The Importance of Music

Does music really impact the way someone thinks or acts? How has music changed lives throughout history? Some people may say that music is just a choice made during a day, one that does not have any long term impact on a way someone lives, but this is not true. Music is an integral part of all people’s lives and thought life. It affects attitudes, emotions, and opinions.
The importance of music is seen even in the ancient times where references of music and instruments are seen in the Bible. Music is used to calm the mind of King Saul in “1 Samuel 16:23, It came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” Early instruments such as the harp, lyre, flute, and the human voice, God used to glorify himself and to ease the minds of his people. Such as “Psalm 40:3, He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”
The affect music had on a person’s mind in Biblical times had a deep impact that impact still exists today. When studied on a scientific level, different types of sounds and instruments cause the brain to feel a variety of emotions. The repeated sound (such as a beat or tempo in music) indicates living things to the brain, making the given sound interesting and stimulating.
A song heard from a person’s past causes the brain to fire neurons that give the feeling of nostalgia and even melancholy. This is why when a person hears a song sung in a passionate, sad, happy or any emotive tone, the person bears the anguish or elation of the singer.
The brains enjoyment of music is no more heightened then when a song is shared with others. People find common ground through music. It helps them to relate to one another. Aldous Huxley said, “After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” A group of people could have supposedly nothing in common, discover that they mutually enjoy an artist or song and then have many things to discuss because of what the song expressed to them. Frequently, the message of a song can drive someone to better or change themselves. The words, “T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear, and Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed,” cause many hearts to give thanks to the one who forgave their sins. Because of these responses to music, it is easy to see what a person values and how they change through the types of music they enjoy and share. Man’s common ground through music is a pivotal way in which humans relate.
Because of the way humans interact through song, many are concerned with the future of music. Many believe that the auto tuned pop songs of today detracts away from what they believe is the purpose of music” to discover one’s feeling, to be real. Music for “mass production” or money usually cannot express the feeling of the heart because the musician was not focused on how the music would impact someone. Instead, the artist may be working for fame and a catchy tune. This usually causes the singer, and his popular song to fade into the forgotten racks of discounted albums after a couple years. When a singer uses his talent to
communicate the thoughts of the heart, and others feel the emotion in the song, then music as an art form is achieved. When someone can stop and experience the uplifting joy or heart wrenching sadness of a singer and actually feel the emotion themselves, the singer fulfills his purpose as a musician. A modern pop song can still be used to communicate one’s feelings, but because of typical, repetitive, auto-tuned songs, it is often difficult to perceive the thought behind the lyrics.
Though music has changed and grown through the years, the impact of a good song stays. Music is a large part of people’s lives and because of the purposeful expression and impactful lyrics enjoyment of music should not be tossed aside as just something done in a day. Music is personal, it helps people relate. It reaches beyond the boundaries of personal opinions and brings humans together. Despite the style of a song or personal preference, the genuine emotion behind a song has affected the hearts and minds of people for centuries.