Music 4 Change

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.
- Billy Joel

Music is a language the whole world can speak. We all unite through music. Whether it's rock, rap, R&B, country, or metal, music is a means of global communication. Throughout history, music has shaped who we are, and has heavily influenced society and individuals alike. Music has the capability to inspire and captivate us and helps express powerful emotions and feelings that we simply can't voice. It is overrated, underrated, criticized, and praised...but has existed since the beginning of the world. Ancient cultures have always believed that music has great power to influence the body, mind and soul. Shamans believe that they can achieve an "out of body" experience through the sound of rhythmic drumming(music!) It's transcending power to please and displease us so easily it indicative of its imposing reign over us.

For me personally, I believe music is the most effective tool to reach a sense of comfort and stability. It's calming effect on me is mysterious - yet wonderful. Music comes in many different forms, whether its a repetitive beating of a drum, an off-key piano,the early-morning bird chirps, or even Justin Bieber, it's all music, and it's all wonderful.

Although some of the world's beliefs is that music is simply for entertainment, or is just a hobby, a very large part of the traditional world believe that music is interlocked with philosophical and religious dogma. Examining the role music had and has on society would be extremely beneficial to those who wish to study social and global development, as music has played a lead role in the way todays society has advanced. In ancient civilizations, such as ancient China, Greece, Egypt, and India, the value of music and its spirituous capabilities was readily accepted ideology. Music was believed to be able to corrupt or enhance whole cultures through its fundamental power and because of this there were great social implications in the creation and presentation of music.

The ancient Chinese book "The Memorial of Music" states: "Under the effect of music, the five social duties are without admixture, the eyes and the ears are clear, the blood and the vital energies are balanced, habits are reformed, customs are improved, the empire is at complete peace."

MUSIC TODAY

• As society becomes more modernized, people have moved away from tribal instruments and the simple methods of playing them.
• Also, as technology becomes more advanced with digital and mobile audio solutions, individuals can listen to complex sound recordings in total isolation, any time and anywhere.
• Today people can choose to listen to a wide array of styles or to focus on one genre depending on the musical qualities that appeal to them as individuals.
• Media, such as radio, TV and movies can influence pop culture’s tastes in music.

"One Good Thing About Music,

It Makes You Feel

No Pain"