Music is a versatile art form that permeates every human culture in a bewildering profusion of styles, some contemporary, others rooted in past eras. It can express political messages, elicit specific emotions and even influence physical behavior (the use of music in psychotherapy, geriatrics, and advertising is testimony to this power).
In its most basic form, music is a means of communicating information. Even at its most basic, sounds can convey clear-cut messages like the tones of a cell phone signaling someone is calling, or the chirps of a bird tweeting its gratitude to the sun. At a more refined level, the harmonies and melodies of songs communicate complex ideas with a subtlety that is almost imperceptible to the uninitiated listener, and in many cases is a direct channel between the conscious and the subconscious.
The most common uses of music are entertainment and expression. People have been using sound and song since primitive man to communicate ideas and experiences, and as a way of celebrating or expressing their emotions. Music can evoke powerful emotions in the listener, from the exhilarating pounding of a stadium rock concert to the soothing lullabies of a mother singing her child to sleep.
It is this emotional impact that is one of the most significant reasons why musicians and fans of music are able to enjoy the same songs over and over again. It is why a familiar ditty can make us smile on a sour day, or why we can recite a line from our favorite rap song in the shower without having to look at the lyrics.
Music can be used to connect with other cultures, and as a means of expression, it has become the language of many world religions. It is also a very important part of our society, providing jobs, enriching communities and bringing people together.
A well-written article about music needs to take a broad approach, rather than narrowly focus on describing individual song elements. This is especially true if you are writing for an audience that may not be deeply familiar with musical terminology, or if you are trying to reach a larger audience.
For example, when describing the mood of Debussy’s Clair de Lune, you should avoid technical terms like “melody and harmony” in favor of descriptions that will resonate with a wider audience. A good way to do this is by comparing the music to an everyday experience or emotion. “The melody flows gently, like moonlight shimmering on a calm lake,” for instance, is a very simple but evocative description of the music’s atmosphere.
Some types of music have traditionally been viewed as higher or lower culture, such as Baroque, Classical and Romantic-era symphonies that are heard in formal concerts with an audience sitting silently, or popular songs that are played in bars and dance halls where the audiences cheer and sing along. However, a growing body of research has shown that music is a form of communication that transcends cultural boundaries and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, social classes and backgrounds.