Music is an art form that, in one guise or another, permeates every human culture. It has been a vital adjunct to ritual, drama, and entertainment, as well as a powerful tool for communicating emotion. The ubiquity of music in modern life—in radio, film, television, dance, and musical theatre—testifies to its continuing popularity and influence. Its protean character lends itself to alliances with language, as in song, and with physical movement, as in dance. The widespread use of music in psychotherapy and geriatrics reflects an ongoing belief in its capacity to reflect and alter human emotions.
Although it might seem obvious that a combination of melody and lyrics constitutes a song, a more accurate definition requires taking into account all the elements that make up the song. To do so means understanding the context of a song, from where and when it was created to who performed it and what technology produced it and preserved it. It also means knowing how the instrumentation supports or contradicts the meaning of the lyrics.
A song’s lyrics can convey a wide range of emotion and meaning, from happy and bouncy to melancholy. Its music can be slow and contemplative or high-energy and rocking. Often, the connection between music and lyrics is so strong that there are many songs that don’t make sense unless you know their historical context. Charles Mingus’s jazz song “Fables of Faubus” only makes sense when you know that Governor Faubus tried to prevent desegregation in Arkansas. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors only makes sense if you know that the band was going through some difficult times at the time of its release.
In addition to the way it affects our mood, music makes other aspects of life more fun. Singing in the car or shower, listening while cleaning or cooking, dancing to your favorite tunes—all are great ways to relax and get your energy up. Similarly, using music in presentations and videos helps make your message more memorable.
The study of music has accumulated an enormous and complex vocabulary, especially in the field of classical music. Some of these terms are used only by scholars or specialists in the field; others are more commonly used in popular speech and literature. Trying to master these technical terms can be frustrating and confusing, but it is important for students of music to learn them to gain a deeper appreciation of the art form.
The study of music is not an easy task, but it can be a very enjoyable and rewarding one. It is not only entertaining, but it can improve your quality of life and help you achieve a higher level of consciousness. It is important to be aware of the power and influence that music has over our lives, and that of others as well. If you want to learn more about the world of music, there are numerous books on the subject that will give you a good introduction.