essay on role of music

Role of Music in Our Life Essay

Music is one of the greatest and most mysterious spheres of art, which is worth admiring. It is music that speaking to our heart makes people laughing and crying. Music is one of the strongest means of a persons inspiration and one of the most important part of our life.

It is obvious that like any other form of art music has its own language. Pictorial art speaks with us by means of paints, literature with the help of words, and music by virtue of magic sounds of various musical instruments. All the branches of art are tightly interconnected with each other serving the one goal – to bring up the sense of beauty and harmony in a person.

It goes without saying that every individual is talented in its own way. From early childhood, a person unconsciously tries to express oneself by means of art. Some child may be noticed in a process of painting, while another hums in a low tone his favourite song. It is of great importance to recognize a childs inclinations in order to develop them in a full manner in future.

True art forms an aesthetic sensibility and it is very important to instill in children love for beauty from the cradle. The development of creative potential, nice sense of beauty and possibility to notice something unusual are those factors that help artistic people in creation. The creative approach helps a person in his daily activity. Moreover, the admiration of beauty provides us with additional energy in overcoming difficulties.

Those people who have a sense of beauty are optimists and dreamers in a certain manner. As a rule, they possess qualities that are necessary to be successful in life. That is why it is of great importance to introduce children to the world of music, poetry, pictorial art and literature, because art promotes a childs pursuance of beauty and ideal.

It is also noticed that art education promotes the cognitive development of a child. As a rule those children who attend musical classes have better progress in education.

At the same time, children should not be forced to deal with activity to which they have no propensity. It is a task of parents to recognize a childs inclinations and abilities. There may be found numerous examples when a child who has been compelled to attend music lessons leaves his study, finding himself in another sphere of art. For instance a parent, impressed by a virtuoso guitar technique of his favorite musician, decides for himself to do his best in order his child to become a great guitar player, while his child has inclination for drawing.

There are also examples when a child with an obvious aptitude for music has no desire to attend music lessons. In such a case, motivation plays a very important role. There are many possibilities to cultivate love of art in a child. It is possible to visit an art museum or a concert of classic music. It does not matter if a child pays more attention to the mere process of visit than to an exhibition in itself. The key point of such a visit is to stimulate childish interest. The appreciation of masterpieces in a museum will be later.

While motivating interest for music many teachers pay much attention to concerts, in which a child is involved. They say that a feeling of anxiety before such a concert is changed with a sense of euphoria and satisfaction after a successful playing. This factor serves as a key point in motivation.

It is impossible to imagine our life without art or music. It creates a new world of thoughts, lofty sentiments and passions. It is art that makes us spiritually wealthy.

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Bibliography

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Essay on Music for Students and Children

500+ words essay on music.

Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. In the words of William Shakespeare, “If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Thus, Music helps us in connecting with our souls or real self.

What is Music?

Music is a pleasant sound which is a combination of melodies and harmony and which soothes you. Music may also refer to the art of composing such pleasant sounds with the help of the various musical instruments. A person who knows music is a Musician.

The music consists of Sargam, Ragas, Taals, etc. Music is not only what is composed of men but also which exists in nature. Have you ever heard the sound of a waterfall or a flowing river ? Could you hear music there? Thus, everything in harmony has music. Here, I would like to quote a line by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musicians, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

Importance of Music:

Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening music ones tends to forget all his worries, sorrows and pains. But, in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized with the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, the research has proved that the plants which hear the Music grow at a faster rate in comparison to the others.

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Magical Powers of Music:

It has the power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of Music can be testified by the legends about Tansen of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving the concentration and is thus of great help to the students.

Conclusion:

Music is the essence of life. Everything that has rhythm has music. Our breathing also has a rhythm. Thus, we can say that there is music in every human being or a living creature. Music has the ability to convey all sorts of emotions to people. Music is also a very powerful means to connect with God. We can conclude that Music is the purest form of worship of God and to connect with our soul.

FAQs on Essay on Music:

Q.1. Why is Music known as the Universal Language?

Ans.1. Music is known as the Universal language because it knows no boundaries. It flows freely beyond the barriers of language, religion, country, etc. Anybody can enjoy music irrespective of his age.

Q.2. What are the various styles of Music in India?

Ans.2. India is a country of diversities. Thus, it has numerous styles of music. Some of them are Classical, Pop, Ghazals, Bhajans, Carnatic, Folk, Khyal, Thumri, Qawwali, Bhangra, Drupad, Dadra, Dhamar, Bandish, Baithak Gana, Sufi, Indo Jazz, Odissi, Tarana, Sugama Sangeet, Bhavageet, etc.

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Home › Blog › Advocacy › How Does Music Affect Society?

November 3, 2021

How Does Music Affect Society?

By Lia Peralta

Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world for generations. It 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. So, how does music affect society ? The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history. To demonstrate how deeply our lives are affected by music, let’s delve into the sociological effects of music and how it affects culture.

How Does Music Affect Society

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.

Why is Music Beneficial to Society?

Music has the power to connect with and influence people in a way that feels fundamentally different from other forms of communication. Humans often feel that “no one understands them” or knows how they “truly feel.” Many resort to music to find connections with others to express themselves or find a sense of understanding among peers.

How does music affect our lives? Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us. It even functions to improve our physical health, as it’s been proven that high-tempo music results in better workouts . We connect with others via music, especially those who produce or perform it — we recite their lyrics, dance to their melodies, and form a sense of connection through their self-expression.

Songs and melodies have the power to inspire people, guide their actions, and aid in the formation of identities. Music can unite people – even if absorbed in solitude, capture your imagination and boost creativity. A person who has been affected by music is not alone. They are among the masses trying to find their role in society and form connections with others. Thankfully, while it can help us “find ourselves,” music influence on society can also be seen in:

– Providing a platform for the underrepresented to speak out

– Affecting mood and inspiration

– Helping us cope by encouraging us to express ourselves through movement and dancing

– Bridging a divide in communication

– Creating a venue for education and idea-sharing

Music’s Effect on Our Thoughts and Actions

Music’s effect on the self is far-reaching, tapping into our memories, subconscious thoughts, emotions, and interests. Thanks to the music artists who have put their heart and soul into creating, we feel connected with other people and their difficulties, challenges, and emotions. So much about our brains is still being discovered but through neurology, we are learning more and more about how music affects us.

We all know that being exposed to music’s beauty, rhythm, and harmony significantly influences how we feel. We also know that music emotionally impacts us, reaching into forgotten memories and connecting us to ourselves. Music therapy is often used to improve attention and memory, and can have a positive effect on those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. Music has the potential to be a powerful healing tool in a variety of ways and pervades every aspect of our existence. Songs are used to define spiritual ceremonies, toddlers learn the alphabet via rhyme and verse, and malls and restaurants, where we choose to spend our free time, are rarely silent.

But how much can this ever-present object influence our behavior and emotions? According to research , music has a significant impact on humans. It can potentially affect disease, depression, expenditure, productivity, and our outlook on life. The impact of music on our brain is being better understood thanks to advances in neuroscience and the examination of music’s impact on the brain. It has been shown via brain scans that when we listen to or perform music, nearly all brain regions are active simultaneously. Listening to and making music may actually changes the way your brain works .

According to studies, music impacts how we view the world around us. In a 2011 research paper , 43 students were given the job of recognizing happy and sad faces while listening to happy or sad music in the background by researchers from the University of Groningen. Participants noticed more cheerful faces when upbeat music was played, while the opposite was true when sad music was played. According to the researchers, music’s effect might be because our perceptual decisions on sensory stimuli, such as facial expressions in this experiment, are directly impacted by our mental state. Music triggers physical responses in the brain and puts in motion a series of chemical reactions.

In the book, Classical Music: Expected the Unexpected , author and conductor Kent Nagano spoke with neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin on how music interacts with the brain. The sociological effects of music can include the improvement of people’s well-being due to chemical reactions in the brain, such as an increase in oxytocin. Oxytocin, or the “love hormone,” makes us more inclined to engage in social interactions or build trust between individuals. Music also boosts the synthesis of the immunoglobulin A antibody, which is crucial for human health. Studies have also shown that melatonin, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels increase after only a few weeks of music therapy. The hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline cause us to become more alert, experience excitement, and cause the brain’s “reward” regions to fire.

The Cultural Impact of Music

Today’s popular music reflects the culture of the day. But, how does music affect society over time? How has music changed over the past century? In the lyrics and sound of each era, we can discern the imprints of a particular generation and see history in the making. And, in this day and age, culture is changing faster than ever before, mirroring musical forms that are evolving and emerging at the same rate.

For decades, the effects of music on society have been a source of contention, and it seems that with each generation, a new musical trend emerges that has the previous generations saying, “Well back in my day, we had…”. Music and social movements are intrinsically linked together. Almost every popular kind of music was considered scandalous back in the day, and the dancing that accompanied jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop drew protests and boycotts from all around. Just look at The Beatles, who were considered scandalous by the older generation when they first arrived on the music scene.

While we may not like a new music trend or a particular genre of music, we must also take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are to be exposed to it at all. Music in some parts of the world is not as easily accessible. While music has always been a means of pushing the boundaries of expression, it’s clear that the world isn’t expressing itself in the same way. The various musical trends we’ve seen in just this lifetime provide an insightful look into what is and isn’t being discussed in some cultures.

Music as an Agent for Change

Another essential factor to consider is how strongly music influences society and, thus, human behavior. Music’s impact on human rights movements and its role as an agent for change is clear in the history books. One example is the impact of the “freedom songs” of the Civil Rights movement, such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Strange Fruit.” These songs broke down barriers, educated people, built empathy across the divide, and had a hand in ending segregation. Music today continues to shed light on the inequalities experienced by people worldwide, and it’s clear that music will never stop acting as an agent for change.

Because of how strong of an influence melodies and lyrics have on society, we must be acutely aware of our current culture. Still, more importantly, we must be conscious of the cultures we wish to build and develop via our music. Songs have the power to change the world in unexpected ways, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on issues that have historically been ignored.

Music’s Impact on Youth

How does having music education impact youth? We know from our experience that music in schools improves student, teacher and community outcomes – and in turn, society, specifically the future generation. In a case study about our work in Newark, NJ , 68% of teachers reported improved academic performance. 94% of teachers also saw improvement in social-emotional skills. Schools saw better attendance and ELA (English Language Arts) scores.

Another example of this is our work in Metro Nashville Public Schools , which has been a partner district of Save The Music since 1999. Students who participated in music programs for up to one year had significantly better attendance and graduation rates, higher GPAs and test scores, and lower discipline reports than their non-music peers. Students with more than one year of music participation performed significantly better than their peers with less on each of these indicators.

We Invest in Music in Schools

Whether you’re a music buff or not, anyone can appreciate the impact music has on society. A great way to show this appreciation is by being part of music’s impact on the world and learning how you can help facilitate change. Save The Music is a music foundation that collaborates with public school districts to provide grants for music education instructors and school administrators in the form of new instruments, technology , and online music education . Our initiative helps schools get their music programs off the ground and keep students inspired.

Contact us today to learn how you can save the music through our music education advocacy programs .

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What galileo’s satellites are hiding, openmind books, scientific anniversaries, the eternal sound: from the phonograph to holophony, featured author, latest book, what is the purpose of music.

“Without music, life would be a mistake,” wrote the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche . Albert Einstein, who was an accomplished violinist, said that nothing gave him as much pleasure as music , and that this would have been his occupation had he not pursued science. Today neuroscientists, musicologists, psychologists and anthropologists continue to ponder why humans enjoy music so much. The discovery of 40,000-year-ago bone flutes in a cave in Germany, perhaps the oldest musical instruments on record, suggests that music has accompanied Homo sapiens since ancient times. But what is its function?

The question has puzzled experts for centuries and there is still no conclusive answer. In the 5th century BC, the school of Pythagoras suggested that music governed the harmony of the stars , whereas current scientific research—from an evolutionary and biological perspective—considers that music serves rather to govern the harmony between human beings.

One of the purposes for music is social cohesion says Jeremy Montagu, a musician and professor at Oxford University. In an essay published in the journal Frontiers in Sociology , Montagu argues that music is so primitive that it predates language. He maintains that a mother’s humming to soothe her baby is music and that this likely happened before humans could speak.

According to Montagu, the bond that music establishes between mother and child is also present in a group of workers or in the ancestral men who danced and sang before a hunt or a battle. “In causing such bonding, [music] created not only the family, but society itself ,” he writes. During the lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing helped connect people and break the sense of isolation as much as music , sung or played from balconies or through online videos.

Communicates emotions

The hypothesis that music played an essential role in the formation and survival of groups and in conflict mitigation is one of the most widely accepted. Mark Tramo of the Institute for Music & Brain Science at Harvard University defines it as a factor of social cohesion. “Men needed to organise to hunt and defend themselves. It paved the way for us to communicate with each other and to share emotions,” he explains. The emotional factor is essential; Montagu defines music as “sound that conveys emotion”.

The ability to communicate emotion is precisely what made music persist after the development of language. A study by psychologists at the University of London and the Austrian Academy of Sciences showed, for example, that even when listening to a short excerpt of a piece of music, an individual is more likely to perceive sadness or happiness in the face of another person, even if the latter maintains a neutral facial expression.

In its task of forging bonds between people, music also reveals one’s personality, according to a study by social psychology experts at the universities of Cambridge and Texas. The participants were asked to judge each other’s personality based solely on their list of ten favourite songs . Psychologists noted that the participants correctly identified the personality traits of their study partners and concluded that musical taste is a reliable source of information about an individual. A study led by Adrian North of Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University surveyed more than 36,000 people in over 60 countries to link musical preferences with personality traits . The results were curious; for example, classical and heavy metal music fans differ in age, but overlap quite closely in personality traits. According to North, they share a “love of the grandiose”. “They’re quite delicate things,” says the researcher. “Lots of heavy metal fans will tell you that they also like Wagner, because it’s big, loud and brash.”

Promotes happiness and creativity

Given music’s emotional capacity, it makes sense that we listen to music that makes us feel good. A study conducted by the Chemnitz University of Technology (Germany), which surveyed more than 800 people on the reasons that motivate them to listen to music, found that the main reasons are related to the regulation of arousal and mood and to achieve self-awareness, even more than social cohesion or communication. Studies have shown that about two-thirds of the population experience what is known as frisson , a pleasurable chill when listening to music that gives us goose bumps; some researchers have even dubbed it a “skin orgasm” . Researchers at Eastern Washington University showed that people more prone to this effect exhibit a personality trait called openness to experience , and that cognitive factors such as imagination or intellectual curiosity weigh even more heavily in this experience than purely emotional ones.

At a deeper level, scientists are exploring the brain mechanisms of musical experience. Research published in Nature and led by Daniel Levitin , neuroscientist and author of the book This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession , indicates that music acts on the brain in a similar way to drugs, sex or food. Songs activate the frontal lobe, produce dopamine and act on the cerebellum, which is able to synchronise itself to the rhythm of the music, leading to pleasure . Both playing and listening to music stimulate the production of oxytocin, popularly known as the love hormone. Music “is like a toy for the brain,” says Levitin.

And that “toy” also stimulates creativity. While many people welcome absolute silence during tasks that require concentration, at least one study has found that a moderate level of ambient sound is more conducive to creativity than a lower level of noise, especially in the most creative people. Explanations have been provided by a phenomenon called stochastic resonance , whereby not only humans but also certain animals improve some of their functions under sensory stimulation.

In children’s brains, musical activity increases cognitive and motor skills . A team of neurologists at Harvard University found that children who have three years or more of training with musical instruments have better motor coordination and auditory discrimination skills, learn vocabulary more easily and have better non-verbal reasoning skills, which implies better understanding and analysis of visual information, such as identifying relationships, similarities and differences between shapes and patterns. Continued musical practice throughout the later years of schooling is associated with better grades in mathematics, science and language.

Music is therapeutic

Of all the functions of music, perhaps the most mysterious is its possible therapeutic use. The British neurologist Oliver Sacks reported in his books cases of patients with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms improved when they listened to songs . Other research shows that stroke patients who listen to music of their own choice not only improve their mood, but also their visual attention and ability to do other tasks . Neurological music therapy is now an active field of research that is attracting increasing interest .

In his book Music, the Brain, and Ecstasy: How Music Captures Our Imagination , composer and pianist Robert Jourdain writes that music “relaxes brain flow” while “stimulating and coordinating brain activities”. For him, this “magic” happens to all people. “Music lifts us from our frozen mental habits and makes our minds move in ways ordinarily cannot,” he states. Or in more direct words, as reggae genius Bob Marley sang in Trenchtown Rock , “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Joana Oliveira  and  Javier Yanes

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• Music Essay

Essay on Music

Music is like a universal language of life. It is basically the sound that is brought together through the harmony of various instruments. Our life would have been totally empty and different without music. It is something that every human being enjoys. It is a very powerful thing. Music helps to destress, heal, and motivate.

If you are looking for a short essay on music, then take a look at the short essay given in the following. This is created by the in-house exports of Vedantu keeping the understanding ability of the students. Those who are looking for references can look up to this following essay. It will be easy to figure out the pattern of how to write an essay on music. One can also download the Vedantu app to get access to the same file.

Music Essay for Students

“Without music, life will be a mistake” the statement of Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, simplified the importance of music in one’s life so easily. Music has a magical impact on humans. It's the best form of magic. 

The origin of the word ‘music’ is the Greek word ‘mousike’ which means ‘art of muses’. Music is a form of art and artists decorate it. The music consists of lesser words with deeper meanings. Frequently people use music as a painkiller to escape from the pain of life.  ‘Musical Notations’ is the leading form to write music. This provides a reference to an artist so he can share with others if necessary. Music is a mood freshener and accompanies us in our pocket devices, on televisions, movies, and the most effective in live concerts.

Different forms of music have different effects on human nature. Music is the greatest creation of mankind in the course of history. A combination of deem lights and calm music encourages the listener to eat less and enjoy the food more. Listening to music positively in a car influences one’s mood leads to safer behaviour and fewer road rages ultimately minimising accidental destructions.

If the students love the music, it helps them in recalling the information more significantly along with improvement in verbal intelligence. The studies have found that listening to favourite songs helps fibromyalgia patients to experience less chronic pain. Music has a direct effect on our hormonal levels. Listening to music decreases the level of the hormone cortisol in our body and counteracts the effect of chronic stress.

The heart-touching music is nothing but creativity with the purest and undiluted form. The combination of vocal or instrumental sounds in such a way that it produces beauty and expresses emotions. Anyone can make their day by enjoying music by listening or by composting or by playing. The global facts say parents intensively use music to soothe children even to interact.

Music touches the heart through the ears. It has divine power to act as an energy booster. Some music assists in motivation while some play the best role in sympathy. Music helps us to fight insomnia. Listening to classical or relaxing music, just before going to bed, improves one’s sleep.

Though music helps to counteract depression and loneliness, people underestimate the impact of music on the human mindset in the age of irony age. On the other side of the coin, there are some types of music that can result in deleterious effects on the human mind and body. Listening to music with high decibels can damage neurons. The effect on the brain subjected to continuous exposure to electronic amplification of rhythmic music is similar to that of drugs.

Genres of Music

While talking about a wide variety of music that ranges from ages belonging to different places, cultures, and types, the list of genres is endless. However, some of the major genres of music are stated as below:

Folk & Traditional Music

Traditional music holds an impression of the culture that it represents. It is usually illustrated and sung with folk music. Folk music is taught by one generation to another vocally through singing it and by listening to it. Various dance performances are in order to make it stay intact through ages. In India, the state of Rajasthan is well known for its Traditional-folk music with its dance. Several other regions are also popular.

Art music describes the characteristics of both classical and contemporary art forms. It is usually sung by just one person and demands a high level of attention from its listeners. It is quite well known in Europe.

Religious Music

The type of music that is affiliated to the worshipping of God by singing it, is known as Religious Music. Every religion has its own style and way of singing it. Christian music is one of the most famous religious music known all over the world.

Popular Music

As the name suggests, the type of music that is popular and accessible to everyone and everywhere is known as Popular Music. Such music is composed mostly by the entertainment industry for the purpose of monetary income. As compared to other types of music, Popular Music attracts a notable audience through different concerts or Live shows.

It has gained immense popularity over a period of time and varies from country to country and from culture to culture. One can listen to it on public platforms, digital platforms, television commercials, radio, and even at shopping centres.

Popular music can be subcategorized into numerous types such as Hip Hop Music, Rock Music, Polka Music Music, Jazz Music, Pop Music Latin Music, Electronic Music, Punk Music, and many more. Among different types of Popular Music, Hip Hop Music is vividly famous, especially among the youth population. The culture of Hip Hop music originally started in New York City and now has taken over its place everywhere. The culture of Hip Hop dance has also emerged because of the same. With passing time, a lot of changes are happening in the field of Music but it will never go out of style.

Music is a healer to all human emotions from sadness to depression. It is a cause of happiness. Music content has many genres to play. Emotional expressions have been regarded as the most important criteria for the aesthetic value of music. Sometimes, some crises of life are impossible to express in proper sentences and their music plays its best part. Log on to Vedantu to find exciting essays on other topics and learn how to frame one perfectly from experts.

FAQs on Music Essay

1. What Role Does Music Play in Our Life?

Music is a very important part of our life as it is a way to express our feelings as well as emotions. For some people, music is a way to escape from all the pain. It gives you relief and allows you to destress yourself. Music plays a crucial role in our life rather than just being a source of entertainment. More importantly, music is something that can be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of their caste, creed, age, or gender.

2. Why is Music So Powerful?

Music is a language of emotion in that it can represent different feelings of a soul without any boundaries or limitations. When people feel really low and think that no one understands them, they listen to music. It is a good weapon to imitate emotions and reduce them. Music is something that can be felt from within our soul. Music is connected with Nature. There are numerous incidents of various singers where singing had led towards the showering of rains. 

3. How Can I Write an Essay on Music?

Get to know the topic. You can't start writing about music until you've familiarised yourself with the concept. Do research thoroughly. Understand the important points and jot them down. Then draw a structure and start writing an essay. A student needs to realise the importance of music and the belonging of its culture for a better understanding and ease of writing. Talking to different artists from this field may also help in writing the essay. Refer to this essay framed by the experts of Vedantu and compile on your own.

4. Is Music a Means of Therapy?

In this modern era where everyone is busy living their hectic life, music plays an important role in soothing one’s mental health. Over a course of time, it has been scientifically proven that music acts as a therapy for a person suffering from depression or anxiety. Even the sound of waves in the ocean helps to heal a person mentally. Thus, psychologists suggest hearing calm and soothing to gain relief from worldly distress.

Guide on How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

Let's Understand What is Music Essay

You know how some school assignments are fun to write by default, right? When students see them on the course syllabus, they feel less like a burden and more like a guaranteed pleasure. They are about our interests and hobbies and therefore feel innate and intuitive to write. They are easy to navigate, and interesting topic ideas just pop into your head without much trouble.

Music essays belong to the category of fun essay writing. What is music essay? Anything from in-depth analysis to personal thoughts put into words and then to paper can fall into a music essay category. An essay about music can cover a wide range of topics, including music history, theory, social impact, significance, and musical review. It can be an analytical essay about any music genre, musical instruments, or today's music industry.

Don't get us wrong, you will still need to do extensive research to connect your opinions to a broader context, and you can't step out of academic writing standards, but the essay writing process will be fun.

In this article, our custom essay writing service is going to guide you through every step of writing an excellent music essay. You can draw inspiration from the list of music essay topics that our team prepared, and later on, you will learn what an outstanding essay on music is by an example of a music review essay.

What are Some Music Topics to Write About

There are so many exciting music topics to write about. We would have trouble choosing one. You can write about various music genres, be it country music or classical music; you can research music therapy or how music production happens.

Okay, forgive us for getting carried away; music makes us enthusiastic. Below you will find a list of various music essay topics prepared from our thesis writing service . Choose one and write a memorable essay about everyone's favorite art form.

Music Argumentative Essay Topics

Music essays can be written about an infinite number of themes. You can even write about performance or media comparison.

Here is a list of music argumentative essay topics. These edge-cutting topics will challenge your readers and get you an easy A+.

• Exploring the evolution of modern music styles of the 21st century
• Is it ethical to own and play rare musical instruments?
• Is music therapy an effective mental health treatment?
• Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Creativity in electronic music
• The Relevance of traditional music theory in modern music production
• The Role of musical pieces in the Transmission of cultural identity
• The value of historical analysis in understanding the significance of music in society
• How does exposing listeners to different genres of music break down barriers
• Exploring the cognitive effects of music on human brain development
• The therapeutic potential of music in treating mental disorders

Why is Music Important Essay Topics

Do you know which essay thrills our team the most? The importance of music in life essay. We put our minds together and came up with a list of topics about why music is so central to human life. Start writing why is music important essay, and we guarantee you that you will be surprised by how much fun you had crafting it.  

• Popular Music and its Role in shaping cultural trends
• Music as a metaphorical language for expressing emotions and thoughts
• How music changes and influences social and political movements
• How the music of different countries translates their history to outsiders
• The innate connection between music and human beings
• How music helps us understand feelings we have never experienced
• Does music affect our everyday life and the way we think?
• Examining the cross-cultural significance of music in society
• How rock music influenced 70's political ideologies
• How rap music closes gaps between different racial groups in the US

Consider delegating your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers for crafting a perfect paper on any music topic!

Why I Love Music Essay Topics

We want to know what is music to you, and the best way to tell us is to write a why I love music essay. Below you will find a list of music essay topics that will help you express your love for music.

• I love how certain songs and artists evoke Memories and Emotions
• I love the diversity of music genres and how different styles enrich my love for music
• I love how music connects me with people of different backgrounds
• How the music of Linkin Park helped me through life's toughest challenges
• What does my love for popular music say about me?
• How the unique sounds of string instruments fuel my love for music
• How music provides a temporary Release from the stresses of daily life
• How music motivates me to chase my dreams
• How the raw energy of rock music gets me through my daily life
• Why my favorite song is more than just music to me

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Our expert team is quick to get you an A+ on all your assignments!

Music Therapy Essay Topics

One of the most interesting topics about music for an essay is music therapy. We are sure you have heard all the stories of how music cures not only mental but also physical pains. Below you can find a list of topics that will help you craft a compelling music therapy essay. And don't forget that you can always rely on our assistance for fulfilling your ' write my paper ' requests!

• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and pain for cancer patients
• Does pop music have the same effects on music therapy as classical music?
• Exploring the benefits of music therapy with other genres beyond classical music
• The potential of music therapy in aiding substance abuse treatment and recovery
• The Role of music therapy in Addressing PTSD and Trauma in military veterans
• The impact of music therapy on enhancing social interaction and emotional expression in individuals with developmental disabilities
• The use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
• Does musical therapy help depression?
• Does music reduce anxiety levels?
• Is music therapy better than traditional medicine?

History of Music Essay Topics

If you love analytical essays and prefer to see the bigger picture, you can always write a music description essay. Below you can find some of the most interesting topics for the history of music essay.

• The Significance of natural instruments in music production and performance
• Tracing the historical development of Western music theory
• How electronic music traces its roots back to classical music
• How the music industry evolved from sheet music to streaming services
• How modern producers relate to classical composers
• The Origins and Influence of Jazz Music
• How folk music saved the Stories of unnamed heroes
• Do we know what the music of ancient civilizations sounded like?
• Where does your favorite bandstand in the line of music evolve?
• The Influence of African American Music on modern pop culture

Benefits of Music Essay Topics

If you are someone who wonders what are some of the values that music brings to our daily life, you should write the benefits of music essay. The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay:

• How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding
• The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation
• The social benefits of participating in music groups
• The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning
• The cognitive benefits of music education in early childhood development
• The effects of music on mood and behavior
• How learning to play an instrument improves cognitive functions.
• How music connects people distanced by thousands of miles
• The benefits of listening to music while exercising
• How music can express the feelings words fail to do so 

Music Analysis Essay Example

Reading other people's papers is a great way to scale yours. There are many music essay examples, but the one crafted by our expert writers stands out in every possible way. You can learn what a great thesis statement looks like, how to write an engaging introduction, and what comprehensive body paragraphs should look like. 

Click on the sample below to see the music analysis essay example. 

How to Write a Music Essay with Steps

Writing music essays is definitely not rocket science, so don't be afraid. It's just like writing any other paper, and a music essay outline looks like any other essay structure.

• Start by choosing a music essay topic. You can use our list above to get inspired. Choose a topic about music that feels more relevant and less researched so you can add brand-new insights. As we discussed, your music essay can be just about anything; it can be a concert report or an analytical paper about the evolution of music.
• Continue by researching the topic. Gather all the relevant materials and information for your essay on music and start taking notes. You can use these notes as building blocks for the paper. Be prepared; even for short essays, you may need to read books and long articles.
• Once you have all the necessary information, the ideas in your head will start to take shape. The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated.
• Next, you'll need a music essay introduction. Here you introduce the readers to the context and background information about the research topic. It should be clear, brief, and engaging. You should set the tone of your essay from the very beginning. Don't forget the introduction is where the thesis statement goes.
• One of the most important parts of essay writing is crafting a central body paragraph about music. This is where you elaborate on your thesis, make main points, and support them with the evidence you gathered beforehand. Remember, your music essay should be well structured and depict a clear picture of your ideas.
• Next, you will need to come up with an ideal closing paragraph. Here you will need to once again revisit the main points in your music essay, restate them in a logical manner and give the readers your final thoughts.
• Don't forget to proofread your college essay. Whether you write a long or short essay on music, there will be grammatical and factual errors. Revise and look through your writing with a critical mind. You may find that some parts need rewriting.

Key Takeaways

Music essays are a pleasure to write and read. There are so many topics and themes to choose from, and if you follow our How to Write a Music Essay guide, you are guaranteed to craft a top-notch essay every time.

Be bold when selecting a subject even when unsure what is research essay topic on music, take the writing process easy, follow the academic standards, and you are good to go. Use our music essay sample to challenge yourself and write a professional paper. 

If you feel stuck and have no time our team of expert writers is always ready to give you help from all subject ( medical school personal statement school help ). Visit our website, submit your ' write my research paper ' request and a guaranteed A+ essay will be on your way in just one click.

Need Help in Writing an Impressive Paper?

Our expert writers are here to write a quality paper that will make you the star of your class!

FAQs on Writing a Music Essay

Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

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Editorial: The Impact of Music on Human Development and Well-Being

Graham f. welch.

1 Department of Culture, Communication and Media, University College London, London, United Kingdom

Michele Biasutti

2 Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

Jennifer MacRitchie

3 School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia

Gary E. McPherson

4 Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Evangelos Himonides

Music is one of the most universal ways of expression and communication for humankind and is present in the everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world (Mehr et al., 2019 ). Hence, it seems more appropriate to talk about musics (plural) rather than in the singular (Goble, 2015 ). Furthermore, research by anthropologists as well as ethnomusicologists suggests that music has been a characteristic of the human condition for millennia (cf. Blacking, 1976 ; Brown, 1999 ; Mithen, 2005 ; Dissanayake, 2012 ; Higham et al., 2012 ; Cross, 2016 ). Nevertheless, whilst the potential for musical behavior is a characteristic of all human beings, its realization is shaped by the environment and the experiences of individuals, often within groups (North and Hargreaves, 2008 ; Welch and McPherson, 2018 ). Listening to music, singing, playing (informally, formally), creating (exploring, composing, improvising), whether individually and collectively, are common activities for the vast majority of people. Music represents an enjoyable activity in and of itself, but its influence goes beyond simple amusement.

These activities not only allow the expression of personal inner states and feelings, but also can bring about many positive effects in those who engage in them. There is an increasing body of empirical and experimental studies concerning the wider benefits of musical activity, and research in the sciences associated with music suggests that there are many dimensions of human life—including physical, social, educational, psychological (cognitive and emotional)—which can be affected positively by successful engagement in music (Biasutti and Concina, 2013 ). Learning in and through music is something that can happen formally (such as part of structured lessons in school), as well as in other-than-formal situations, such as in the home with family and friends, often non-sequentially and not necessarily intentional, and where participation in music learning is voluntary, rather than mandated, such as in a community setting (cf. Green, 2002 ; Folkestad, 2006 ; Saether, 2016 ; Welch and McPherson, 2018 ).

Such benefits are evidenced across the lifespan, including early childhood (Gerry et al., 2012 ; Williams et al., 2015 ; Linnavalli et al., 2018 ), adolescence (McFerran et al., 2018 ), and older adulthood (Lindblad and de Boise, 2020 ). Within these lifespan perspectives, research into music's contribution to health and well-being provides evidence of physical and psychological impacts (MacDonald et al., 2013 ; Fancourt and Finn, 2019 ; van den Elzen et al., 2019 ). Benefits are also reported in terms of young people's educational outcomes (Guhn et al., 2019 ), and successful musical activity can enhance an individual's sense of social inclusion (Welch et al., 2014 ) and social cohesion (Elvers et al., 2017 ).

This special issue provides a collection of 21, new research articles that deepen and develop our understanding of the ways and means that music can impact positively on human development and well-being. The collection draws on the work of 88 researchers from 17 different countries across the world, with each article offering an illustration of how music can relate to other important aspects of human functioning. In addition, the articles collectively illustrate a wide range of contemporary research approaches. These provide evidence of how different research aims concerning the wider benefits of music require sensitive and appropriate methodologies.

In terms of childhood and adolescence, for example, Putkinen et al. demonstrate how musical training is likely to foster enhanced sound encoding in 9 to 15-year-olds and thus be related to reading skills. A separate Finnish study by Saarikallio et al. provides evidence of how musical listening influences adolescents' perceived sense of agency and emotional well-being, whilst demonstrating how this impact is particularly nuanced by context and individuality. Aspects of mental health are the focus for an Australian study by Stewart et al. of young people with tendencies to depression. The article explores how, despite existing literature on the positive use of music for mood regulation, music listening can be double-edged and could actually sustain or intensify a negative mood.

A Portuguese study by Martins et al. shifts the center of attention from mental to physical benefits in their study of how learning music can support children's coordination. They provide empirical data on how a sustained, 24-week programme of Orff-based music education, which included the playing of simple tuned percussion instruments, significantly enhanced the manual dexterity and bimanual coordination in participant 8-year-olds compared to their active control (sports) and passive control peers. A related study by Loui et al. in the USA offers insights into the neurological impact of sustained musical instrument practice. Eight-year-old children who play one or more musical instruments for at least 0.5 h per week had higher scores on verbal ability and intellectual ability, and these correlated with greater measurable connections between particular regions of the brain related to both auditory-motor and bi-hemispheric connectivity.

Younger, pre-school children can also benefit from musical activities, with associations being reported between informal musical experiences in the home and specific aspects of language development. A UK-led study by Politimou et al. found that rhythm perception and production were the best predictors of young children's phonological awareness, whilst melody perception was the best predictor of grammar acquisition, a novel association not previously observed in developmental research. In another pre-school study, Barrett et al. explored the beliefs and values held by Australian early childhood and care practitioners concerning the value of music in young children's learning. Despite having limited formal qualifications and experience of personal music learning, practitioners tended overall to have positive attitudes to music, although this was biased toward music as a recreational and fun activity, with limited support for the notion of how music might be used to support wider aspects of children's learning and development.

Engaging in music to support a positive sense of personal agency is an integral feature of several articles in the collection. In addition to the Saarikallio team's research mentioned above, Moors et al. provide a novel example of how engaging in collective beatboxing can be life-enhancing for throat cancer patients in the UK who have undergone laryngectomy, both in terms of supporting their voice rehabilitation and alaryngeal phonation, as well as patients' sense of social inclusion and emotional well-being.

One potential reason for these positive findings is examined in an Australian study by Krause et al. . They apply the lens of self-determination theory to examine musical participation and well-being in a large group of 17 to 85-year-olds. Respondents to an online questionnaire signaled the importance of active music making in their lives in meeting three basic psychological needs embracing a sense of competency, relatedness and autonomy.

The use of public performance in music therapy is the subject of a US study by Vaudreuil et al. concerning the social transformation and reintegration of US military service members. Two example case studies are reported of service members who received music therapy as part of their treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological health concerns. The participants wrote, learned, and refined songs over multiple music therapy sessions and created song introductions to share with audiences. Subsequent interviews provide positive evidence of the beneficial psychological effects of this programme of audience-focused musical activity.

Relatedly, McFerran et al. in Australia examined the ways in which music and trauma have been reported in selected music therapy literature from the past 10 years. The team's critical interpretive synthesis of 36 related articles led them to identify four different ways in which music has been used beneficially to support those who have experienced trauma. These approaches embrace the use of music for stabilizing (the modulation of physiological processes) and entrainment (the synchronization of music and movement), as well as for expressive and performative purposes—the fostering of emotional and social well-being.

The therapeutic potential of music is also explored in a detailed case study by Fachner et al. . Their research focuses on the nature of critical moments in a guided imagery and music session between a music therapist and a client, and evidences how these moments relate to underlying neurological function in the mechanics of music therapy.

At the other end of the age span, and also related to therapy, an Australian study by Brancatisano et al. reports on a new Music, Mind, and Movement programme for people in their eighties with mild to moderate dementia. Participants involved in the programme tended to show an improvement in aspects of cognition, particularly verbal fluency and attention. Similarly, Wilson and MacDonald report on a 10-week group music programme for young Scottish adults with learning difficulties. The research data suggest that participants enjoyed the programme and tended to sustain participation, with benefits evidenced in increased social engagement, interaction and communication.

The role of technology in facilitating access to music and supporting a sense of agency in older people is the focus for a major literature review by Creech , now based in Canada. Although this is a relatively under-researched field, the available evidence suggests that that older people, even those with complex needs, are capable of engaging with and using technology in a variety of ways that support their musical perception, learning and participation and wider quality of life.

Related to the particular needs of the young, children's general behavior can also improve through music, as exampled in an innovative, school-based, intensive 3-month orchestral programme in Italy with 8 to 10-year-olds. Fasano et al. report that the programme was particularly beneficial in reducing hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, whilst enhancing inhibitory control. These benefits are in line with research findings concerning successful music education with specific cases of young people with ADHD whose behavior is characterized by these same disruptive symptoms (hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity).

Extra-musical benefits are also reported in a study of college students (Bachelors and Masters) and amateur musicians in a joint Swiss-UK study. Antonini Philippe et al. suggest that, whilst music making can offer some health protective effects, there is a need for greater health awareness and promotion among advanced music students. Compared to the amateur musicians, the college music students evaluated their overall quality of life and general and physical health more negatively, as did females in terms of their psychological health. Somewhat paradoxically, the college students who had taken part in judged performances reported higher psychological health ratings. This may have been because this sub-group were slightly older and more experienced musicians.

Music appears to be a common accompaniment to exercise, whether in the gym, park or street. Nikol et al. in South East Asia explore the potential physical benefits of synchronous exercise to music, especially in hot and humid conditions. Their randomized cross-over study (2019) reports that “time-to-exhaustion” under the synchronous music condition was 2/3 longer compared to the no-music condition for the same participants. In addition, perceived exertion was significantly lower, by an average of 22% during the synchronous condition.

Comparisons between music and sport are often evidenced in the body of existing Frontiers research literature related to performance and group behaviors. Our new collection contains a contribution to this literature in a study by Habe et al. . The authors investigated elite musicians and top athletes in Slovenia in terms of their perceptions of flow in performance and satisfaction with life. The questionnaire data analyses suggest that the experience of flow appears to influence satisfaction with life in these high-functioning individuals, albeit with some variations related to discipline, participant sex and whether considering team or individual performance.

A more formal link between music and movement is the focus of an exploratory case study by Cirelli and Trehub . They investigated a 19-month-old infant's dance-like, motorically-complex responses to familiar and unfamiliar songs, presented at different speeds. Movements were faster for the more familiar items at their original tempo. The child had been observed previously as moving to music at the age of 6 months.

Finally, a novel UK-based study by Waddington-Jones et al. evaluated the impact of two professional composers who were tasked, individually, to lead a 4-month programme of group composing in two separate and diverse community settings—one with a choral group and the other in a residential home, both funded as part of a music programme for the Hull City of Culture in 2017. In addition to the two composers, the participants were older adults, with the residential group being joined by schoolchildren from a local Primary school to collaborate in a final performance. Qualitative data analyses provide evidence of multi-dimensional psychological benefits arising from the successful, group-focused music-making activities.

In summary, these studies demonstrate that engaging in musical activity can have a positive impact on health and well-being in a variety of ways and in a diverse range of contexts across the lifespan. Musical activities, whether focused on listening, being creative or re-creative, individual or collective, are infused with the potential to be therapeutic, developmental, enriching, and educational, with the caveat provided that such musical experiences are perceived to be engaging, meaningful and successful by those who participate.

Collectively, these studies also celebrate the multiplicity of ways in which music can be experienced. Reading across the articles might raise a question as to whether or not any particular type of musical experience is seen to be more beneficial compared with another. The answer, at least in part, is that the empirical evidence suggests that musical engagement comes in myriad forms along a continuum of more or less overt activity, embracing learning, performing, composing and improvising, as well as listening and appreciating. Furthermore, given the multidimensional neurological processing of musical experience, it seems reasonable to hypothesize that it is perhaps the level of emotional engagement in the activity that drives its degree of health and well-being efficacy as much as the activity's overt musical features. And therein are opportunities for further research!

Author Contributions

The editorial was drafted by GW and approved by the topic Co-editors. All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the Edited Collection, and have approved this editorial for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to all the contributing authors and their participants for their positive engagement with this Frontiers Research Topic, and also for the Frontiers staff for their commitment and support in bringing this topic to press.

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267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update]

Your mood leaves a lot to be desired. Everything around you is getting on your nerves. But still, there’s one thing that may save you: music. Just think of all the times you turned on your favorite song, and it lifted your spirits!

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So, why not write about it in a music essay? In this article, you’ll find all the information necessary for this type of assignment:

• 267 brilliant music essay topics,
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And don’t forget to bookmark  custom-writing.org  where you can find helpful essay tips in articles like this one.

🔝 Music Essay Topics: Top 10

• 🎵 Music Essay Definition
• 🎼 Essay Topics
• ✍️ How to Write
• 📑 Essay Sample

🔗 References

• Compare different recording formats.
• The purpose of music.
• Ternary and rondo: compare and contrast.
• Music as a lifestyle.
• The benefits of singing.
• Ethnomusicology as a career.
• Evolution of the radio.
• The importance of school musicals.
• Music as a tool for meditation.
• Music in sports.

🎵 Essays about Music: What Are They?

A music essay describes or analyzes a piece of music, its context, or one’s personal attitude towards it. This type of assignment requires a compelling primary argument and a clear structure.

To write well about music, you don’t have to be a professional musician. All you need is to be able to listen, understand, and evaluate it. You should also provide your interpretation and opinion on it.

Writing about Music: Assignment Types

An essay on music is a popular assignment in high school and college. However, many students find it hard to describe sounds in a written form. In this article, we will give you some tips on writing about music.

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Here are the typical tasks that you might receive:

• Concert report. It requires describing the music you’ve heard using as many details and terms as you can.
• Historical analysis of a piece. Your aim is to describe the historical context of a piece or its relation to the historical setting. For this type of assignment, you may need to do some research.
• Song analysis. In this type of essay, you explore song lyrics’ meaning and show how they work together with the melody.
• Performance or media comparison. Here you need to compare several interpretations or performances of one piece of music.

All of these assignments require a different approach and topic. You will find topics for these types of tasks below.

How to Choose a Music Essay Topic

First things first, you need to find a suitable music essay topic. To accomplish this task, you might want to take the following steps:

• Analyze your relationship with music . What role does it play in your life? Your topic choice will be different if you are a musician or merely a listener.
• Think about how music influences your everyday life . For instance, you can study how listening to music affects our mental health. Impressing your readers with some historical facts from the world of music is also a great idea.
• Try reflecting on the role of different music genres in your life . Whether you prefer rap or classical music, exploring a genre is an excellent topic idea. Topics related to musical instruments are also worth attention.
• Narrow your topic down. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to focus your essay on just one idea.

🎼 Music Essay Topics List

The first thing you need to do is to choose your topic. We have prepared a variety of music topics perfect for research papers and short essays. You can also use them for speeches or college application essays.

Argumentative Essay about Music: Topics & Ideas

Argumentative essays about music are usually concerned with a specific music-related issue you choose to address. Just like with any other argumentative essay, you should present both sides of the topic. Also, reliable facts are a must for this type of essay.

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• The influence of modern technologies on the music industry. Technologies allow artists to create and promote their songs independently. Because of this, record labels are less critical to musicians than before. However, the emergence of new technologies also gave rise to piracy . Do the positives outweigh the negatives?
• What’s the effect of pop music on the modern generation? Today’s pop songs are usually commercial . Because of this, some people say that pop has ruined the current generations’ perception of music. Others argue that contemporary pop music expanded the possibilities of the genre.
• Rock music makes people more aggressive . Some consider rock music merely an arrangement of aggressive tunes that foster violence. On the counter side, science has proven that people who prefer rock to other genres are calmer and more concentrated. Which position do you agree with?
• Can people with hearing impairments become famous musicians ? Many believe that access to fame and fortune is limited for disabled people. The deaf may seem especially unsuited for the music business . Yet, the examples of Beethoven, Neil Young, and Chris Martin show that hearing problems don’t have to be an issue.
• Will streaming completely substitute physical copies? Digitalization is on its way to replacing LPs and CDs. For most people, it’s simply more convenient. But their opponents claim that an MP3 file can never sound as good as a physical copy.
• Some music genres can be a catalyst for violence. While their beats may be calm, hip-hop and rap’s lyrics are often aggressive and brutal. Does it have adverse effects on a listener?
• Can a person become addicted to music ?
• Censorship on the radio: why stations shouldn’t bleep out obscenities.
• Is mandatory musical education in high schools practical?
• The impact of Mozart’s music on toddlers.
• Should a musician’s personal life affect people’s perception of their art?
• How susceptible are teenagers to political messages in songs?
• Music influences one’s mental and physical capabilities .
• Are children who listen to music more intelligent than others?
• Music genres are inherently dependent on musical instruments .
• Is music as an art form more popular than cinema ?
• Debate whether rap musicians promote a frivolous and careless lifestyle .
• Many musicians became famous only because they’ve had connections.
• Music festivals are the best form of entertainment.
• Does music always sound better live than on records?
• Is classical music better than modern genres?
• Is it justified that some religions view music as a sin?
• Typically, music defines a culture and its traditions: true or false?
• Rap music has a strong connection to rebellious movements.
• Jamaican music’s link to the stoner lifestyle is unjustified.
• Synesthesia: how is music related to visuals?

Opinion on Music: Essay Topics

Opinion essays about music might seem similar to the argumentative type. Here, you are expected to write your personal opinion on a topic. Naturally, you can have many opinions on musical topics. Why not broadcast them? Keep in mind that you also need to provide reasons for your point of view.

• Music therapy can help people with mental illnesses . It’s a well-known fact that music affects the human brain. This ability makes it perfect for treating mental health problems. On the one hand, psychologists established that listening to classical music increases one’s cognitive capacity . On the other hand, listening to heavy rock impacts responsiveness.
• The questionable treatment of women in the music industry . While it may seem that both sexes are treated equally, women still earn much less than they deserve. Moreover, the extreme sexualization of girls persists as one of the most pressing problems in the industry.
• Which musician or band impacted your worldview ? Discuss what makes your favorite artist special. Consider analyzing their lyrics, genre, and evolution. If you want to, add a review of one of their albums .
• What are the challenges of being an independent artist? Typically, independent artists deal with all the financial, promotional, and distributional affairs by themselves. In the increasingly complex music business, this is not an easy task.
• Is social media efficient for promotion? Almost every modern artist uses social media to promote their albums or songs. Users often check their networks for updates, which increases the musician’s visibility. But do such methods help in the long run?
• Passion is the essential personal quality for every musician . If an artist is not eager to continually produce high-quality output, they’re unlikely to succeed. However, qualities such as responsibility, honesty, hard work, and creativity are also vital.
• Is music good for stress relief?
• How does music connect people ?
• Analyze qualities that good musicians shouldn’t have.
• Who are the most excellent musicians in the country genre ?
• Is it possible to live without interacting with music ?
• Choose three successful rappers and analyze their influence.
• How can a musician become famous without having money or connections?
• What are the difficulties of being in a band ?
• Who impacted the development of indie music the most?
• Is pop music losing its popularity? If so, why?
• Three factors that affected your choice of a favorite genre .
• Which artists are the most prominent in power metal?
• Which record label is the most influential now?
• Can Justin Bieber’s songs be considered legendary?
• Did Kanye West introduce a new kind of rap?
• Which rock bands lost their fame because of a scandal ? How did it happen?
• Discuss Dire Straits’ impact on music history .
• Who are currently the most successful women pop singers ?
• Why are some music genres more popular than others?
• What does success in the music world depend on ?

Topics for a Persuasive Essay about Music

Is there anything music-related you want to convince people of? A persuasive paper is your chance. Carefully craft your arguments to show your readers you’ve always been right about the beauty of cowbells. If it’s not your jam, consider these essay topics about music:

• A seven-string guitar is superior to a six-string one. The additional string gives more room for creativity. It might be challenging to master, but in the end, the music has a fuller sound . Do you think it’s worth the effort?
• The lyrics don’t matter as long as the melody is good. It’s possible to like songs from different countries, even if the listener doesn’t understand the language. The singing is simply part of the composition. Does this mean that what the vocalist says is unimportant?

• Most people living in big cities neglect country music. People from urban areas tend to think that country music is tasteless. For them, its tunes and lyrics sound too simple. Does the strong association with cowboys, farms, and long roads simply not appeal to the city lifestyle?
• Should rap music be performed only by black people ? The genre hosts a large portion of African American artists . Not only that, but black rappers are widely considered the best of their craft. Do white artists do the genre justice?
• Music that artists make merely to get money is soulless. Passion is a critical factor for every musician. If money is the primary driver for creating a song , the result is inevitably flawed. Do you agree?
• Pop music is undergoing a transformation. Listeners acknowledge pop as the primary genre of contemporary music . Yet, new musical instruments are changing the game. Even the lyrics touch on more serious topics than before.
• Indie is the new pop. Indie music is a relatively novel genre. Still, it continues to gain popularity. The light-hearted tunes paired with existential lyrics have captured the audience’s hearts. Is it possible to envision the future of music without bands such as Coldplay, The 1975, and the Arctic Monkeys?
• The meaning of freedom for jazz as a musical genre .
• Punk rock has recently witnessed a renaissance.
• Exposing plants to classical music makes them grow faster.
• Classical music: intellectually stimulating or relaxing ?
• Is it justified that some countries legally prohibit artists from performing?
• Is it easier for children to learn with music?
• Can a person ever become a great artist without a natural talent ?
• Should workplaces allow their employees to listen to background music ?
• Jimi Hendrix’s guitar skills are still unmatched.
• The impact of pop music on European culture and trends.
• Kurt Cobain’s death should have been a wake-up call for the music industry .
• Why is music beneficial to society?
• Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy can be felt even today.
• Nintendocore is a legitimate genre that the industry should take more seriously.
• Should you listen to a bands’ music even if you disagree with their opinions ?
• Musicians should receive more government support.
• Patriotic songs make people feel passionate and energetic about their country.
• Depressive and sad tunes can worsen a person’s mood.
• Doctors and therapists need to understand the importance of music .

Music Evaluation Essay Topics

Do you want to know how to evaluate music? The point is to divide your overall impression into several parts. Music evaluation requires much attention and concentration, so try to do your best to stay focused while listening.

Use these criteria for evaluating music performances:

Now all you need to do is choose a topic and get down to writing!

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• Discuss the rise and fall of hardcore punk. Many bands that started in the hardcore punk scene softened their sound over time. Why did this genre disappear from the mainstream?
• Copyright laws are going too far . It’s getting increasingly difficult to use somebody else’s intellectual property. Creators on YouTube have to fear lawsuits for creatively repurposing copyrighted music. Moreover, laws such as the DMCA are frequently abused to generate revenues.
• More bands should use their influence for political purposes . Renowned artists have a broad reach. Bands like Rise Against or Anti Flag use this influence to raise political awareness among their fans. Is it a fair approach?
• Borrowing and plagiarism in contemporary music . New artists don’t emerge without having listened to other musicians. They draw inspiration from their predecessors. Thus, songs are always a mix of already existing tracks. In your essay, discuss the difference between homage and plagiarism.
• What are the similarities between poetry and song lyrics? Songs and poems are similar in that they deliver a message to the audience. Their creation demands extensive knowledge of rhyming, literary devices, and other components.
• Why do some musicians ask others to write lyrics for them? It is a common practice to have a crew of songwriters who create texts for performers. Sometimes it happens due to a lack of imagination or inspiration. Does finding out that your favorite artist doesn’t write their lyrics destroy the magic of their music?
• How can popular music diversify as a genre? Pop music reached its peak. Adding and borrowing elements from different genres can be one way to diversify a streamlined genre.
• The history of music as political propaganda .
• Explain the difference between high and low contemporary music culture .
• How is contemporary music related to that from other periods?
• What are the connections between pop music and the hip-hop genre?
• What connects popular music and contemporary culture ?
• How does music in the United States relate to Spanish music ?
• Analyze the evolution of Indian music .
• Discuss why certain albums manage to climb to the top of the charts.
• The link between social classes and musical genres.
• Differences and similarities of music and other art forms .
• How does a musical instrument’s origin influence its development?
• What is the role of traditional music today?

• What are the main processes in music production?
• How is music theory relevant today?
• Analyze which contemporary artists’ albums had an effect comparable to that of Queen’s A Night at the Opera .
• Eurodance: Europe’s most extravagant genre.
• Songs and everyday life of Michael Jackson vs. Madonna: who wins the ultimate pop crown?
• What difficulties has Eminem faced throughout his career?
• Over-ear headphones provide a better sound experience than on-ear ones.

Topics for an Expository Essay on Music

An expository essay explains or describes a subject. In the colorful world of music, topics can range from the physics of sound waves to artists’ social impact.

• The importance of Blues music in the late 19 th century and now . Blues originated in the 19 th century American South. It was an outlet for African Americans to express their sorrows. Later, it exceeded by far the cultural boundaries that confined it.
• The role of music in prison camps. Singing was an essential part of life in the Nazi concentration camps . One of the most well-known songs of that time is called Peat Bog Soldiers . In your expository essay, explore why prisoners started singing and how it developed.
• How did Chester Bennington’s death impact the music industry? Linkin Park was a giant in the business for decades until depression made their lead singer take his own life. The event sparked debates surrounding mental health and pressure in the creative industry. What long-lasting effects did these discussions have?
• How did Baroque music reflect the zeitgeist? Compared to the Renaissance period, Baroque was in all aspects very pompous. The artists of the Sun King’s time didn’t shy away from the extravaganza. This ideal is especially prominent in architecture. How does music fit into the picture?
• Investigate the development of musical harmony. The Ancient Greeks already had an idea of some tones fitting together better than others. However, it wasn’t until the 1600s that tonality became a crucial part of music theory.
• Music in commercials: an analysis. Songs and jingles are commonplace in TV commercials. But what are they good for? In your essay, you can compare the success of advertisements with and without music.
• What causes music trends to change? It’s easy to define various eras of music . Naturally, the invention of new instruments has influenced this development. What other factors played a role in these transformations?
• Why is 4/4 a universal beat?
• Examine the origins of The Star-Spangled Banner .
• The effects of dissonance on the human mind .
• How do staccato, legato, and other forms of articulation influence the perception of a musical piece ?
• Discuss the significance of music in video games .
• Music drives people’s motivation.
• Explain the calming effects of nature sounds .
• How does music influence literature ?
• Celtic music is known to have an extraordinary impact on the psyche. How does it work?
• How does music impact the discharge of hormones such as dopamine?
• Music therapy is suitable for those who have bipolar disorder .
• What made Falco such a unique artist?
• How does the perception of a silent film differ from that of a movie with sound?
• A rock concert by Kansas: How the relevance of live concerts changed over time .
• Is being able to read music important for a composer ?
• How did Beethoven write music after losing his hearing?
• Should all songs have proper rhythm and structure?
• Why do so many indie artists become commercial?
• Is it essential for song lyrics to rhyme?

History of Music: Essay Topics

If you’re interested in the evolution of music, you’ve come to the right section. Historical research reveals the significance of music throughout time. Unsurprisingly, songs and melodies have been part of human culture for centuries. Dive deeper into this exciting subject with one of the following ideas:

• How did the Catholic Church influence music development in Europe? During the Middle Ages , religious movements had a significant impact on music. Consequently, composers used to create more sacred music. It became a way of personal expression since it often contained religious texts. 
• The cultural meaning of Renaissance music and its influence on other styles . During the time of the Renaissance , sacred and secular music heavily impacted each other. As a result, more variety emerged. The chanson and madrigal, for example, became popular around Europe.
• Research archaeological findings of early musicality. The search for the oldest musical instrument delivers thrilling insights. Archaeologists have excavated a flute made of ivory and bird bones, dating approximately 43,000 years ago. They found it in a cave in Germany where Neanderthals lived.
• History of early music and appearance of musical instruments. The beginning of the human culture was the turning point of musical instruments’ appearance. They were primarily used for spiritual rites; typically, they were horns or drums for ceremonies.
• Louis Armstrong’s contributions to the jazz world. Jazz originated in New Orleans and was a favorite among African Americans. Louis Armstrong’s improvisations forever changed the genre, making the soloist-improviser the center of the performance.
• The phenomenon of pop music and its origins. Popular music dates back to the second half of the last century. It comes from the US and the UK. Its main peculiarity lies in the variety of tunes and lyrics .
• Native American music before the discovery of the New World . Incas and Aztecs had particular styles of music. Findings show that these ancient civilizations used instruments for ceremonies. Researchers also discovered that various American cultures mingled, thus creating new techniques.
• The use of string instruments in classical Greek songwriting.
• Famous composers of 18th century Italy and their influence.
• Mozart vs. Beethoven: comparison of techniques.
• Deliver a thoughtful analysis of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony .
• What role do acoustic instruments play in jazz compositions ?
• Explore the history of the Ocarina.
• Due to what circumstances did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart become one of the greatest musical geniuses in history?
• Influence of the Romantic period on modern music .
• How and why were the swing era and jazz connected?
• Rock and roll as an international language in the 20th century.
• Explore the rise of techno music.
• Is there a historical connection between music and math ?
• How did music become a staple subject in many schools?
• The greatest musicians of World War I .
• Industrialization and its effect on music development.
• How did female producers such as Kate Bush impact the music industry ?
• Analyze Frédéric Chopin’s contribution to classical music .
• Music evolution in ancient Greece vs. the Roman Empire .
• How does archeology help to uncover musical traditions ?
• Tupac’s influence on modern rap music .

Classification Essay about Music: Topic Ideas

In a classification essay, you explain how a whole relates to parts or vice versa. To do it, you need to divide one broad category into several subcategories. Each classification paragraph focuses on one subcategory, so you need to find a key feature that will be your basis of division. For example, you can divide music by genre, volume, musical instruments, etc.

Here is our list of musical topics for this essay type:

• The most popular types of alternative music among teenagers. Naturally, teens like different kinds of rock and experimental music . Try to dig deeper and ask some teenagers about their preferences to get a clear picture.
• Types of modern dance music . Describe the tendencies and popular genres. You can also focus on a specific country.
• The most popular types of jazz music in Europe . Although jazz emerged in the United States, this genre became recognizable all over the world. You can analyze the most popular streamed songs, or the concerts and other mass events.
• Rock music in the ’70s. You can describe the genres, styles, or types of performers. The concerts, clothes, and lifestyles are also suitable for this topic.
• Blues musicians of different time periods. Analyze the lyrics, the musical instruments they used, and how long their careers lasted.
• Classification of music for children . Some of it can be for dancing, development, or just listening. Research the purposes of different kinds of music for children.
• Types of music used in films. The soundtrack is one of the main things we remember after watching a movie. There can be popular songs or tracks composed specifically for a film .
• Rock bands that represent different subgenres.
• Rap subgenres in the United States.
• Periods of classical music .
• What motivates people to start a musical career?
• Different kinds of music for relaxation.
• The industries where composers work .
• Types of opera singers and instrumental music .
• Different professions in the music industry .
• Unpopular genres of independent music.
• Different types of music listeners .

College Essay about Music: Topics

When you apply to your dream college, you need to write an impressive essay. Admissions officers pay attention not only to your grades and achievements but also to your personality. Your writing can indicate your motivation, academic interests, and how well you fit into the college. Writing an essay about “music in my life” is a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity.

Choose one of these topics related to music for your college essay:

• The role of music in your life . Describe what music means to you, how often you listen to it, and how it helps you in life. For example, you can write about inspiration, motivation, or the sense of freedom that it gives you.
• What are the essential aspects of music for you? Try to write down everything you like about music. It might be melodies, lyrics, vocals, or mood. You can choose several aspects if you feel that you can’t decide.
• The time when music changed your life. In this essay, you can pick one occurrence or describe how music changed your life gradually. It’s important to indicate where you started from and where it led you.
• How do you see the future of the music industry? Demonstrate to the admissions officer how well you know the art and the business.
• Your role model in the music industry. You may write about the qualities of the person you admire and why you want to develop them in yourself. Remember that admission officers want to read about you, not your idol.
• How did your musical taste change over the last ten years? Describe the evolution of your preferences. Explain why you have changed some of your past choices. Do you think your musical taste has improved?
• Your favorite musical genre .
• Does listening to music help to heal body and spirit?
• What is the best music performance you have ever seen?
• Why do people become fans of particular musicians?
• Your favorite song lyrics .
• Can people be judged by their musical taste?
• Why is music an essential part of human culture?
• Quote about music that appeals to you the most.
• How can music education help you in the future?
• Do you prefer listening to music or performing it?
• How can music change your mood?
• Why you want to become a musician.
• Which culture has the most beautiful ethnical music ?
• Is music more of an art or business?
• What are the essential parts of musical education ?

Other Music Essay Topics

• Why do supermarkets play music? Think of the reasons why marketers use music in advertising and how it impacts customer behavior.
• An analysis of Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music . Evaluate how the director uses music to tell a story.
• The impact of music on the human brain . Examine the latest research in the mental health field and how music therapy affects depression treatments.
• The workings of the music industry . Assess how contemporary audio technology and touring lifestyle affect musicians.
• The role of music in different cultures. Choose and compare two countries to analyze their perspectives on the music industry.
• Music on television . Evaluate how the music of TV shows and movies impacts the audience’s feelings and behavior.
• Oliver Sacks’ contribution to music psychology. Explore the theories he discusses in Musicophilia and describe its influence on music psychology.
• Should all music be available for free download? Think about the ethical and legal aspects of this issue.
• How did music psychology help the development of music education ? Try to find a correlation between these two fields.
• Britney Spears and the adverse effects of teen popularity. Writing about this topic, you might want to focus on how her early fame affected her life. What happened after her famous breakdown in 2007?
• The half-life of one-hit-wonders. Focus your paper on quantitative research. How long do one-hit-wonders stay famous on average? Why do they fail to maintain their success?
• Journalism and the music industry. Examine the effects positive or negative press had on a musician of your choice.
• Festivals and sponsorship. Discuss the benefits that corporate sponsors and the creators of music festivals gain from working together.
• Rock songs and pessimistic lyrics. Why do most popular rock songs have such sad and angry lyrics?
• Discuss the development of your music taste. Write about what pushed you to change and how it influenced your life.
• The psychology of music. Examine what someone’s favorite music genre can tell about their personality.
• Is ASMR music? ASMR artists make quiet sounds to soothe their audience. But can we really consider it music?
• A historical analysis of jazz. Explore how African Americans influenced the flourishing culture of jazz that has spread worldwide.
• The effect of classical music on children’s cognitive abilities. Supposedly, classical music is great for kids. Study this theory and make your conclusions.
• Discuss the characteristics of modern Latin American music . Dive into its diversity and describe the reasons for its popularity.
• How do Chinese artists make traditional music? Write about its complex creation process. Analyze the importance of articulation for composers.
• The history of music . With this essay, explore the six periods of music history. To top it off, you can predict what music will be like in the future.
• The music industry goes online. Discuss the importance of the internet for the industry and the challenges associated with it.
• The magic of instrumental music. Pick your favorite orchestra pieces and find unique features in each of them.
• Musical education: the sound of success? Does everyone need a musical background?
• Explore the latest techniques in songwriting . Look into the song creation process of contemporary musicians. How do they get the audience to enjoy their art?
• Compare and contrast e-pianos and keyboards . In doing so, consider their structure, sound, and features.
• The Woodstock festival as a game-changer. How has the Woodstock Music and Art Fair influenced the current state of the music industry? Additionally, investigate how current festivals hold up to the standards set by Woodstock.
• Music therapy for stroke patients . Find out whether incorporating elements of music therapy can support the treatment of patients who suffered a stroke.
• How do amplifiers work? If you’re a musician, you’ve likely used an amplifier before. Now it’s time to figure out what they are actually doing.
• The Killers’ contributions to indie rock. How would you define their style of music? What makes them a key player in indie music?
• Analyze the music in Grease . Pick some of the most popular songs from the musical and write about their influence on American culture.
• What’s the best way to interpret songs? Describe methods to deconstruct songs and how the music style affects this process.
• Teufel vs. Sennheiser: the ultimate comparison. German sound equipment manufacturers are known for their cutting-edge technologies . But which brand is the best?
• What role does harmony play in music composition? Choose several pieces of music and describe how the artists used harmony.
• How necessary are double bass drums? Do musicians place them on stage just to impress people, or do they have actual use?
• Compare regular festivals and free ones. Why spend hundreds of dollars on Coachella if you can go to Woodstock for free? In your essay, focus on the differences such as size, participating artists, and general entertainment .
• A historical analysis of choral music. Singing in groups is a practice common across various cultures . You might choose one or two to work on.
• How did The Rolling Stones influence British culture? The Rolling Stones are one of the longest-standing rock bands of all time. Naturally, this left significant marks on their home country.
• How important are regional accents for English-language singers ? When working on this theoretical topic, include some examples and your personal opinion.
• The world of musical instruments: medieval music . This fun essay can focus on different types of medieval instruments and their evolution.
• Does the creative process differ for electronic and acoustic music? Look at how artists usually write songs. Do they start with the melody, the rhythm, or the lyrics? Does it depend on the medium?
• The correlation between poems and medieval songs. Find out how composers were reinventing poetry to create songs.
• Hip-hop and gender equality . What is the role of women in the development of this music style? Don’t forget to give examples.
• When politics interferes with art: Eurovision. Analyze the role of the political situation in this song contest. Is there anything left of its original idea?
• How did Vladimir Vysotsky become a beloved musical figure outside of Soviet Russia? It’s unusual for Russian-language musicians to gain fame outside of their home country. Research how Vysotsky managed to mingle in the USA and have some of his work posthumously released in Europe.
• K-pop conquers the world . You may narrow the topic down to a specific artist. Focus on the influence of Korean music in other cultures.
• Music school students vs. amateurs. Discuss the different experiences and outcomes of music school students and those who learn to play instruments at home.
• Do music choices shape one’s identity , or is it the other way around? It’s an exciting question that lets you dig deep into the psychology of music.
• The music of dissents. Energizing songs play an essential part in rebellions and revolutions. For example, analyze how protesters used music during the Arab Spring .
• The development and popularity of electronic music . Starting from the early experiments, analyze the development of this style and its increasing influence
• How do artists use social media to promote their music? You might want to choose one or two examples to illustrate the tools they use.
• Organum as one of the oldest written types of music . Study the development of this music style throughout various cultures.
• The appeal of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters. Many people consider the song one of their favorites. Examine its structure , melody, and lyrics. What makes it unique?
• Africa’s hidden musical gems. African music is as diverse as its people. Pick two countries and compare their style. How do they differ from Western art ?
• Did people’s music tastes improve compared to previous decades? Here, you have the chance to express your views on the evolution of people’s music preferences.
• Is the life of pop stars as easy as people think? Share your thoughts on whether famous musicians and singers have a leisurely lifestyle.
• Physiological reactions to different types of music . Study how your body reacts to various beats and tones.
• Why do people tend to listen to specific songs on certain occasions? In your essay, ponder the effects of love songs or powerful anthems on one’s mood .
• What does someone’s ringtone say about their personality ? Think about how it affects your perception of a person.
• The impact of music on the individual’s productivity . Studies suggest a positive effect on people’s performance when they listen to something pleasant while working. But all the noise can get overstimulating. That’s why finding the balance is central.
• Music is natural. In the depth of nature, there is music. Rain, a bird’s song, or the tapping of a squirrel’s feet melt together to create a beautiful composition . Music is everywhere—one only needs to listen carefully.

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you’re welcome to use our topic generator .

✍️ Music Essay: How to Write

So, you have chosen your essay title. Now it’s time to start writing! But before you begin, read the sections below and learn how to organize your work.

How to Describe Music in Writing

You might think that writing about music is like dancing about architecture. Well, it is not an easy task, but we know how to cope with it.

Follow these tips while writing:

• Make a comparison.  Explain which characteristics of a piece remind you or are identical to those of another one. It’s better to avoid comparing music from different composers in this case. Instead, evaluate and analyze two musical pieces from the same composer.
• Describe the melody and dynamics.  You may want to use musical terms to show your knowledge and proficiency. Define the genre and what kind of instruments and tones are used.
• Explain how it makes you feel.  You can use basic human emotions to describe the feelings of a listener. For example, it can be anger, tenderness, irritation, excitement, or nostalgia.
• Use metaphorical language.  You may try using your imagination to create analogies. Be careful not to make your metaphors overcomplicated, as it may confuse the readers.

Essays about Music: Descriptive Words

Do you want your essay on music to be interesting and expressive? Then you may want to use descriptive vocabulary. Here are some of the terms that you can use in your essay to make it sound more professional:

• Tempo is the “speed” of music. There are fixed expressions to define tempo—for example, largo, moderate, or presto. You can also describe how fast the music feels.
• Timbre is the term that evaluates the “color” of music. Even if two instruments play the same note of the same volume, the sound is still different. This is how you can notice the color of the tone. For example, gentle, clear, heavy, or warm can be the adjectives to describe timbre.
• Dynamics define the volume levels of music. The volume can be the same all the time, for example loud or soft. If the volume of music changes, you can use such expressions as “gradually gets louder” “or suddenly becomes soft.”
• Harmony characterizes how all the notes and chords sound together. The sequence of chords—chord progression—defines how satisfying the melody is for the listener. For example, if the transitions are smooth, you can use such words as “relaxed” or “warm.”

Music Essay Outline

Like any other assignment, writing about music requires a proper essay outline that will guide you through the writing. The following sections will help you with that.

Before you start, here are some tips that will help you prepare for writing:

• Do some prior research. Try to learn as much as possible about the piece you will be writing about. It’s also helpful to listen to the music several times with headphones to notice more details.
• Don’t be afraid of asking questions. Consult your instructor if you’re unsure about your topic or the piece you have chosen.
• Choose the topic that you like. If you’re passionate about a subject, it is always easier to write about it. Who said that homework could not be interesting?
• Follow the recommendations that your instructor gives. It includes word limit, formatting style, deadline, and essay type.

Music Essay Introduction

The introduction is the section where you come up with a brief explanation of the topic. You may start it with a quotation, definition, or short statement that catches your reader’s attention and leads them to the essay subject.

A thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction that defines the content of body paragraphs. It needs to be specific and not longer than two sentences. If you decide to shift the focus of your essay while writing, it’s crucial to change your thesis too.

Different types of essays require different thesis statements. Let’s take a closer look:

Music Essay Body

Your essay’s body is the most significant part of your writing. Here, you provide evidence and explanations of your claims.

The typical body paragraph structure includes:

• A topic sentence explaining the argument for a particular paragraph.
• An introduction to the evidence you gathered to support an argument.
• Quotes and facts (don’t forget about proper citation!) and their explanation.
• A connection between the evidence and the essay topic.
• Paragraph transitions  leading your reader to the next section.

Topic Sentence about Music

Topic sentences can be used as a roadmap to writing your essay. Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that defines what the paragraph is about. It introduces the argument or main thought that will be explained. It’s also connected with the thesis statement.

It’s essential to make your thesis easy to understand, so it’s better not to overcomplicate it. For example, here’s an unsuccessful topic sentence with unnecessary words:

As stated above, the guitar is an essential musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Instead, you can formulate it like this:

The guitar is the most iconic musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Music Essay Conclusion

When writing a conclusion for your essay on music, you can use the following structure:

• Summarize the text in a few sentences.
• Review the key points of your paper.
• Paraphrase the thesis.

To make your essay conclusion more effective, avoid the following:

📑 What Music Means to Me: Essay Example

Now you know all about writing an essay on music! To make it even easier for you, we’ve prepared an essay sample that you can use for inspiration. Check it out:

Now all you need is to turn the music on and get down to writing! We hope you liked this guide. If you did, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

Further reading:

• How to Write a Good Critique Paper: Killer Tips + Examples
• How to Write an Art Critique Essay: Guidelines and Examples
• How to Write a Movie Critique Paper: Top Tips + Example
• Modern Fairy Tale Essay: How to Write, Topics and Ideas
• 200 Creative Topics for Opinion Essays
• 182 Free Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
• 180 Excellent Evaluation Essay Topics

✏️ Music Essay FAQ

Music is a vast topic. An essay might deal with anything ranging from trends in the 1950s to the best guitarists of all time. Writing an introduction to certain music styles or bands is also possible. In any case, the paper should be well-structured, logical, and cohesive.

Writing about music doesn’t necessarily require any specific skills. If you’re not familiar with the theory of music and can’t play musical instruments, you can just write about the music you like. Here are some topic ideas: favorite music band, style, or how you perceive music.

You can interpret music as a topic in various ways. If you are getting a degree in this field, you might want to write something more specific and technical. If your essay aims to merely inform and entertain, write about your favorite music style or band.

If you are writing an essay for school, a good choice would be an expository essay. It doesn’t require any specific knowledge of the music industry. Title suggestions might be: “My perception of music,” “My favorite band,” “How music can change the world.”

• What is the Music Industry? Definition and Facts: Study.com
• What Music Do You Write To?: Writers & Artists
• A Music Review: British Council
• Music: UNC Writing Center: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Sound and Sense: Writing about Music: Colorado State University
• Music analysis Research Papers: Academia.edu
• The Power of Music Therapy: Belmont University
• Musicology: Northwestern Bienen School of Music
• Musicology: Areas of Study: Indiana State University
• Music Facts: Facts.net
• Music History from Primary Sources: Library of Congress
• Music: Encyclopedia Britannica
• A History of Classical Music: Part 1: The List
• What Is Jazz: Smithsonian Institution
• The 50 Greatest Composers of All Time: Classical Music
• Musical Terms and Concepts: SUNY Potsdam
• Ethnomusicology: University of Oxford
• Music Research Process: Syracuse University
• Journal of Popular Music Studies: University of California Press
• The History of Pop Music in 5 Defining Decades: The Culture Trip
• Music of the 20 th Century: Lumen Learning
• Explainer: Indie Music: The Conversation
• Your Brain on Music: University of Central Florida
• Music and Health: Harvard University
• The Psychological Function of Music Listening: NIH
• Essays that Worked: Hamilton
• Writing in Music: Writing Thesis Statements: The City University of New York
• Academic Writing about Music: University of Denver
• How to Write Song Lyrics: Berklee
• Essay Introduction: University of Maryland
• Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements: Purdue University
• Writing Body Paragraphs: Monash University
• Some Tips for Writing Efficient, Effective Body Paragraphs: University of California, Berkeley
• Writing a Paper: Conclusions: Walden University
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Thank you very much for this post on music essay writing! You don’t know how long I looked for the helpful information on writing music essays!

Music takes an important part in my life. I wake up and go to bed listening to music. And now when I’m writing my music essay, I also listen to music. And it’s also a pleasure to read an article on how to write an essay on music!

Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

Music and emotions.

Music is like a friend that helps us feel. A happy song can make us smile, and a sad one can make us think of a tough time. It’s like magic how a tune can change our mood so quickly. When we hear music, it’s like our heart listens and feels light or heavy with the song.

Music and Learning

Songs can also be teachers. They help us remember things. Think of the alphabet song; it’s easier to remember ABCs when we sing them. Music can make learning fun. It’s like when we play a game and learn something new without even trying.

Music and Health

Believe it or not, music can make us healthier. When we are sick or hurt, listening to calm music can help us relax and feel better. Doctors even use music to help patients with pain. It’s like a medicine that doesn’t come in a bottle.

Music and Culture

Music tells stories about where we come from. Every place has its own music style. When we listen to different music, we learn about new places and people. It’s like traveling with our ears to places we’ve never been, learning about the world.

Music and Connection

Songs bring people together. When we sing with others, it feels like we are part of a big family. Music events like concerts create spaces where everyone enjoys and shares a good time. It’s like a bridge that connects hearts.

250 Words Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

The power of music.

Music is a magical thing that can touch our hearts and change our feelings. It is like a friend that can make us feel happy, calm, or even excited. From the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep, music can be a part of our day.

Think about when you hear a fast, upbeat song. It makes you want to dance and jump around. This is because music can make us feel more energetic and happy. On the other side, slow and soft music can help us relax and feel peaceful. When we are sad, sometimes listening to music can help us feel better.

Music Helps Us Learn

Did you know that music can also help us learn? Many teachers use songs to teach the alphabet, numbers, and other important things. Music makes it easier to remember information because it’s fun and it sticks in our mind.

Bringing People Together

Music is like a language that everyone understands, no matter where they come from. It brings people together. At concerts, people sing and enjoy the music as one big group. Music can help us make friends and share special moments.

In short, music has a strong impact on our lives. It can change our mood, help us learn, and bring us together with others. Music is a special part of being human, and it will always be important in our lives.

500 Words Essay on Impact Of Music On Human Life

Music is a powerful part of our lives. It can make us feel happy, sad, excited, or calm. When we hear a song we like, it can make us smile and want to dance. If we hear a sad song, it might make us think of a time when we were not happy. Music can even help us feel less alone because it can show us that other people have felt the same way we do.

Music is not just for fun; it can also help us learn. Many students find that listening to music helps them focus better when they are studying. Some teachers use songs to teach things like the alphabet, numbers, or history. Music can make it easier to remember information because it is like a catchy tune that sticks in your head.

Music can be good for our health too. It can reduce stress and help our bodies relax. Doctors have found that music can lower blood pressure, slow down our heartbeat, and help us breathe more slowly. This is why sometimes music is played in hospitals to help patients feel better. Also, when we are sick or feeling down, listening to our favorite songs can lift our spirits.

Music is a big part of different cultures around the world. Every country has its own types of music and ways of celebrating with it. Music can tell stories about a place’s history or what life is like there. It brings people together for festivals, weddings, and other important events. When we listen to music from other places, we can learn about new cultures and understand people who are different from us.

Music and Social Connection

Music helps us connect with others. When we sing together in a choir or play instruments in a band, we have to work as a team. We share a special bond with people who like the same music as us. Concerts and dance parties are places where people can enjoy music together. Sharing music can be a way to make new friends and feel part of a group.

Music and Creativity

Making music is a way to be creative. When children learn to play an instrument or write their own songs, they use their imagination. They also learn to solve problems, like how to make a tune sound just right. Being creative with music can give us confidence and help us express our thoughts and feelings in a way that words alone cannot.

In conclusion, music has a big impact on human life. It touches our hearts, helps us learn, keeps us healthy, teaches us about other cultures, connects us with people, and lets us be creative. Whether we are listening to it, playing it, or singing it, music is a special part of being human that brings joy to our lives.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Music Industry — The Influence of Music on Me and My Life

Music in My Life: How Music Has Shaped Me

• Categories: Music Industry Personal Life

About this sample

Words: 757 |

Published: Jun 17, 2020

Words: 757 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Essay about music in my life

Works cited:.

• Baker, L. (2005, January 29). Richmond Rebound/High school basketball players hit books, coach lifts his lockout. San Francisco Chronicle. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/RICHMOND-REBOUND-High-school-basketball-players-2736478.php
• Coach Carter. (2005). Paramount Pictures.
• Just Call Him “Sir”. (2005, January 12). The Root. https://www.theroot.com/just-call-him-sir-1790861888
• Klein, G. (2005, January 10). Q&A with Coach Carter. Time. https://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1014704,00.html
• McDermott, B. (2019). The coach’s guide to teaching. Routledge.
• Parker, S. (2013). Positive psychology coaching: Putting the science of happiness to work for your clients. John Wiley & Sons.
• Raglin, J. (2016). Psychological factors in competitive sport. Human Kinetics.
• Ryska, T. A., & Yin, Z. (2007). Coaching and learning in schools: A practical guide. Guilford Press.
• Snyder, E. E. (2018). Handbook of positive psychology in schools. Routledge.
• Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. Human Kinetics.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

The role of music in everyday life during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic: a mixed-methods exploratory study.

• Department of Music, Arts and Culture Studies, Centre for Interdisciplinary Music Research, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland

Although music is known to be a part of everyday life and a resource for mood and emotion management, everyday life has changed significantly for many due to the global coronavirus pandemic, making the role of music in everyday life less certain. An online survey in which participants responded to Likert scale questions as well as providing free text responses was used to explore how participants were engaging with music during the first wave of the pandemic, whether and how they were using music for mood regulation, and how their engagement with music related to their experiences of worry and anxiety resulting from the pandemic. Results indicated that, for the majority of participants, while many felt their use of music had changed since the beginning of the pandemic, the amount of their music listening behaviors were either unaffected by the pandemic or increased. This was especially true of listening to self-selected music and watching live streamed concerts. Analysis revealed correlations between participants’ use of mood for music regulation, their musical engagement, and their levels of anxiety and worry. A small number of participants described having negative emotional responses to music, the majority of whom also reported severe levels of anxiety.

Introduction

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organize declared a global pandemic due to the spread of COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus which was first identified in China near the end of the previous year. A notable feature of COVID-19 is pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission, such that individuals could unknowingly pass the virus on to others while feeling healthy, leading to uncertainty about the situation for individuals and governments alike ( Furukawa et al., 2020 ). In response to the pandemic, many countries instituted lockdown measures, closing non-essential businesses and schools, and cautioning citizens to stay at home, in order to slow the spread of the virus. Such measures have proven to effective when strictly implemented ( Alfano and Ercolano, 2020 ; Sjödin et al., 2020 ), but for many countries has come at high cost to economic and social wellbeing ( Ahmad et al., 2020 ; Herat, 2020 ; Vinkers et al., 2020 ). Widespread social isolation in conjunction with widespread access to the internet and other technology has created an unprecedented situation in many spheres of public and private life.

Public mental health has been raised as an important issue to address through research and practice during the coronavirus pandemic ( Xiang et al., 2020 ). The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology has noted that while emotion distress and anxiety are normal responses to an unpredictable and threatening situation such as the pandemic ( Vinkers et al., 2020 ), research suggests that rates of anxiety and depression have notably increased during the pandemic ( Salari et al., 2020 ), with one study suggesting a rate of anxiety three times higher than pre-pandemic in Austria ( Pieh et al., 2020 ). The mental health effect of the pandemic may be exacerbated by the necessity to remain in social isolation to prevent the spread of the virus ( White and Van Der Boor, 2020 ). Not only has the coronavirus pandemic created an increased need for mental health support in many populations, it has complicated the delivery of professional mental health services, due to the need to rely on technology such as video conferencing ( Ojha and Syed, 2020 ). It is therefore imperative to understand the strategies individuals use to cope with the negative psychological consequences of the pandemic, in order to support resilience on individual and community levels ( Vinkers et al., 2020 ).

Just days after the declaration of a pandemic, a poignant image of life in lockdown reached many via various news outlets: Italian musicians playing and singing music from their balconies as a way to create a “moment of joy in this moment of anxiety” ( Horowitz, 2020 ). A broad swath of research supports the use of music as a means of managing negative affect such as stress, anxiety or depression. Music-listening has been shown to affect the autonomic nervous system ( Thoma et al., 2013 ; Harada et al., 2017 ) and to decrease state-anxiety ( Gillen et al., 2008 ; Thoma et al., 2015 ), while meta-analysis has found that music-based interventions are effective in reducing human stress responses ( Baltazar et al., 2019 ; de Witte et al., 2020 ). Music can play a role in important psychological functions such as identity construction ( North and Hargreaves, 1999 ), mood and emotion regulation ( Saarikallio, 2008 ; Carlson et al., 2015 ), personal agency and social competence ( Saarikallio, 2019 ; Saarikallio et al., 2020 ). Music listening has been shown to be among the most common strategies individuals use when consciously attempting to improve their current affective state ( Thayer et al., 1994 ). Playing or dancing to music together additionally fosters social connection ( Keeler et al., 2015 ; Tarr et al., 2016 ).

In addition to the balcony performances given by Italians under lockdown, the first months of the pandemic were marked by a number of organizations, including the British Royal Opera House, the New York Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, provided free streaming of performances ( Barone, 2020 ). Artists including Yo-Yo- Ma and the Indigo Girls shared performances via social media using the hashtag #Songsofcomfort ( Barajas, 2020 ). Such behaviors indicate a public perception that music and other performing arts may function to provide solace and comfort during times of national or international crisis. However, the unprecedented nature of the coronavirus pandemic raises important questions about the role of music in daily life, particularly as a tool for coping with the crisis. Many of the functions of music are social, and some argue that music is fundamentally social, communicative and embodied ( Cross, 2009 ), which aspects are almost certainly altered for many by the pandemic situation. It is unknown whether the pandemic has caused changes in private listening behavior, whether increased stress anxiety related to the pandemic can be mitigated by music use, and whether some music uses and listening strategies are more effective than others in supporting mental health. It could be hypothesized that increased incidence of negative affect might cause more people to turn to music as a means to regulate mood and affect, but it may also be that increased stress and anxiety prevent individuals from using music effectively. Similarly, although participation in and attendance of live musical performance will certainly have changed due to lockdown measures, it is unknown whether this affects other behaviors of engaging with music, such as listening to recordings or watching live-streamed or recorded performances, and whether these changes have an important impact on the functions of music.

Understanding how music is (or is not) being used by individuals for affect regulation during the coronavirus pandemic is an important step to understand whether and how music could be used deliberately to mitigate negative effects of lockdown and prolonged stress and uncertainty. The current study aims to contribute to the development of this understanding by addressing the following research questions:

1) Has the coronavirus pandemic had an influence on individuals’ musical engagement, and if so, how?

2) How are individuals engaging with music during the coronavirus pandemic?

3) How does this musical engagement relate to negative psychological effects of the pandemic, specifically worry and anxiety?

Materials and Methods

Based on these research questions, an online survey was designed to collect demographic, situational, psychological, and music-specific data from participants. The survey consisted of a combination of previously existing measures, measures adapted from pre-existing measures, and measures developed specifically for the current study. Due to the highly exploratory nature of the research, the survey was designed to cast a wide net, and therefore includes more measures than have been selected for analysis in the current study.

The Beck Anxiety Index (BAI) was chosen to measure participants’ anxiety levels. First proposed by Beck, Brown, Beck et al. (1988) , the inventory consists of 21 items comprising both physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety such as “Dizzy or lightheaded” or “Fear of losing control.” Participants rate on a four-point Likert scale indicating how much these symptoms have bothered them during the previous month. The BAI has been shown to have high reliability and validity for non-clinical as well as clinical populations ( Creamer et al., 1995 ).

At the time of survey development, no known measures specific to COVID-19 had been developed. However, Cheng, Wong, Tsang, and Wong ( Cheng et al., 2004 ) developed the SARS Impact Scale (SIS), a 12-item Likert-scale measure of psychological distress in survivors of the SARS, a novel coronavirus which caused a highly contagious outbreak in China and Hong Kong in 2002–2003, which included items such as ‘I will be killed by SARS’ and ‘I will pass the SARS virus onto my family.’ This survey, along with publicly available information about COVID-19 available from the World Health Organization, was used to develop a similar survey specific to people living during the COVID-19 pandemic. It included nine items, several of which were identical or nearly identical to items found in the SIS, such as ‘I worry I will lose my job and have financial problems because of coronavirus,’ and ‘I worry that I will pass coronavirus onto my family,’ as well as items specific to the COVID-19 situation at the time of survey-development, such as, ‘I worry that I have coronavirus and don’t know it.’

The Brief Music in Mood Regulation Questionnaire (B-MMR) was used to assess participants’ current use of music as a tool for affect regulation. The B-MMR is a 21-item scale developed by Saarikallio (2012) from an original 40-item MMR scale ( Saarikallio, 2008 ), and assesses participants’ use of music for affect regulation by seven strategies: (1) Entertainment , which refers to using music to create a pleasant atmosphere or to make boring tasks more enjoyable, (2) Revival , in which music is used to feel refreshed and to gain energy when stressed or tired, (3) Strong Sensation , in which music is used to stimulate intense emotional and esthetic experiences, (4) Diversion , which refers to using music to distract from unwanted thoughts and feelings (5) Discharge , in which music is used to express and release of negative emotions, (6) Mental Work , in which music is used to support mental contemplation and clarification of emotional preoccupations, and (7) Solace , which refers to using music to gain feelings of comfort, acceptance, and understanding as a response to negative emotion. Each item is assessed using three 5-point Likert-scale items, such as ‘I listen to music to perk up after a rough day’ and ‘For me, music is a way to forget about my worries.’

Participants were asked whether they felt that the coronavirus pandemic had changed their everyday music use. If so, they were asked to rate how much it had changed using a 7-point Likert scale. To assess their engagement with music, participants were asked about the frequency of various music-listening and music-making behaviors using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from ‘Not at all’ to ‘Multiple times per week.’ The items assessed were: (1) Listened to music that I selected, (2) Listened to music that someone else selected, (3) Listened to music on the radio (or streaming), (4) Danced to music, (5) Watched a professional performance live (virtually), (6) Watched an amateur performance live (virtually), (7) Watched a pre-recorded professional performance, (8) Watched a pre-recorded amateur performance, (9) Watched music videos. If participants answered a question positively, they were subsequently asked with whom they had listened (if anyone), and given a free text-box to optionally provide more details in response to the question ‘Tell us more about this experience.’ Participants who indicated that they had actively made music as well as listened to music were asked to report whether they engaged in (1) Singing, (2) Playing an instrument, (3) Making music electronically, (4) Receiving or giving music lessons online. Participants were additionally asked whether their music listening had changed due to the pandemic, to rate on a 5-point scale how much their music listening had changed.

In addition to these measures, participants were asked to report which virtual platforms they used to engage with music (e.g., YouTube, Spotify), and whether their engagement with these platforms had changed. They were also asked to report perceived changes in their musical engagement for mood regulation since the start of the pandemic. These items are not included in the current study and will be analyzed at a later date.

The survey was administered using Alchemer 1 . Participants were informed via an introduction page the scope and intent of the research, that their data would be kept private and used anonymous, and that they were free to withdraw their consent to participate at any time. Participants were required to give their consent before moving on to the rest of the survey. The data under current analysis was gathered between April 2020 and June 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v. 27), Matlab (v. 2018b), and Nvivo (v. 11 and 12).

Participants

Participants were recruited using social media posts, University and professional e-mail lists, and via both English- and Finnish-language press releases. A total of 432 participants (238 identified as female, 175 male, 2 transgender and 13 non-binary) between the ages of 18 and 77 (M = 39.5, SD = 12.97) completed the survey. They comprised 37 nationalities, the largest cohort of which were citizens of Finland (35.1%), followed by Canada (18.5%) the United States (14.3%). A majority of participants (53%) reported being married or in a committed relationship, followed by participants who reported being single (36%), with the remainder being separated, divorced or widowed (11.2%).

Due to the conditions of lockdown in many countries, the living situation of participants was considered important to assess. The majority (69.3%) of participants reported living with others as opposed to living alone (30.7%). Of these, 53.1% reported living with a partner, 27% reported living with children, 12.9% reported living with siblings, 1.4% reported living with a grandparent or elderly relative, and 5.5% reported living with flatmates or friends; 13% reported living with at least one person with a disability or chronic illness. A minority (17.1%) reported that who they lived with had changed as a result of the pandemic. Most participants reported having virtual contact with immediate family between once and a few times per week (65.8%), somewhat fewer reported this with extended family (47.6%) and work colleagues (49.9%), and somewhat more with friends (69.3%).

Participants reported that the coronavirus pandemic had affected their daily lives in a number of ways, as shown in Figure 1 . A notable majority (85.7%) reported that they are engaging in social distancing, and more than half (53.6%) reported that their city or country was on lockdown. A majority (64.2%) reported that they were working from home. A total of 9.9% reported having lost their jobs due to the pandemic, 4.2% reported having had the virus and 11.5% reported knowing someone who has had the virus. It should be noted that this data was gathered during the first half of 2020, during the first wave, and may not accurately reflect later months of the pandemic.

Figure 1. Reported daily living situation of participants as relates to the coronavirus pandemic.

Participants reported having worries that were specific to the coronavirus pandemic, as shown in Figure 2 , with the highest rated worry relating to financial instability in participants’ countries, as well as worry that coronavirus may kill a loved one.

Figure 2. Coronavirus-related worries as reported by participants, ranging from not worried at all (0) to very worried (5).

Music Engagement Behaviors

More than half of participants (60.7%) reported that their use of music in daily life had changed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Within these participants, the perceived amount of change, rated on a 7-point Likert scale, showed an approximate normal distribution ( M = 4.17, SD = 1.5), suggesting individual variation. Mean reported frequency of music behaviors is shown in Figure 3 . The most frequently reported behavior was listening to self-selected music, with 37.6% of participants reporting listening to music multiple times per day. Slightly more than half ( n = 228), reported that they had made music themselves. Of these, 86% reported singing at least once during the last 2 weeks, while 78% reported having played an instrument, and 24% reported having made music electronically.

Figure 3. Participants’ ratings of how frequently they engaged in particular music listening behaviors, ranging from not at all (0) to multiple times per day (5).

Participants scores for each of the MMR strategies were all negatively skewed but none significantly so (skewness ranged from −0.037 to −1.23), suggesting that the current sample may have a slightly stronger tendency to use music in mood regulation than a randomly selected sample. This may be due to participants being more likely to complete the survey if they had an interest in music.

While participants reported both increases and decreases in these music engagement behaviors, the only behavior in which a majority of participants reported a change in the frequency of their behavior since the beginning of the pandemic was listening to self-selected music, for which only 44.7% of participants reported a change. Figure 4 show the percentage of participants who reported increases in various musical engagement behaviors respectively, of the participants who reported a given behavior (ranging from n = 432 for listening to self-selected music, to n = 38 for making electronic music).

Figure 4. Percentage of participants who reported increases or decreases in a given behavior, of all who reported engaging in the behavior (n ranged from 38 to 432).

Relationships Between Music Variables, Anxiety, and Worry

To reduce the number of variables for further analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on participants’ answers to several sections of the survey, specifically the COVID-19-Specific Worries measure, participants’ reported levels of engagement with various music-listening and music-making behaviors, and participants’ use of music to regulate mood via their B-MMR scores. After visual examination of scree plots, components which accounted for less than 9% of variance were discarded from further analysis.

The varimax rotated PCA solution for nine questions related to COVID-19-Specific Worries revealed a three-component solution accounting for 64.57% of variance, which is shown in Figure 5 . The first component (PC1) accounted for 39.23% of the variance and included high loadings for the questions “I worry that I am infected with coronavirus and don’t know it,” and “I worry I will pass coronavirus onto my family,” and “I worry that I will pass coronavirus on to the vulnerable in my community.” PC1 was labeled Contagion Impact. A second component (PC2) accounted for 15.47% of the variance and included high loadings for the questions, “I worry that coronavirus will result in long-term financial instability in my country,” and “I worry that coronavirus will result in long-term political instability in my country,” as well as moderate loadings for the questions, “I worry I will lose my job because of coronavirus” and “I worry others will discriminate against me because of coronavirus.” PC2 was therefore labeled Societal Impact. A third component (PC3) accounted for an additional 9.87% of the variance, and included high loadings for the questions, “I worry that I will be killed by coronavirus” and “I worry that a loved one will be killed by coronavirus.” PC3 was labeled Survival Threat. The second two factors are loosely comparable to the first and third factors documented by Cheng et al. (2004) in the SIS and have been named similarly.

Figure 5. Varimax-rotated PCA solution for the COVID-Specific Worries. Three components account for a collective 64.57% of the variance.

To examine participants’ musical-engagement, a PCA was performed including answers from participants indicating their current levels of engagement with a number of music listening and music playing behaviors. A four-factor solution, accounting for a total of 61.94% variance, was subjected to varimax rotation, shown in Figure 6 .

Figure 6. Varimax-rotated PCA solution for participants musical-engagement. Four components account for a collective 61.94% of the variance.

The first component (PC1) accounted for 25.45% of the variance and included high loadings for listening to professional and amateur performances live, and moderate loadings for listening to professional and amateur performances which had been pre-recorded. PC1 was therefore labeled Music Performances. A second component (PC2) accounted for 14.29% of the variance, and included high loadings for singing or playing an instrument, and was therefore labeled Music Making. A third component (PC3) accounted for 12.16% of the variance, and included high loadings for listening to music selected by others and listening to radio or streaming, and a moderately high loading for dancing to music. PC3 was labeled External Music, referring music-listening in which the listener does not actively choose as well as the external behavior of dancing. A final component (PC4) accounted for an additional 10.04% of the variance, and included high loadings for listening to self-selected music and watching music videos. PC4 was labeled Chosen Music.

A final PCA was performed on participants’ B-MMR scores, to assess patterns in their use of music as a coping mechanism. The results are displayed in Figure 7 . A varimax-rotated three-component solution accounted for a total of 81.83% of variance. The first component (PC1) accounted for 60.4% of variance, and included moderately high loadings on Strong Sensation, Diversion, Mental Work and Solace. PC1 was labeled Cognitive Management, as Diversion involves the use of music to distract from thought and Mental Work entails the use of music to aid thinking. A second component (PC2) accounted for an additional 11.69% of the variance, and included a high loading for Entertainment and a moderately high loading for Revival. PC2 was labeled Arousal Management, as the need to relieve boredom as well as to feel energized can be considered arousal-related functions ( Merrifield and Danckert, 2014 ). A final component accounted for 9.74% of the variance, and included a high loading for Discharge. PC3 was therefore simply labeled Discharge.

Figure 7. Varimax-rotated PCA solution for MMR scores. Three components account for a collective 81.83% of the variance.

The relationships between participants’ PC scores regarding coronavirus worries, musical engagement, and uses of music for mood regulation was further explored. Correlation analysis revealed a number of small to medium significant correlations. To reduce the chance of Type-I error due to the number of comparisons, a Bonferroni corrected alpha level of.0004 was used as a threshold for significance. Results are shown in Table 1 .

Table 1. Correlation of PC scores.

The strongest relationship was between Beck Anxiety Index (BAI) scores and participants and Community Impact, that is, worries regarding contagion of coronavirus ( r = 0.39, p < 0.001). There were significant positive correlations between Cognitive Management and Anxiety (BAI) and, Contagion Worry ( r = 0.18, p < 0.001), Musical Performances ( r = 0.35, p < 0.001), External Music ( r = 0.21, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation between Cognitive Management and Music Making ( r = −0.18, p < 0.001). Arousal Management was significantly negatively correlated with Anxiety ( r = −0.18, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with Chosen Music ( r = 0.20, p < 0.001). Discharge was negatively correlated with Music Making ( r = −0.17, p < 0.001).

Qualitative Results

Although participants were given the opportunity to provide free text answers about each music behavior they had engaged in during the pandemic, the question receiving the most responses was the first, regarding listening to self-selected music. Listening to self-selected music was the most frequently reported behavior overall, and additional the second most frequently reported increased behavior. Text answers from this question were therefore chosen for analysis for purposes of the current paper. A total of 116 (69 identified as female, 43 as male, 1 as transgender and 1 as non-binary) participants between the ages of 19 and 77 (M = 41.8 SD = 12.5) provided text answers to this question. They comprised 16 nationalities, the largest cohort of which were citizens of Finland (38.3%), followed by Canada (20.9%) and the United States (15.7%). The subset of participants who provided qualitative answers were thus demographically quite representative of the survey participants as a whole. A greater majority of this subset of participants reported living with others (78.3%) rather than alone. While only 15.7% of these reported that their city or country was in a state of lockdown, 89.6% of this subset reported that they were engaging in social distancing and 66.1% reported working from home. Thus, this subset of participants was experiencing less restrictions on their daily lives based on government regulations, but were nonetheless behaviorally fairly similar to the participant group as a whole.

Method of Analysis

The purpose of the research and the research questions were used to guide the choice of analysis method ( Blair, 2015 ). A directed approach to content analysis was chosen, as this approach is useful for extending current theoretical understanding to a more specific phenomenon, as in the current case of examining musical engagement and its use in affect regulation in the novel context of a global pandemic and lockdown circumstances ( Hsieh and Shannon, 2005 ). Content analysis focused on the research questions as they related to music listening; that is, how participants’ music listening had changed as a result of the pandemic, how their current music listening behaviors, as well as the role of music listening in their management of negative psychological effects of the pandemic such as mood and emotion. Data were analyzed using NVivo qualitative data analysis software (QSR International, Versions 11 and 12, 2015/2018).

To develop the coding scheme, a subset of 50 randomly-selected responses were first openly coded by one of the authors using the in vivo method, in which the specific language used by participants is preserved in order to gain insight into what is participants perceive as significant ( Charmaz, 2006 ; Saldaña, 2016 ). After this, themes within participants’ responses emerged which related to how much their music engagement had changed and the use of music to regulate affect, including particular strategies. Once these higher order categories were established the remaining data were coded by another author based on these categories.

Simultaneous coding was used when appropriate, especially in the cases where participants had provided detailed descriptions of how they engaged with listening to music. Simultaneous coding is particularly useful when the data can infer several meanings ( Saldaña, 2016 ). For example, participants provided insight into how frequently they engaged with music compared to before the pandemic, as well as insights into how they were using it in mood regulation simultaneously in their open-ended response. Following initial coding, subcategory themes that emerged within each category were identified. Axial coding was used in order to establish higher level thematic categories in the data ( Saldaña, 2016 ). After all data had been coded once by the first two authors, a third author repeated the coding process using established codes to further verify the themes and subcategories. Very few discrepancies within coding emerged, which were discussed by the authors and agreed upon once coding had finished.

Results of Thematic Analysis

Of 116 responses, 107 responses were suitable for further analysis; discarded answers were off-topic or did not address the question (e.g., describing a personal situation without mentioning music listening). Three major categories were established that describe: (1) How the pandemic influenced the frequency of music listening; (2) How music helped support psychological needs during the pandemic, and (3) What kind of music listening activities participants engaged with during the pandemic.

Frequency of musical engagement

The qualitative data provided more insight into how the pandemic influenced participants’ amount of musical engagement. The first three categories were related to the amount of musical engagement and were categorized based on whether the participant indicated high amounts of music use during the pandemic (“More Engaged”), less amounts of music use (“Less Engaged”), or no significant changes in music use since the pandemic (“No Change”). The fourth category, Change in Engagement, represents cases where the frequency of musical engagement was not necessarily affected, but rather how participants engaged with music had changed. Descriptions of these categories are in Table 2 .

Table 2. Major themes which emerged from free text answers.

Out of the 107 cases analyzed, high amounts of music use were the most frequently reported; 42% of cases indicated they were highly engaged with music during the pandemic. These cases comprise the “More Engaged” category, which was further subcategorized depending on whether the participant reported (1) increased musical engagement as a result of routine change, (2) a general increase in music listening or playing, and/or (3) an increase in certain formats (streaming live concerts, listening to physical records instead of streaming). Descriptions of the More Engaged category and related subcategories are in Table 3 .

Table 3. Subcategories related to More Engaged.

Less Engaged individuals accounted for 19.6% of the qualitative data cases. Unlike the More Engaged category, decreases in musical engagement were less varied. Two subcategories were created in order to reflect the most salient themes in the data. The first subcategory represents cases where routine changes resulted in a decrease in music engagement. The second subcategory reflects the cases where music listening was replaced with a different, non-musical activity. Subcategories and examples are in Table 4 .

Table 4. Subcategories related to Less Engaged.

Cases belonging to the No Change category accounted for 14% of the qualitative data. These participants reported that their music listening behaviors had not changed in any significant way as a result of the pandemic; although they may have experienced changes in routine, such as working form home, this change had no influence on their listening behavior. Unlike the other frequency categories, No Change descriptions were homogenous and did not require further subcategorization. Examples of No Change codes include responses such as (P622): I usually listen to music during breakfast and when I work from home. This hasn’t changed ; and (P220): I am working from home. While I work I often listen to music. I have also played music myself. Both things have not changed since the lockdown in the country I live in.

The last category related to frequency of music use was the Change in Engagement category. This category reflects cases where a change in amount of music listening was not necessarily mentioned; instead, the method of engagement had changed, reflecting how the individual adapted their listening behavior to their circumstances. Of the 18 cases coded in the Change in Engagement category, 66.6% of these cases (12 in total) also had codes in at least one of the More Engaged subcategories. It was possible for a case to have codes in both the Change in Engagement category and More Engaged cases, since some cases provided more detail in their responses than others. For example, one case includes the code: Now I have more time to listen to music. So I use this opportunity. [sic] This code was categorized under the More Engaged subcategory since it describes more frequent music listening but does not suggest a change in how the individual engages. On the other hand, some cases provided data that inferred greater level of musical engagement in general as well as a change in how they engaged with music. For example, the following case excerpt contains two codes (P448): “ I am listening to my vinyl records a lot more, almost a daily basis. Before it was once or twice a week. It is also giving me more opportunities to really engage with the music. ”

The first two sentences suggest they are using vinyl records more frequently than they did before the pandemic. The last sentence suggests they are engaging more frequently with music as a result of the lockdown giving them “ more opportunities to really engage with the music. ” This also complements their results in the quantitative data, since this participant responded Yes to the question “Has the way you engage with music on a regular basis changed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic?” These participants also indicated that they listen to music “much more” compared to before the coronavirus pandemic in the corresponding survey question. Examples of this category are provided in Table 5 .

Table 5. Subcategories related to Change in Engagement.

Musical activity

The Musical Activity category sheds light on how participants engaged in music listening and playing for their leisure during the lockdown, as well as the ways music supported other, non-music related activities.

Two subcategories were established: Music for Activity and Music as Activity. Codes in the Music for Activity subcategory describe how music functioned in the background in order to support daily routines related to working from home, house chores and physical exercise. On the other hand, the category Music as Activity includes codes that describe music listening or playing as the primary activity, and includes activities such as focused music listening, watching live streams or recordings of old concerts, and playing music for family and neighbors.

The Musical Activity category was established since it sheds light on how music listening helped individuals adapt to their change in routine. While the influence of routine change is also highlighted in the frequency categories above, they do not adequately represent on their own the ways in which individuals adapted their listening behavior during the pandemic. One particularly intriguing example is the use of livestreams to replace the concert-going experience. This not only reflects how the individual adapts their listening behavior, but sheds light on the role of social media sites such as Facebook and (especially) YouTube and their function as music listening platforms in the context of the pandemic.

Music for psychological health and well-being

Overall, there were 26 cases in the qualitative data set describing how music influenced psychological health during the pandemic. These cases provided insight into the diverse ways in which music was used in order to achieve or support a particular affective state, as well as cases where music listening did not have its intended effect. Four subcategories emerged in the data (see Table 6 ). The first three describe the ways that music supported psychological health and well-being, and include: (1) music listening to raise or lower arousal (Increase Energy); (2) music listening in order to achieve or maintain a positive affective state (Create and Maintain); and (3) selecting music that evokes memories from the listener’s past (Nostalgia). Examples of these types of responses appear in Table 6 .

Table 6. Subcategories related to mood regulation.

There were six cases in the data that describe music as having a negative influence on the participant’s affective state. These cases were subcategorized under Negative Outcomes, and describe how music listening had an undesired effect, such as triggering anxiety. Codes that describe avoiding certain music, including the genres or artists, that the participant preferred before the pandemic are also included in this subcategory.

Although this represents too small a sample for meaningful statistical comparison, a brief examination of the data revealed that these participants have a notably higher mean score on the BAI ( M = 44, SD = 10.79) than the remaining participant group as a whole ( M = 30.65, SD = 9.26). A score of 36 or more is considered a severe level of anxiety and may indicate the need for medical intervention. Individually, this group of participants’ BAI scores ranged from 30 to 60, with four out of the six participants meeting criteria for severe anxiety.

The current research represents an exploratory survey study of the role of music in everyday life during the first wave of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Results indicated that participants were engaging with music in a variety of ways, and furthermore that their engagement with music had changed in a variety of ways as a result of the pandemic. Those who reported changes in their frequency of musical engagement more often reported that their engagement increased.

The behavior reported as most affected by the pandemic was listening to self-selected music; 38.7% reported doing this more than before the pandemic, while only 16.6% reported listening to self-selected music less frequently. This may partly be because this was the most common musical engagement behavior overall, which is unsurprising as more people listen to recorded music on a daily basis than play an instrument or regularly attend concerts.

Participants’ free text answers suggest that changes in listening to self-selected music was also due in part to changes in routine such as working from home, as music-listening choices can in many cases be made more freely at home than in a work environment. However, the lack of a regular commute represented a loss of opportunity for routine listening for some. Some participants also reported that loss of fitness or other physical activities that had previously been part of their routines resulted in listening to self-selected music less frequently. Similarly, the most frequently reported decrease was in listening to music on the radio or via a streaming service such as Spotify, which several participants reported was due to no longer listening to music on their commutes. Participants also reported dancing less often, which may reflect that dance is typically a part of specific social settings such as clubs or weddings, as dance is arguably a fundamentally social behavior ( Laland et al., 2016 ). Listening to music selected by someone else implies a social context, and this, too, was reported to have decreased by some participants. In their free text responses, some participants reported replacing regular music listening with other activities such as listening to audiobooks or watching Netflix, which may reflect individual differences musical engagement in general.

The most frequently reported increase was in streaming live music performances, which almost certainly reflects an increase in both availability and awareness of concert streaming as an opportunity for musical engagement; the former born out of necessity for artists to continue to work and the latter out of desire by audiences to experience live performances. Whether this increase in live streaming of concerts continues at some level after it is no longer necessitated by pandemic conditions remains to be seen and will require future investigation. It should be noted that, despite the fact that listening to the radio or streaming services was behavior most frequently reported to have decreased (18.9%), a greater number of participants (24%) actually reported that they have started doing this more often, possibly for similar reasons related to working from home. Individual differences of personality, interest in music, and use of music in mood and affect regulation may also have played a role in determining musical engagement, however, further research is required to investigate this question in depth. It is also important to note that, on all behaviors except for listening to self-selected music, the majority participants indicated no change in their behavior as a result of the pandemic, suggesting that musical engagement may, for many, have been one of few aspects of daily life that remained unaffected by the pandemic.

Analysis of the relationships between musical engagement, participants’ use of music for mood regulation, and participants’ anxiety and worry about the coronavirus situation revealed several interesting patterns. Participants who favored Cognitive Management strategies such as Mental Work (using music to think through problems) and Diversion (using music to distract from negative thoughts) tended to have higher levels of anxiety and be more worried about the effects of the pandemic as far as contagion within their families and communities. The high loading of Strong Sensation onto this factor may in part be explained by its correlation with Music Performances; Strong Sensation in this case may have been more related to seeking powerful esthetic experiences than to feeling strong emotions, as esthetic judgments involve higher levels of cognition ( Brattico and Pearce, 2013 ) and may therefore relate more two the other cognition-based strategies which loaded onto this factor.

The negative correlation between anxiety scores and Arousal Management, that is, using music for Entertainment (e.g., making boring tasks more enjoyable) and Revival (relieving fatigue), may suggest that these mood regulation strategies were more effective at managing anxiety than others for participants who used these strategies; that is, although the direction of causality is not clear, it is possible that using these listening strategies resulted in lower anxiety for these participants. One explanation for this is that these strategies seem to target achieving an optimal level of physiological arousal, which may relate to anxiety insomuch as anxiety is associated with heightened arousal levels. However, these results may also suggest that these strategies were chosen by those who were already less anxious, while participants experiencing greater levels of anxiety were more likely to turn to other strategies to manage their mood. Further research is necessary to clarify this.

Analysis of participants’ free text responses about their music listening provided further insights into the role of music in regulation mood and emotion for some during the pandemic, corroborating the finding that some participants were using music to achieve optimal levels of arousal. Several participants also described using Diversion, specifically choosing music with a positive valence to distract from a negative mood, or choosing to listen to music rather than the news in order to avoid becoming anxious or upset.

A theme that emerged from the qualitative analysis not covered by the quantitative questionnaires was that of nostalgia. Nostalgia is a complex emotion that can be associated with positive, negative or mixed emotions. When evoked by music, nostalgia is moderated by individual differences such as personality, mood state, and the relationship of a given piece of music with individual, autobiographical memories ( Barrett et al., 2010 ). In line with these definitions, the three participants who described using music to evoke nostalgia did not provide details on how the music influenced their mood, or whether they had specific goals related to emotion regulation. While it is not clear from these findings whether this indicates the use of music vehicle for remembering the past during times of change and uncertainty, this is a possibility which further research could help clarify this in the future.

Another finding arising from participants’ free text responses requiring, which requires further investigation, is that of occasional negative responses to music. These participants described changes in how they responded emotionally to what previously was their preferred types of music (genres, artists). Musical features, such as lyrics, and particular acoustic properties made these participants more aware of their anxiety surrounding the pandemic. Although based on only six participants and therefore not adequate for drawing generalizations, it is still arguable that one of the most notable findings from the current study was the relationship between having reported such negative responses to music and having clinically high levels of anxiety. This was based on only a handful of participants and may therefore be a coincidence, however, it may also be that negative responses to music may be a warning sign of severe anxiety and need for mental health intervention in some. The role of music for people with or at risk for depression has recently begun to be explored in the literature; Garrido and Schubert (2015) , for example, found that listening to sad music, while pleasurable for some, increased sadness in those at risk for depression. However, although music has been shown to decrease anxiety in medical ( Wu et al., 2017 ) and therapeutic ( Guétin et al., 2009 ) settings, the role of everyday music listening in people suffering from clinical anxiety disorders has received less attention. At the very least, these results indicate that more research should be done on this topic as soon as possible.

Overall, the results of the survey show that music continued to play a role in everyday life for people affected by the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. For some, music seemed to played an increased role in the management of mood and emotion. Different people used different strategies in music listening for mood regulation, with an apparent distinction between uses focused on managing conscious thought and uses focused on managing energy and arousal. Correlations between these strategies and reported levels of anxiety merit further research into causal effects. As this data was collected during the first half of 2020, however, it is unknown to what degree these results generalize to explain musical engagement during the later stages of the pandemic, making further research necessary. The qualitative data was additionally limited by inconsistency in how much detail was provided by participants and the lack of opportunity for follow-up. As the current data includes mainly European and North American participants, further research is also necessary to clarify how the effects of the pandemic on musical engagement may be affected by differing cultural norms or socio-political contexts. Despite these limitations, however, the current results suggest music and an accessible and potentially effective resource for coping during the pandemic, corroborating previous work and revealing new directions for gaining a further understanding how music helps us to cope with crisis.

Data Availability Statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Ethics Statement

Ethical review and approval was not required for the study on human participants in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study.

Author Contributions

EC, H-RP, and SS conceived of the study and all authors contributed to the development and dissemination of the survey. EC and PT designed and carried out the quantitative analysis. EC, JW, MB, DD, H-RP, and SS developed qualitative analysis. JW and EC performed initial coding. MB performed secondary coding. JW developed category and subcategory structure in discussion with the above authors. EC and JW wrote the manuscript with respect to quantitative and qualitative results respectively, with feedback from all authors. H-RP, PT, and SS provided senior research supervision.

This work was supported by the Academy of Finland (Project 332331).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Keywords : music, coronavirus, music listening, anxiety, emotion regulation

Citation: Carlson E, Wilson J, Baltazar M, Duman D, Peltola H-R, Toiviainen P and Saarikallio S (2021) The Role of Music in Everyday Life During the First Wave of the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study. Front. Psychol. 12:647756. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647756

Received: 30 December 2020; Accepted: 06 April 2021; Published: 04 May 2021.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2021 Carlson, Wilson, Baltazar, Duman, Peltola, Toiviainen and Saarikallio. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Emily Carlson, [email protected] ; Johanna Wilson, [email protected]

† These authors share first authorship

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Culture And Music Essay

People have always used music as a way to express themselves. Music can be a reflection of a person’s culture and the things that are important to them. Different cultures have their own unique styles of music, and often the lyrics of songs reflect the culture’s values and beliefs.

In many cases, music is also used to communicate messages about social issues or politics. Some songs become popular because they express the feelings of a large number of people, and can help to unite a community around a common cause. Music can also be used to spread awareness about important issues and to inspire people to take action.

Ultimately, music is a powerful tool that can be used to express any range of emotions and ideas. It can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us, and can even bring people together to make positive change.

Culture is an idea or way of life that we live by, and it affects us all, regardless of where we reside or what we do. We constantly exist in various cultures and don’t even realize it. The impact of music on how we are influenced by our culture is obvious. As a result, the fact that music is present in every culture, whether you listen to ballads or rap music

Music is a reflection of our culture because it has the ability to express what we are feeling and going through in life. Music helps us identify with our culture and is a way for us to share our experiences with others who may have gone through similar things.

Music can also be used as a form of communication between people from different cultures. It can help break down barriers and bring people together. Music is a powerful tool that can be used to reflect our culture and the way we live. It can also be used to bring people together and help us understand each other better. Music is an important part of our culture and should be appreciated for all it does for us.

Music is one of the most important parts of culture; it’s a way for people to express their beliefs and ideas. Music has been a significant force throughout history, influencing all aspects of human life. The influence of music on society may be seen in its influence on all areas of people’s lives, from thoughts and attitudes to emotions and behaviors. Every feeling imaginable, from sad to joyful to mellow to angry to peaceful, and so on

Music has been used as a form of entertainment, a way to pass the time and as a source of inspiration. Music can be traced back to prehistoric times. The first music was probably made with natural objects such as rocks, sticks and leaves. Percussion instruments were the first type of instruments developed. These instruments make noise by being hit or shaken. The oldest percussion instrument is the drum. Drums were probably invented because they imitated the sound of thunder or other natural sounds.

The first melodies were probably sung by cavemen and women using their voices. cavemen and women banging two rocks together may have also made music. Music has always been an important part of human life. Music is created for many reasons. Some music is created to praise God, some to tell a story and some just for fun. Music is a part of every culture in the world. Each culture has its own way of making music.

In today’s world, music, in particular, contributes to certain lifestyles and attitudes. I’m constantly curious about what the next generation has in store for the wonderful world of music. It was do-wop and swing music in the Fifties, when America experienced its first encounter with Rock & Roll. Peoples’ lives were secure and happy, which is reflected by this do-wop bebop music. In the Sixties, Rock & Roll collided with American culture as a whole, paving the road for a major cultural bridge created by people like The Beetles and Elvis Presley.

Music in the Sixties was more then just a reflection of peoples attitudes, it was a way of life. People rebelled against what their parents and society had to offer, they wanted something new and fresh and music gave them that opportunity. Music is always changing and evolving and each generation has its own unique sound that is a reflection of the time period in which they live.

Music is the soundtrack to our lives, it reflects who we are as people and tells the story of our culture. Music will always be a part of our lives, it is ingrained in who we are as human beings. It is a language that we all understand, no matter what country we come from or what culture we identify with. Music brings us all together and is a reflection of the human experience. Music is a powerful tool that can change the world, one song at a time.

The sixties were a time of peace, love, and happiness, and so music once again reflected this mentality. The Beetles and Elvis were the first real musicians to break into the mainstream and gain a sizable following. That rebel rock ‘n’ roll, grow my hair long, and shake my hips seed was planted in our culture. This caused a snowball effect that carried into the 1970s and 1980s when America’s youth embraced drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll. It gets better; music acquired fresh significance in people’s lives worldwide.

Music became the voice of a generation. Music has always been a reflection of culture and it will continue to be so into the future. The different forms of music have always represented the ideologies and values of the time period it was created in. Music is not only a form of entertainment, but also a reflection of the cultural norms and values of the society in which it is created.

It can be used to communicate messages about important issues and topics, as well as to capture the feelings and attitudes of the people living during that time period. In some cases, music can even be used to inspire social change. For example, “We Shall Overcome” was a song that was popularized during the Civil Rights Movement in order to promote the idea of equality and unity amongst all people.

The history of American music is a great example of how music can be used to reflect the cultural values of a society. In the early 20th century, jazz music became popular in America. This type of music was considered rebellious and “bad” by many people because it challenged the traditional values of that time period. Jazz music was often associated with speakeasies and nightclubs, which were considered to be places where immoral activities took place. However, jazz music also represented freedom and creativity, and many people saw it as a way to express themselves freely.

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The Role of Music in Different Cultures: A Look at Ethnomusicology

Music is an integral part of human culture, and it has been used for various purposes throughout history. From religious ceremonies to social gatherings, music plays a significant role in different cultures around the world. Ethnomusicology is the study of music across cultures and seeks to understand how music reflects cultural values and beliefs.

Table of Contents

In this article, we will explore the significance of music in different cultures and take a closer look at ethnomusicology as a discipline. By examining case studies and discussing some of the challenges faced by ethnomusicologists, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of why studying the role of music in different cultures is important.

The Cultural Significance of Music

Music is an important part of cultural expression, and it serves various functions in different cultures. For instance, music is often used in religious ceremonies to create a sense of reverence and spirituality. In some cultures, music is also used to mark significant life events such as weddings or funerals. Beyond that, music can be a crucial component of social gatherings, bringing people together and creating a sense of community.

Moreover, music can reflect cultural values and beliefs. The lyrics of songs, for example, often convey messages about the culture’s history, traditions, and worldview. Some cultures use music to pass down stories from one generation to another, preserving their cultural heritage.

In many ways, the significance of music in different cultures cannot be overstated. It serves as a means of communication between people and helps us connect with our emotions and each other.

The Origins of Ethnomusicology

The history of ethnomusicology can be traced back to the late 19th century, when scholars began collecting so-called “exotic” music from non-Western cultures, without undertaking any related fieldwork.

They would typically obtain these specimens from people returning from the colonies . There was a particular interest in so-called primitive music, which was thought to be representative of a more authentic and primal human nature. Naturally, this approach was fraught with racist and colonialist assumptions.

While this approach yielded a large amount of data, it did not always provide insight into how music was actually used in people’s everyday lives.

The Evolution of Ethnomusicology

In the early 20th century, ethnomusicology began to take on a more scientific approach, with scholars devising new methods for studying music within its cultural context. These methods include fieldwork (immersion in a community to observe music-making first-hand), interviews, document analysis, and musicological analysis (a tool used by ethnomusicologists to understand how music works).

Scholars such as Curt Sachs and Erich von Hornbostel , who were interested in documenting and analyzing non-Western music traditions, began to recognize that music was not only an art form but also a means of communication that reflected cultural values and beliefs. This realization led to a shift from purely descriptive studies to more interpretive approaches that sought to understand the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which music was created and performed.

In the mid-20th century, ethnomusicology became increasingly interdisciplinary. Scholars drew upon methods from linguistics, psychology, sociology , and other disciplines to better understand the role of music in different cultures.

Ethnomusicologists began to focus on issues such as musical change over time, globalization’s impact on traditional music cultures, and the role of gender and politics in shaping musical practices.

The Era of Lady Gaga

Over the years, ethnomusicology has evolved considerably both in terms of its scope and methodology. In the early days of the field, ethnomusicologists tended to focus primarily on so-called “traditional” forms of music such as folk songs and religious ceremonies. However, with the rise of popular music in the 20th century, ethnomusicologists began to take a keen interest in this area as well. Consequently, today’s ethnomusicologists often find themselves just as comfortable studying Lady Gaga as they are traditional Chinese opera.

Similarly, early ethnomusicologists relied heavily on written sources such as sheet music and historical documents in order to understand different musical traditions. However, with the advent of audio and video recording technology, ethnomusicologists are now able to directly observe and study musical practices as they occur in their natural setting. This has resulted in a much more accurate and authentic understanding of musical traditions from all corners of the globe.

Today, ethnomusicology continues to evolve as scholars seek new ways to explore the complex relationships between music and culture. With advances in technology allowing for easier access to diverse musical traditions around the world, there is no doubt that this field will continue to grow and expand our understanding of human expression through sound.

Understanding Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicology is the study of music in cultural context, and it encompasses a wide range of approaches and methods. Ethnomusicologists seek to understand how music is created, performed, and experienced within different cultures around the world.

One key aspect of ethnomusicology is its focus on musical systems. This refers to the ways in which music is organized, including elements such as melody, rhythm, harmony, and timbre. Ethnomusicologists examine how these elements are used within specific cultural contexts and how they contribute to the overall meaning and function of music.

Another important concept in ethnomusicology is performance practice. This refers to the ways in which music is performed and experienced by musicians and audiences alike. Performance practices can vary widely across cultures, with some traditions emphasizing improvisation and experimentation while others place a greater emphasis on tradition and repetition.

In order to study music across cultures, ethnomusicologists employ a variety of methods including fieldwork, interviews with musicians and audiences, analysis of musical recordings, and observation of live performances. They also draw upon interdisciplinary approaches from fields such as anthropology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology.

Overall, ethnomusicologists strive to gain a deeper understanding of the role that music plays in human culture. By examining musical systems and performance practices across diverse cultures around the world, they hope to shed light on the complex relationships between music, society, history, and identity.

Case Studies in Ethnomusicology

Ethnomusicologists have conducted numerous case studies to better understand the role of music in different cultures. One example is the study of Balinese gamelan, a traditional ensemble consisting of percussion instruments such as metallophones, gongs, and drums. Ethnomusicologists have examined how gamelan music is used in religious ceremonies and social events, as well as how it reflects cultural values such as harmony, balance, and community.

Another example is the study of West African drumming traditions. Ethnomusicologists have explored how these traditions are passed down from generation to generation through oral transmission and apprenticeship. They have also analyzed the complex polyrhythmic structures of West African drumming and how they contribute to dance movements and social interactions.

These case studies reveal that music is deeply intertwined with culture and can reflect important cultural values, beliefs, and practices. They also demonstrate that musical traditions are often closely tied to other aspects of society such as religion, politics, gender roles, and identity. By studying these musical traditions across cultures, ethnomusicologists gain insights into the diversity of human expression through sound.

Furthermore, these case studies highlight the importance of context when interpreting musical meaning. For example, a particular melody or rhythm may have different meanings depending on the situation in which it is performed or heard. Ethnomusicologists strive to understand these nuances by engaging with musicians and audiences within their cultural contexts.

Challenges and Controversies in Ethnomusicology

Like any academic discipline, ethnomusicology has faced criticisms and controversies over the years. One criticism is that the study of music from other cultures can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation. Some argue that ethnomusicologists have historically taken music from other cultures without properly acknowledging or respecting its origins.

Another criticism is that there may be biases in research methods, such as relying too heavily on written documentation instead of engaging with living musical traditions. This approach can lead to a lack of understanding of the cultural context and meaning behind the music being studied.

Ethnomusicologists are working to address these issues by taking a more collaborative approach to research. This includes working closely with musicians and communities to ensure their voices are heard and respected throughout the research process. Ethnomusicologists are also increasingly using methods such as participant observation, which involves immersing oneself in a particular musical tradition and learning from those who practice it.

Additionally, many ethnomusicologists are striving to acknowledge and address issues related to power dynamics in research. This includes recognizing how their own backgrounds and perspectives may shape their interpretations of music from other cultures, as well as ensuring that research findings are shared with the communities being studied in an accessible way.

Overall, while challenges and controversies exist within ethnomusicology, scholars within the field are actively working to address them in order to create more ethical and respectful approaches to studying music across cultures.

In this article, we discussed the field of ethnomusicology and some of the case studies conducted by scholars to better understand music in different cultures. We explored how these studies reveal that music is deeply intertwined with culture and reflects important cultural values and practices. However, we also examined some of the criticisms that have been leveled against ethnomusicology, such as cultural appropriation and biases in research methods.

Despite these challenges, ethnomusicologists are working to address them through more collaborative and respectful research practices. This includes engaging with musicians and communities throughout the research process, using participant observation methods, and recognizing their own backgrounds and perspectives in interpreting musical traditions from other cultures.

Related Terminology:

Musicology : the study of music history, theory, and composition

Performance Studies : the study of music performance and how it is affected by factors such as culture, context, and technology.

Anthropology Glossary Terms starting with E

Ethnogenesis

Ethnosemantics

Ethnography

Ethnomusicology

Existentialism

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