Music is a universal language that connects across borders, cultures and time zones. It elicits emotions while conveying stories – plus we love enjoying it by singing along, dancing to it or simply listening.

Simply stated, music can be defined as an organized system of sound that includes rhythm, melody and harmony. Each sound possesses its own distinctive timbre property.

Definition

Music is an art form that pervades every aspect of human society, from advertising campaigns to psychotherapy sessions and many people believe music affects their emotions directly.

Philosophers specializing in musicology have long investigated its nature and value. Debates center around questions such as whether any organized sound can qualify as music and what characteristics must it possess to meet that definition.

Most philosophers agree that music must include elements such as rhythm, melody and harmony; however they differ about what these components entail and their importance to experiencing music.

Origins

Theories exist as to why and how music evolved. Steven Mithen (2005) suggests that music serves as a form of group bonding through work songs or simply in the form of a soothing lullaby.

Music derives its name from Greek msica, meaning the “art of the muses.” Ancient Greeks revered nine goddesses who they credited with providing inspiration in literature, science and the arts: Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (lute and double pipes), Euterpea Melpomene Polyhymnia Terpsichore Terpsichore Urania

Purpose

Many people make music for various reasons, from personal to social entertainment and ritual to teaching tools or to express emotions.

Music has long been used as an effective therapeutic therapy. Today, music therapy is an increasingly popular clinical discipline used to treat a range of conditions such as mental illness, pain and dementia.

Philosophers have offered numerous explanations for the value of music. Some theories emphasize its intrinsic qualities while others focus on its observable effects or partnerships with dance, ceremonies, festivities or words. Still other extramusical preoccupations relate to social status or cultural-aesthetic boundaries that might exist among listeners or performers.

Techniques

Composing music takes many forms. Musical ideas often arise spontaneously while walking or driving; for instance, rhythm may come while sitting at a traffic light, or melody might surface when visiting the laundry machine or grocery store.

One of the core techniques in music composition includes sequence, harmony, rhythm and form. Sequencing involves repeating musical fragments while altering their pitch or rhythm for greater variation.

Harmony refers to how chords and sounds interact within a piece of music, while rhythm describes its pace; rhythm can create tension, resolution or movement within songs.

Styles

Musical styles are broad categories that encompass various techniques and genres of music, used by musicians to express their musical ideas to fellow musicians in performance settings, recording sessions or recordings sessions, as well as convey the emotion and meaning behind musical works to audiences.

Musical styles can be distinguished by the rhythmic language and meter used, along with overall feel and groove. Different genres use various metric conventions while some also employ syncopation for added rhythmic interest and swing feel.

Musical styles can also be distinguished based on their texture and arrangement of melodic lines and voices. Polyphony (multiple independent melodies that interweave) and homophony (a clear melody with chordal accompaniment) are two examples of this musical texture.

Audience

Audience members at musicals, plays or films comprise those watching or listening. Audience participation may include clapping, cheering or criticizing. Some events encourage audience engagement such as improvised comedy shows and creative stage productions that encourage audience interaction.

Music brings people from diverse backgrounds together. Even animals such as birds, dogs and whales understand music to some extent – an indicator of its immense significance within society.

Music can also serve to express messages and ideas that cannot easily be put into words; for instance, the Freedom Songs from the Civil Rights Movement inspired action and action was taken towards change.