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1.4: Why Do People Make Music?

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    91128
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    Humans use music for a variety of reasons that vary from culture to culture. Music signifies different things for different people. Some mainly use it for entertainment and marketing while for others it is a part of everyday life akin to speaking or walking. As Cathy Kilroe-Smith writes in Musical Journeys:

    On the continent of Africa, music is used in a number of practical ways. In many cases, it is used while doing everyday tasks so that the mind can rest while the rhythm takes over. Fishermen along the coast of Mauritania use song to help them communally pull in their heavy fishing nets. The songs help them to synchronize their movements so that as the rhythm increases so does the effort put into hauling in their catch. Known for their craftsmanship, the Senofu people of the Ivory Coast use combinations of rhythms to create communal rhythmic patterns. Each action or task has a rhythm, and when combined the effect is of one complex musical tapestry. This ensures that everyone keeps working at a good pace and helps the time pass quicker. Once the workday is over, the music and rhythms change and evenings are spent dancing and singing. Music is very much part of the fabric of daily life in Africa. Singing and movement accompany many aspects of daily life; even while waiting in line people sing. (Kilroe-Smith 2013, 14)

    This passage also illustrates the use of music to increase productivity of labor. Work songs come from all ways of life. Some examples are sea shanties, field hollers, street cries, lumberjack tunes, prison songs, railroad songs, mining songs, and cowboy tunes. Another kind of work music is traditional military music from times when music was used to organize and motivate troops on a march or on a battlefield. Military music still accompanies important ceremonies and events.

    When people gather together there is often music. This can be simply to enjoy the company of others like at a picnic or a party. It can also be a gathering that focuses on the music like a concert or a dance. Music is used for celebrations ranging from life’s most important events (weddings, graduations, funerals, birthdays) to the most inane (competitive victories, arrival of the weekend). Lullabies are used to put children to sleep and songs help wake people up with tenderness.

    The expression of ideas and emotions is a reason for much of the Western World’s popular music. Listeners relate to the messages in pop tunes. Songs and works about emotions that are generated by love are a common example of emotional expression in music. In this way, music is often used to identify and express who we are as musicians and listeners. This expression can be personal or it can be used for group identity. National Anthems are used to unify members of a society under a common musical theme. In international gatherings like the Olympics music provides national unity and pride. Protest songs can unify many people behind a common goal. These songs often give people strength and courage to carry on.

    Music is a profession for many. There is much money to be made by performing and composing music. Think of all of the commercial uses of music. Music is heard in stores, in parks, on television, in the movies, in airports, and in restaurants. Often times people compose, perform, and record this music primarily for money. Professional Western classical musicians play concerts year round. Many of these concerts do not contain music that every member is passionate about.

    One of the most striking and profound uses of music is in worship. A majority of humans use music in religious practices. This is evident in hymns and choral singing of Christianity. It can be found in the Sufi Whirling Dervishes and in the devotional aspect of Hindustani and Carnatic music from India. In the shamanistic cultures of the world communication with the spirit world is facilitated through musical practice with shaman often singing and drumming. Religious trance accompanied by music can be found across the globe, from Tibetan Buddhism to Alabaman Pentecostal Christianity.

    The spiritual or religious aspect of music is a reason that many musicians give for wanting to devote their life to the art. Because science cannot yet explain the transcendent power of music we say that music has metaphysical power. Metaphysics is a term that is used to explain concepts or ideas that cannot be scientifically proven (yet). This can be felt in the solitude of a prayerful chant or in the common “vibe” of thousands dancing at an electronic dance music festival or club.

    Dance is a form of human expression that is almost inseparable from music. Because of this much music is created to accompany, or facilitate dance. This dance can be formal, like in a European ballet or Egyptian zaar. Dance music can also be informal, like at a concert or club.