Thesis of Music and Society

 

  Music can consist of many different styles and opinions. Everyone has their own taste and opinions on music, which is why it's one of the most common things to talk about. Just like how we all hear people say "A lot can be said about a person based on their music taste," and it's fun finding people who share common interests with you, such as favorite artist, song, or even genre. 

  It can serve society by shaping cultures and societies around the world for generations. Music has the power to alter one's mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history. Music is an essential aspect of all human civilizations and has the power to emotionally, morally, and culturally affect society. When people from one culture exchange music with each other, they gain valuable insight into another way of life. Learning how music and social bonding are linked is especially crucial in times of conflict when other lines of communication prove to be challenging.

  Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together. At the core of our everyday experience with music, we use it to relax, express ourselves, come to terms with our emotions, and generally improve our well-being. It has evolved into a tool for healing and self-expression, often dictating how we, as individuals, take steps to impact society. 

  When people listen to music, they can improve their mental health. Music occupies the mind with something familiar or soothing, which makes it a great distraction, focusing the attention away from aversive stimuli to something pleasant and encouraging. Listening to music causes the brain to release dopamine, which will alter patterns of pain, depression, anxiety, and disability. Also, music can alter breathing and heart rate through the vibrations that affect our brainwave patterns. For example, slow beats stimulate slower brainwaves associated with hypnotic or meditative states, while faster beats stimulate brainwaves that encourage more alert and concentrated thinking. 

  The song "I Am Woman" was written and performed by American-born Emily Catherine Lomeli (Emmy Meli) on November 18, 2021. It is a great example of how music can bring people together and form a community. The lyrics are about women's empowerment and choosing who they want to be. We can see that clearly when Emmy said:

I am woman, I am fearless
I am sexy, I'm divine
I'm unbeatable, I'm creative
Honey, you can get in line
I am feminine, I am masculine 
I am anything I want

  These lyrics made other women believe the same thing about themselves. This song united women and encouraged them to feel more comfortable about being true to themselves and who they wanted to be. 

  This song didn't just bring women together but also others who enjoy R&B pop. This song falls in the category of R&B because of the smooth retheme, emotive chords, groove, and structure that we find in the song "I Am Woman". The chords used in this song are F, B flat, B flat 7major. The rhythm of the song is simple yet jazz and soulful. This comes from the trumpet, electric guitar, and drums that play together in the singer's background.

  Here is a direct link to the song if you want to listen on your own time.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F3mLfP-yFs

  "Our Journey" by Peder B. Helland from Norway (Feb. 27, 2018) is a composition made for meditation. The song is a solo piano that plays on four-four timing in D major, mostly with broken chords. The dynamic stays the same throughout the song. It has a warm and mellow timbre which makes this composition for meditative means. 

  This composition is a great example of how the vibrations of music affect brainwaves. The vibrations of this piece have slow beats thus putting out slower vibrations. When we hear these vibrations, our brainwaves move slower, making us calmer, therefore making our heart rate beat slower. This is why we feel calmer, meditative, and peaceful when listening to classical music like "Our Journey". 

  Here is a direct link to the song if you would like to listen on your own time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ1K2kDYV6Q

  My relationship with music has become stronger than before I have taken this class. Through this class, I have strengthened my knowledge of the music world. I am already starting to analyze music randomly throughout my day as I hear it. ;) But I am deeply appreciative of all my teachers who gave their personal time to help me learn music and help me grow my love for music. 

Citations: 

Conley, B. (2023) Music’s impact and influence on everyday life, LHStoday. Available at: https://lhstoday.org/42242/opinion/musics-impact-and-influence-on-everyday-life/#:~:text=Bryleigh%20Conley,powerful%20influence%20on%20human%20beings. (Accessed: 27 November 2024).

Peralta, L. (2024) Impact of music on society - sociological effects, Save The Music Foundation. Available at: https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/how-does-music-affect-society/#:~:text=Music%20is%20an%20essential%20aspect,from%20other%20forms%20of%20communication. (Accessed: 27 November 2024).

Ezquerra, Dr.V. (2024) What is the purpose of music?, Metro Music Makers. Available at: https://www.metromusicmakers.com/2020/10/what-is-the-purpose-of-music/#:~:text=It%20has%20practical%20utility%20that,has%20value%20on%20its%20own. (Accessed: 27 November 2024).

Schäfer, T. et al. (2013) The psychological functions of music listening, Frontiers in psychology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3741536/#:~:text=We%20suggest%20labeling%20this%20dimension,0.92%20for%20the%20third%20dimension. (Accessed: 27 November 2024).

Stanborough, R.J. (2020) Benefits of music on body, mind, relationships & more, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-music (Accessed: 27 November 2024).

I am woman (Emmy Meli song) (2024) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_Woman_(Emmy_Meli_song) (Accessed: 04 December 2024).

Meli, E. (2021a) Emmy Meli – I am woman, Genius. Available at: https://genius.com/Emmy-meli-i-am-woman-lyrics (Accessed: 04 December 2024).

N/A (2024) Emmy Meli - I am woman (lyrics) ‘I am woman, I am fearless, I am sexy, I am divine’ chords, Chordify. Available at: https://chordify.net/chords/emmy-meli-songs/i-am-woman-chords (Accessed: 04 December 2024).

Helland, P.B. (2018) Our journey - sheet music, Soothing Relaxation. Available at: https://soothingrelaxation.com/collections/sheet-music/products/our-journey-122 (Accessed: 06 December 2024).

@HAZH63 (no date) Our journey - Peter B. Helland free sheet music by Peter B. Helland: Pianoshelf - free sheet music, Pianoshelf. Available at: https://www.pianoshelf.com/sheetmusic/4172/peter-b.helland-our-journey---peter-b.helland (Accessed: 06 December 2024).