The Impact of Music: Why Is Music Important to Us?
Take a moment to think about your favorite song. You probably know all the words and can hum the tune without a second thought. How does it make you feel at the end? It probably leaves you energized, relaxed, or feeling nostalgic.
At almost any given moment, there’s music around us. Jamming out to the radio on your morning commute. Soft, ambient music playing in the waiting room at your doctor’s office. Filling television commercials during breaks in your favorite show.
Imagining a world without music seems a little less colorful. No tunes to sing in the shower, no background melodies at your favorite coffee shop, and no concerts with friends. It’s hard to imagine, right?
That's because music is an integral part of human culture — and has been for centuries. From ancient civilizations to modern-day society, music affects almost every aspect of our daily routines.
Below, we’ll explore what makes music so special and why this art form resonates with us on such a deep level.
What is music?
On the technical front, music is all about combining vocal, percussive, or instrumental sounds to make a harmonious and expressive piece. When you think about music, you probably think about things like rhythms and melodies — which is part of it, but certainly doesn’t tell the whole story.
- Rhythm gives music its sense of time and movement.
- Melody carries the tune and is often the most memorable aspect of a song.
- Harmony adds depth to the music by combining multiple sounds, creating unique chord progressions that evoke different emotions.
- Dynamics refer to the changes in volume, intensity, and movement within a piece of music.
While all these mechanisms are important, when it comes down to it, music is all about personal experience. It stirs up feelings, memories, and sensations that are unique to each person.
Yet, it's also a way for us to share our thoughts and emotions when words fall short. So, instead of just listening to music as a sound, we feel it as an experience that goes beyond words.
Personal vs. shared experiences of music: How do they differ?
When we listen to music by ourselves, it's usually to check in with our emotions, seek comfort, or take a break from the daily grind. In contrast, listening to music with others in a group can create bonds and make memories that hit home for everyone involved. So, what sets apart our personal musical experiences from those we share with others?
Listening to music
Listening alone gives you the opportunity to really connect with your thoughts and feelings. When you're fully absorbed in the music without distractions, you can truly feel and connect to the lyrics, melodies, and rhythm.
Group listening creates shared experiences and community connections. Singing along at a concert, dancing at a party with friends, or jamming in your morning carpool all create a feeling of belonging and help form friendships through shared fun. The combined energy and excitement can build lasting memories and strengthen bonds between people.
Playing music
During solo listening sessions, a musician gets to dive into their unique style and get creative. They can try out new techniques, sounds, and feelings. The strong bond between the musician and their instrument opens avenues for personal expression, development, and self-discovery.
On the other hand, being part of a band or orchestra and making music within a group fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Musicians must listen and adapt to each other's styles, rhythms, and dynamics, leading to a harmonious performance.
Writing or composing music
When you're writing or making music, drawing from personal experiences gives you the freedom to be creative and express your true self. As a musician, you get to steer the music in any direction you want, tapping deep into your emotions and thoughts. Solo artists pour their heart and soul into their music, making it a raw and relatable journey for listeners.
Collaborative music-making brings together diverse perspectives and ideas to craft a shared masterpiece. It combines unique styles and genres, resulting in something fresh and diverse that may resonate with a wider audience.
Why music is important to us
The effect of music on our emotions, memories, and overall well-being is undeniable. Music has the power to evoke strong emotional responses — whether those responses are positive or negative. It can transport us to different times in our lives or places, triggering memories and emotions we may have long forgotten.
But music’s power doesn’t stop there. Let's look at some of the reasons why music is such a big part of society and cultures around the world.
Universal language and connection
Music is a universal language that transcends cultural and societal barriers. It’s a means of communication that can convey ideas, emotions, and experiences beyond the constraints of spoken language. Take, for instance, the power of instrumental music. Without any lyrics, it can still evoke strong emotions and tell a story.
Plus, music has a fun way of uniting people from diverse cultures. Whether it's at festivals, concerts, or other shared musical experiences, individuals from varied backgrounds can bond and relate through their shared love for music. It helps foster empathy, mutual understanding, and a celebration of our differences.
Emotional well-being
Research has shown that music has a profound effect on our emotional well-being. Listening to music stimulates areas of the brain associated with emotion, memory, and pleasure. It releases dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to a sense of happiness and relaxation.
Additionally, music is often used as a therapeutic tool for mental health. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and can help with emotional regulation. Playing and listening to music can also aid in self-expression, allowing individuals to release pent-up emotions in a healthy way.
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers recognize and utilize the power of music therapy to help patients cope with various mental and physical health conditions. Classical music, in particular, has been shown to improve cognitive abilities and reduce symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Economy and creativity
The music industry is a huge economic player, raking in billions of dollars yearly. From recording studios to live performances to music education, music creates job opportunities, boosts local economies, and contributes to global trade. It also supports countless other industries such as sound engineering, marketing, and tourism, creating a ripple effect on the economy.
Besides its economic impact, music encourages creativity in different fields. It promotes trying out new things and thinking outside the box, paving the way for fresh ideas and advancements across various industries. Music also fosters cultural exchange, allowing for the sharing of diverse perspectives and traditions through a universal medium.
Cognitive and educational factors
Music has also been linked to cognitive development and improved academic performance. Research finds that children who receive music education have better verbal memory, reading and language skills, and second language pronunciation accuracy.
Similarly, adults who take part in musical training have also shown improved memory and executive functioning. Music boosts creativity and problem-solving skills because musicians need critical thinking for composing, improvising, and performing. It also promotes a growth mindset by viewing mistakes and challenges as chances to improve — not as failures.
Experience the resonating power of music with Trala
Music holds immense importance in our lives, from its universal language and emotional impact to its economic and educational benefits. It allows for personal expression and collaboration, fosters connection and creativity, and has significant impacts on our emotional states.
Trala strives to make music education accessible to everyone through our industry-leading online music lessons. With Trala, students of all ages can work with talented teachers to help them achieve their musical goals.
Whether you're a solo artist looking to improve your musical notation skills or a group of friends wanting to start a band, Trala can help you with the right tools, support, and resources for your musical journey.
Why wait? Start your musical training with Trala today!
