Music is a cultural art form that has been used for centuries to express emotions, communicate ideas and create beauty. It has been a part of many rituals, including ceremonies and religious services. It is also a medium for entertainment, and has been incorporated into other types of artforms such as theatre, silent and synchronised film, radio broadcasts, and television and internet content. Music can be as simple as a folk song passed from one village to another in 13th-century England, or as complex as Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire.
The definition of music is often defined by established practices and cultural standards, based around rhythm, melody and harmony. Often, a musical composition is structured as a song with verses and choruses. A bridge may also be included, a section of the song that provides a break from the repetition of the verse and chorus.
When composing an article about music, the use of technical terms is often useful to describe intricate details and nuances. However, if the purpose of the article is to reach a wide audience, avoiding the use of musical jargon can be beneficial. For example, instead of saying “the melody flows like moonlight shimmering on a calm lake” say, “it’s serene, yet there’s a quiet intensity beneath the surface”.
Music can be used to evoke specific emotional reactions from listeners, such as anger, sadness or fear. It can be used to motivate people to dance or exercise, and has even been credited with improving mental health by alleviating stress.
It is also a tool to connect with others through shared experiences, as it can induce a sense of community. Studies have shown that when listening to music in a group, our brains are synchronised, causing a shared experience. This is why concerts are so popular and social events such as weddings often include music.
Songwriting is an activity that can help alleviate feelings of anxiety by giving people the permission to slow down and pin-point their key triggers and pain points. They can then transform these struggles into something that can be listened to and enjoyed, which gives them power.
Whether it is the sounds of a flute blowing in the wind, a guitar picking up a new chord or the vocals of a crooner singing to a lost love, a good song can change your mood in an instant. It can make you happy, sad, angry, or nostalgic. Sometimes a piece of music can do all of these things at once, and other times it just lets you be in the moment. Whatever it is, we should all be thankful for the fact that music exists. It enriches our lives, connects us to each other, entertains us, gives us pleasure and puts us in touch with beauty. So take a moment to stop, listen and appreciate it. After all, that’s why we make it.