor (keeping workers in sync). Sometimes, as in the case of the Scottish bagpipe, it plays a role in battle.

Music is like an intangible thread tying us together. Anything that facilitates human cooperation confers a major survival advantage. It’s no wonder that music, like language, is universal among us.

David Goldberg New York

I was interested to read the latest research into music using big data, as your article reports. My late father, David Epstein, a conductor and a professor of music at M.I.T., did a lot of research into musical performance that pointed to how and why music taps into some fundamental human abilities, across cultures.

His work focused on tempo/rhythm/pulse, and he uncovered some fascinating features of tempo that were of interest to scientists from many disciplines. One of his main findings (with the use of a stopwatch — not big data!) was that highly skilled musicians have such a fine-tuned sense of rhythm that they can play with the tempo in a piece, take a phrase and stretch it out here, and then speed up somewhere else, landing exactly where they might have if they had played a straight (and boring) metronome tempo through the whole piece. Audiences respond to the drama in that playful interpretation.

I don’t think my father ever questioned that music speaks to some deep need among humans — for a language beyond words that allows us to tie our very heartbeats to one another.

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    The Impact of Music on Human Development and Well-Being. Music is one of the most universal ways of expression and communication for humankind and is present in the everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world ( Mehr et al., 2019 ). Hence, it seems more appropriate to talk about musics (plural) rather than in the ...

  21. Music In Our Lives: Rethinking Musical Ability, Development, and

    After presenting an overview and detailed case study explorations of musical lives, the book provides frameworks and theory for further investigation and discussion. It tries to present a holistic interpretation of these studies, and looks at their implications for musical development and education. Keywords: children, music, classical music ...

  22. Opinion

    Audiences respond to the drama in that playful interpretation. I don't think my father ever questioned that music speaks to some deep need among humans — for a language beyond words that ...