IELTS READING - What is music?

A. Music has probably existed for as long as man has been human, and it certainly predates civilization by
tens of millennia. Yet even today there is no clear definition of exactly what music is. For example, birdsong
is certainly melodic, but it is not tuneful, and it is not created with the intention of being musical (in fact it is
sometimes meant to sound threatening) - therefore does it count as music?

B. On the other hand, some modern composers have been challenging the idea that music should be arranged
in a pleasant manner with the notes falling in an orderly succession. Others, famously the avant-garde
composer John Cage have even used silence and called the result music. As a result, there is no one
definition of music. Perhaps it should be said that music, like beauty, is what the person who sees or hears it
believes it to be.

C. Music is divided in many ways. Music itself is split into notes, clefts, quavers, and semi-demi quavers.
Ancient and medieval musicologists believed that these notes could be arranged 'horizontally' into melody
(making notes that match on the same scale) and 'vertically' (going up and down the scales to create
harmony). Another very basic measurement of music is the 'pulse'. This is present in almost all forms of
music, and is particularly strong in modern popular music. The pulse is the regular beat which runs through a
tune. When you tap your foot or clap your hands in time to a song, you are beating out the pulse of that song.
D. Another way of dividing music is by genre. Even a child who does not know that (for example) rock and
roll and classical music are different genres will be instantly aware that these are very different sounds;
though he will not be aware that one is a percussion-led melody while the other emphasizes harmony over
rhythm and timbre. Each genre of music has numerous sub-divisions. Classical music is divided by type - for
example, symphonies, concertos and operas, and by sub-genre, for example, baroque and Gregorian chant.
Just to make it more fun, modern musicians have also been experimenting with crossover music, so that we
get Beatles tunes played by classical orchestras, and groups like Queen using operatic themes in songs such
as 'Bohemian rhapsody'.

E. Almost all music is a collaboration between the composer, and the performer, while song requires a
lyricist to write the words as well. Sometimes old tunes are adapted for new lyrics - for example, the song
'Happy Birthday' is based on a tune originally called 'Have a nice Day'. At other times a performer might
produce a song in a manner which the original composer would not recognize. (A famous example is the
punk rock band the Sex Pistols performing the British national anthem 'God save the Queen'.)

F. This is because the composer and lyricist have to leave the performer some freedom to perform in the way
that suits him or her best. While many classical compositions have notes stressing how a piece should be
performed (for example a piece played 'con brio' should be light and lively) in the end, what the listener
hears is the work of the performer. Jazz music has fully accepted this, and jazz performers are not only
expected to put their own interpretation on a piece, but are expected to play even the same piece with some
variation every time.

G. Many studies of music do not take into account where the music is to be played and who the audience
will be. This is a major mistake, as the audience is very much a part of the musical experience. Any jazz fan
will tell you that jazz is best experienced in small smoky bars sometime after midnight, while a classical fan
will spend time and money making sure that the music on his stereo comes as close as possible to the sound
in a large concert hall. Some music, such as dance music, is designed to be interactive, while other music is
designed to remain in the background, smoothing out harsh sounds and creating a mood. This is often the
case with cinema music - this powerfully changes the mood of the audience, yet remains so much in the
background that many cinema goers are unaware that the music is actually playing.

H. Music is very much a part of human existence, and we are fortunate today in having music of whatever
kind we choose instantly available at the touch of a button. Yet spare a thought for those who still cannot
take advantage of this bounty. This includes not only the deaf, but those people who are somehow unable to
understand or recognize music when they hear it. A famous example is United President Ulysses Grant, who
famously said 'I can recognise two tunes. One is 'Yankee doodle' and the other one isn't.'
Questions 1-3
Choose which of these sentences is closest to the meaning in the text.
Write A, B or C on your answer sheet (1-3)
1.
A) Modern composers do not always want their music to sound pleasant
B) Some modern composers do not want their music to be enjoyable
C) A modern musical composition should not be orderly
2.
A) Crossover music is when classical orchestras play modern tunes
B) Crossover music moves between musical genres
C) Crossover music is a modern musical genre
3.
A) Performers, lyricists and composers each have a separate function
B) Performers of a song will need to become lyricists
C) Composers instruct musicians to play their work 'con brio'.
Questions 4-7
Match the following groups of words(4-7) with one of the words in the box opposite(A- F).
NB. There are more words in the right column than you need.
A. Collaborators
4. Rock and roll, classical music, jazz B. John Cage
5. Composer, lyricist, performer C. Classical
6. Symphony, concerto, opera D. Baroque
7. Cinemagoer, Jazz fan, dancer E. Audience
F. Genres
Questions 8- 12
The reading passage has 8 paragraphs which are numbered A-H.
On your answer sheet write the letter of the paragraph which contains the following information (You can
choose a paragraph more than once).
8. People can tell genres of music apart even without musical training.
9. Where you hear music can be as important as the skill of the performer.
10. Music has been a part of human existence for many thousands of years.
11. A piece of music might have more than one set of words to go with it.
12. Some people cannot tell the difference between classical music and birdsong.
Answer:

1. A (Modern composers do not always want their music to sound pleasant)

2. B (Crossover music moves between musical genres)

3. A (Performers, lyricists and composers each have a separate function)

4. F

5. A

6. C

7. E

8. D

9. G

10. A

11. E

12. H
IELTS Speaking - MUSIC - Part 1 sample
1. Do you like listening to music?
Yes, of course, I’ve always been a big fan of music since I was a little girl. I’m really into going to a lot of
music festival such as Thơm which was held in Saigon at Hoa Lư stadium. Sometimes I alsolisten to music
before sleeping at night for one hour and when I am riding my motorbike, which will both help me relax and
feel more energetic when I hear the tune.
2. What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
For me, I am interested in the traditional instrumental music, like pianos and guitars. It is an impressive
combination that can give you a both nostalgic and modern feelings. Normally on rainy days, opening
acoustics songs and sing along to my favorite Vũ hits, have a cuppa and let my hair down, music will do the
rest.
3. Do you play any kinds of musical instruments?
Due to my total lack of rhythm and the fact that I am tone deaf, I would not even consider embarrassing
myself with any attempt to play a musical instrument. On a related subject, on the rare occasion that I
attempt to sing a hymn in church, along with everyone else.
 Lack of rhythm /læk/ /əv/ /ˈrɪð.əm/ : không cảm thụ được giai điệu
 Tone-deaf /ˌtəʊnˈdef/: điếc giai điệu không thể nhận ra các nốt nhạc khác nhau hoặc hát các giai điệu
một cách chính xác.
 Embarrassing /ɪmˈbær.ə.sɪŋ/ : Cảm thấy xấu hổ
 Attempt /əˈtempt/ : Cố gắng làm điều gì đó.
 Occasion /əˈkeɪ.ʒən/: dịp đặc biệt.
4. How do you feel when you listen to this music?
Listening to music makes me feel at peace when I need to relax. Certain types of music, like Lofi, also help
me concentrate when I'm working. I need to listen to upbeat music while exercising as well. It pumps me up
and motivates me to push through a hard workout.
5. What kinds of music do you like to listen to?
My music taste varies widely from West to East and from the 90s to modern EDM. But if Korean pop is
considered as a kind of music, then yeah, that’s my favorite of all time. More than half of my playlists are
Korean songs and I always keep myself updated with the news related to Korean showbiz.
6. How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
As I’ve mentioned I prefer working in silence. To put it simply, no music is allowed during my working
hours. After a long day at school, I probably want to pump myself up for like half an hour with music to help
me stay energetic so I can get back to work later.
7. Do you like any foreign celebrities?
Absolutely. The person that I have had a soft spot for is Miley Cyrus. I guess most people at the same age as
me grew up with Disney Channel and among its successful series, Hannah Montanah starring Miley Cyrus
would always be on top of my list. Although now she’s grown up, I’m still a big fan of her amazing voice
and highly inspiring songs.
8. Would you like to become a widely-known celebrity? Why?
Well though I’ve never thought about it, I’m pretty sure that rising to stardom would never be one of my life
goals. I appreciate all the efforts that celebrities, no matter which field they’re working on, are making every
single day. However, I find myself not belong to that world, I mean, you never know what’s going on when
the curtains close, right? So yeah, I don’t think I want to become a global superstar, to be honest.
Xem thêm bài mẫu Part 1 theo chủ đề hay khác: Tuyển tập bài mẫu IELTS Speaking Part 1
Các cụm từ cần ghi nhớ
 keep oneself updated with: bắt kịp với xu hướng gì
 pump sb up: làm cho ai vui lên
 have a soft spot for: thích cái gì
 stardom(n): sự nổi tiếng
IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample
Describe a song that you like.
You should say about:
- What its name is;
- What kind of music it is;
- Where/ When you first heard it;
- And explain why you like it.
Answer: Honestly, I am a huge fan of music and definitely I spend most of my free time listening to pop
music in particular. Today I would like to tell you about my all-time favorite song, whose name is
“Yesterday once more” by the international acclaimed band: The Carpenters.
Reason: I first heard this song on the radio in a bookshop when I was just 15 years old. First, what I like
most about this song is that it has a simple but meaningful flow.
Example: The song’s genre is pop, and the rhythm is slow and the singer’s voice and the melody make a
perfect combination. In addition, it has nostalgic lyrics, which brings back good memory from the past, for
example when I was at high school having fun with my friends or when I spent good time with my family
during trips.
Reason: Second, the very sweet melody of this song helps me recharge my battery after stressful lessons at
work. Actually I am hooked every time I heard this because it is also a childhood memory.
Example: I grew up singing and listening to The Carpenters’ songs and to me, “Yesterday once more” is the
best song on Earth. Listening to the song while having a bath or cooking after work is a very relaxing
experience. I feel that I can let my hair down and get rid of all the stress or burden.
The song will forever be among my most favorite ones and I am sure to put it on repeat many more times!
Useful expressions
1. Vocabulary
• All-time favorite song (n) bài hát ưa thích mọi thời đại
• International acclaimed band (n) nhóm nhạc nổi tiếng trên toàn thế giới world-famous band (n)
• Genre (n) /ˈʒɑːn.rə/: thể loại
• Nostalgic (adj) /nɑˈstæl•dʒɪk/: hoài cổ
• Hooked (adj) /hʊkt/: phấn khích
• Childhood memory (n) /ˈtʃaɪld.hʊd ˈmem.ər.i /: ký ức tuổi thơ
2. Structures
• A huge fan of : Là một fan hâm mộ cuồng nhiệt của
I am a huge fan of movies so I often spend most of my free time watching famous films such as “The Great
Gatsby”.
• Get rid of : bỏ, rũ bỏI think I should get rid of some bad habits such as staying up late or eating junk food
on a regular basis.
• Put it on repeat: tua đi tua lại
My elder sister likes the song “Hello” by Adele so much that she usually puts it on repeat.
• Bring back good memory: nhắc lại ký ức đẹp đẽ
Whenever I go to Thu Le park, it often brings back good memory when I was just 4 or 5, I was often taken
to the park by my parents.
• Grow up + Ving: lớn lên cùng những cái gì
The actor Leonardo DiCaprio has a great influence on me as I grew up watching his movies.
• Recharge my battery: hồi sức/ thêm năng lượng để làm gì
Taking photographs of little things in my house helps me recharge my battery after stressful hours at work.
3. Idiom
• To let one’s hair down: giải trí, thư giãn
Going to eat street food on the weekend is one of the best ways to let my hair down after a long week.
Một số từ vựng và bài mẫu khác
1. Từ vựng liên quan
- Catchy tune: Giai điệu lôi cuốn
E.g: I heard a catchy song the other day and now it's stuck in my head. ( Tôi đã nghe một điệu nhạc vào một
ngày khác và bây giờ thì nó cứ mắc kẹt trong đầu tôi)
- Elevator music: Nhạc được chơi ở siêu thị, thang máy...thường lặp đi lặp lại, gây phiền nhiễu
E.g: Yesterday I heard a very annoying elevator music in the local supermarket. ( Ngày hôm qua, Tôi đã
nghe một điệu nhạc rất khó chịu ở siêu thị địa phương)
- Live music: Nhạc trực tiếp, không phải thu âm
E.g: I prefer listening to a live music than to a recording. It's much more emotional and energetic. ( Tôi thích
nghe nhạc sống hơn là thu âm. Nó có nhiều cảm xúc và năng lượng)
- Music to one's ears: Âm nhạc rót vào tai, ý bảo nghe dễ chịu
E.g: When my teacher told me that I got the highest mark in the class for the assignment, it was like music to
my ears. (Khi thầy giáo nói với tôi rằng tôi đã đạt điểm cao, nó giống như âm nhạc rót vào tai, dễ chịu)
- Opera: Nhạc opera. Đây là kiểu biểu diễn mà người ca sĩ, diễn viên hát kiểu âm thanh cao trên sân khấu
riêng với dàn nhạc xung quanh.
E.g: I often listen to classical music and go to opera. (Tôi thường nghe nhạc cổ điển và đến sân khấu opera)
- Ringtone: Nhạc chuông, Âm thanh vang lên khi ai đó gọi tới
E.g: I set my favourite song as a ringtone on my cell phone. ( Tôi đặt bài hát yêu thích làm nhạc chuông của
tôi)
- Rock band: Ban nhạc rock
E.g: Last week I was on my favourite rock band's concert. ( Tuần trước, tôi đã đến buổi hòa nhạc của ban
nhạc rock yêu thích của tôi)
- Tone deaf: Không phân biệt được giai điệu
E.g: Alhough I'm tone deaf, I'd like to learn to sing properly in the future. ( Mặc dù tôi không phân biệt được
giai điệu, tôi muốn học hát đúng cách trong tương lai)
- Tuneful: Êm tai
E.g: I heard a tuneful choir of birds yesterday morning. ( Tôi đã nghe thấy một hợp xướng êm tai từ những
chú chim sáng hôm qua)
Một số từ khác:
- Relaxing: Thư giãn
- Leisure: Thời gian rảnh rỗi
- Mood savor: Tâm trạng
- Revitalize: Mang lại cuộc sống mới, năng lượng thành công...cho điều gì
- All types: Tất cả các thể loại nhạc
- Music genre: Thể loại nhạc
- Classical, country music, pop music, love music: Nhạc cổ điển, nhạc đồng quê, nhạc pop, nhạc trữ tình
- Touches my heart: Chạm đến trái tim
- Excitement: Trạng thái xúc động hoặc cảm xúc mạnh
- Rhythm: Nhịp điệu
- Harmony: Sự hòa âm, sự hài hòa
- Seductive melody: Giai điệu quyến rũ
- Soothing: Dịu dàng
- Passion: Sự say mê
- Nostalgic: Hoài niệm
- Diverse taste: Cảm nhận đa dạng
- Marching band [n]: ban nhạc diễu hành, đây là một ban nhạc đặc biệt, các thành viên vừa phải chơi nhạc
vừa phải tham gia diễu hành trên đường phố
- Incentive /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/ [n]: 1 sự khích lệ
- Carnival /ˈkɑːnɪvl/ [n]: lễ hội carnival, 1 lễ hội truyền thống của các quốc gia theo Công giáo Roma, mọi
người sẽ mặc trang phục đẹp, nhảy múa, diễu hành, và chơi nhạc trên đường phố
- Drummer /ˈdrʌmə/ [n]: người chơi trống (Drum [n]: cái trống)
- Parade /pəˈreɪd/ [v, n]: diễu hành, duyệt binh
- Rehearse /rɪˈhəːs/ [v]/ Rehearsal /rɪˈhəːsl/ [n]: tập duyệt trước khi biểu diễn
- Flautist /ˈflɔːtɪst/ [n]: người chơi sáo (Flute /fluːt/ [n]: cái sáo)
- Trumpeter /ˈtrʌmpɪtə/ [n]: người chơi kèn trumpet /ˈtrʌmpɪt/ [n]: 1 loại kèn đồng cầm tay cỡ vừa và nhỏ,
âm thanh cao, chói tai
- Trombonist /trɒmˈbəʊnɪst/ [n]: người chơi kèn trombone /trɒmˈbəʊn/ [n]: 1 loại kèn đồng cầm tay lớn hơn
và có âm thanh trầm sâu hơn trumpet
- Breath /brɛθ/ [n]: hơi thở (ea phát âm thành nguyên âm /e/
- Breathe /briːð/ [v]: thở (ea phát âm thành nguyên âm /i:/)
- Rhythm /ˈrɪðəm/ [n]: nhịp điệu (y phát âm thành nguyên âm /i:/)
- Rhyme /rʌɪm/ [v, n]: vần (y phát âm thành nguyên âm /ai/
- Percussion /pəˈkʌʃn/ [n]: nhạc cụ thuộc bộ gõ nói chung, bao gồm trống, cồng, chiêng, xanh pan, etc
- Percussionist /pəˈkʌʃənɪst/ [n]: người chơi bộ gõ
- Perform /pəˈfɔːm/ [v]: biểu diễn
2. BÀI MẪU SPEAKING PART 1 TOPIC MUSIC
Do you like listening to the music on a regular basis?
Yes, without a doubt. I like different music genres and I listen to various tunes almost every day. I do not
like elevator music, thoug. It makes me bored and annoyed
Have you ever been interested in singing?
No, not really. I took singing classes when I was younger, but, unfortunately, I am tone deaf, so I can't sing
very well
Can you say that music is a very important part of your life?
No, I can't. Although I enjoy music and listen to classical music every now and then, I'm not obsessed with
it.
Do you like music?
Yes, of course I like music. I couldn’t live without it. It’s what allows us to escape from reality.
Furthermore, it connects people. I think no matter what country, religion, or culture we come from, we all
enjoy music.
What kind of music do you like?
Well, this is a bit of a tough question because I have a diverse taste in music, but I’ll say my favorites are
modern pop, 90’s alternative, and hip-hop of all ages. I can always sing along to pop songs and I enjoy
keeping up with the modern hits. 90’s alternative takes me back to my childhood and makes me feel so
nostalgic. Lastly, who can resist moving and shaking when you hear hip-hop beats?
Do you think music will change in the future?
As with all things, I believe music will continue to change in the future. Firstly, I believe it will rely on
technology even more than now. I wonder if there will even be like humans playing music then. I could
imagine robots playing songs that are programmed into their brains. It’s tough to say!
 THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE
1. MUSIC IS THE KEY TO CREATIVITY.
Music fuels the mind and thus fuels our creativity. A Creative mind has the ability
to make discoveries and create innovations. The greatest minds and thinkers like
Albert Einstein, Mozart, and Frank Lloyd Wright all had something in common in
that they were constantly exploring their imagination and creativity.
Listening to instrumental music challenges one to listen and tell a story about what
one hears. In the same sense, playing a musical instrument gives you the ability to
tell the story without words. Both require maximum right brain usage which not
only exercises ones creativity but also ones intellect.
The strength of all the Arts including writing, painting, dance, and theater have the
ability to create a similar effect.
2. MUSIC MAKES EDUCATION MORE ENJOYABLE.
Music can be very engaging in the classroom and is a great tool for memorization.
I’m sure if more teachers used song to teach the multiplication tables, kids would
retain that information much quicker.
My spanish teacher in 10th grade used a song to teach us the past tense endings
and even today, I havent forgotten the song. It’s as if she imbedded it in my mind
and now I will never forget it.
Besides the obvious, Music teaches us self discipline and time management skills
that you cannot get anywhere else. When you study an instrument on a regular
basis you work on concrete ideas and take small steps to achieve larger goals. This
way of thinking organizes the wiring in your brain to start looking at Learning in a
new light.
In raising children, Music education can be used to keep kids focused and keep
them off the streets. Instead of running around and causing mischief, your child
may be practicing piano or rehearsing music with friends.
Unfortunately, some forms of music can influence children in negative ways. It is
well known that music has a power to influence the way we dress, think, speak,
and live our lives. Profane and violent lyrics can have a negative influence on
children.
Looking back at my High School days, I notice that I followed the herd when it
came to listening to Hip-hop and doing things that were “cool” to look tough and
be like the “Gangsta” image that was portrayed. When I got to college, I realized
how much it pervaded my lifestyle and when I got into Jazz, my entire lifestyle
began to change.
3. MUSIC IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE UNIVERSE.
You’ve heard this time and time again, but what does it mean exactly? Music is
universal in that there are no boundaries to understanding music. Even animals
like Birds, Dogs, and Whales can understand music to a certain degree.
It transcends all boundaries of communication because you can speak and tell
stories to someone on the other side of the planet, even though you both don’t
speak the same language. But I believe its important for one to have an open mind
in order to be in touch with that sense of understanding.
Many people immediately push away certain styles of music without having
explored what it has to offer. Not all styles will appeal or resonate with a person,
but one may discover a new part of ones self when you are open to all the
possibilities.
4. MUSIC HAS SPIRITUAL POWERS.
No one really knows where Music came from but there are many theories that
suggest music predates the existence of Mankind. One of the most commonly
known uses for music was religious and sacred tribal events. In Mayan civilization
music was used in celebration of a victory at war and even at the burial of
influential figures.
Some of the earliest recorded moments in Music took place in the Medieval times
with choral pieces for church prayers. Much emphasis was placed in the
organization and use of specific harmonies to create moods that would illicit a
spiritual experience.
Even today, many people claim that music is the key to God and to a holy, more
fulfilling life through the Church.
5. MUSIC CAN CREATE A MOOD AND MAKE YOU FEEL
EMOTION.
Music can whisk you away on an extended journey. Music can make time feel
frozen. Music also has the power to suggest movement. All these things deal with
the human senses.
I’m sure you can remember a moment where a song has made you particularly sad
or very excited and happy. But how does organized tones create such an effect on
our senses? No one really knows why or where it comes from but there are many
studies that have been done to show that there is an agreement of which emotions
pertain to certain scales, chords, and harmonies.
Read this amazing Wiki on Music and Emotion. Part of what inspired me to play
piano when I was in college was that I became obsessed with how certain Jazz
musicians were able to convey sadness and a state of melancholy through this one
piece: Blue in Green. Think about what would driving be like without music or
entering into a fancy restaurant?
6. MUSIC BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.
What is amazing about music is that it is imbedded within all of us. Everyone can
understand it and feel something if they open themselves up. Playing music with
other musicians is an incredible feeling. Some people describe it as rowing down a
river together.
There is a certain type of connection that comes when you make music in a group.
The same is true for those who are listening to music in a group and interacting
with music through Dance. This type of behavior is rooted in our history and our
discoveries as human beings.
I’ve had many experiences where a random person would ask to play with me and
within an instant we were having a dialogue via the piano or guitar. Its a level of
playing around, communicating, and copying each other that creates the
connection. Many of those moments have been some of the most rewarding
experiences of my life.
 WRITING PARAGRAPH PRACTICE
In about 150 -200 words about the functions of music in people lives.

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 HOW DOES MUSIC AFFECT SOCIETY?
usic has shaped cultures and societies around the world, passed down from generation to
generation. 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 tied 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.