A theorist of music will often discuss the differences between aesthetic and intellectual perception of music. The latter category includes aestheticians, who view music as something beyond the human mind, while the former refers to those who use it as an essential element of life. However, the distinction between aesthetic and intellectual perception of music is less clear. For example, Kant considered music to be a form of aesthetic expression. But there is also a strong connection between aesthetic and intellectual perception of music, and the two fields can overlap in their approaches.
Plato, for one, regarded music as a branch of ethics, and thought that human beings and music have a close correspondence. While acknowledging the utility of music, he feared its sensual element, insisting that melody never superseded the words. The Stoics, on the other hand, were more sympathetic to aesthetics and felt that music imitated celestial movement. Ultimately, the three different schools of music are inseparable, and the history of music reflects the evolution of their respective traditions.
While many people attribute musical aesthetics to the subjective experience of listening to music, this is a fundamentally subjective process that involves multiple layers of meaning. Music’s aesthetic qualities make it the ideal subject of a study of emotion and thought, but it also has an element of function in human behavior. Music has an extremely high symbolic value in the lives of humans. This means that its emotional value may be elusive to science. Hence, there are a variety of musical theories available.
Despite the variety of forms, music is a universal language. In fact, it permeates every human society. While it is a specialized art, it lends itself to alliances with physical movement and words. From prehistoric times until the present, music has played an essential role in rituals and drama. As a reflection of human emotion, it has been consistently exploited by popular culture. Today, music is used in advertising, psychotherapy, and geriatrics.
Instruments for ancient Greeks include the lyre and double pipe. The two instruments were similar, but the latter was more elaborate. The chelys was made of tortoise shell, and the former had a wooden body and a tortoise-shell resonator. The barbiton was the more refined version of the Greek lyre with longer curved arms. The kithara had a wooden box-body and semi-mechanized tuning devices. These instruments were used in after-dinner symposia.
The laws of the music industry apply to both music producers and performers. Music publishers are legally bound by the laws governing recording deals, print licensing for sheet music, and royalties for public performances. When people fail to perform their obligations, they may be liable for damages and other costs arising out of the breach. Additionally, wrongful termination and discrimination are common in the music industry. As such, it’s important to know about your rights in the music industry.
The elements of music include timbre, rhythm, texture, and tone. Knowing these elements is just as important as being a composer. When writing, you should be critical about the process of music and its elements. By asking questions of the composer, you will gain an ear for the process. Your skills in critical listening will be beneficial to your music career. And remember, music is an art, so use the information you have to make a good piece.