Music accomplishes many things: it entertains us, it communicates information and emotions, it plays a substantial role in culture, it provides a way for people to express themselves creatively and it helps us understand beauty. But this blog takes a departure from the more practical issues and applications of music to focus on a philosophical question: What is the point of music?
The answer to this question is more complex than might be at first thought. Essentially, the definition of music is humanly-organized sound structured according to a set of established practices and cultural standards of rhythm, melody and harmony for the purpose of emotional expression and beauty. This means that anything that meets these criteria can be considered music. This includes such diverse forms as a folk song passed from one village to another in 13th-century England, Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire or the Bee Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive.”
In addition to its own merits, music can also be used to make other activities more enjoyable and pleasurable. Singing in the shower or car, listening while cleaning or cooking, dancing to a favorite tune and even reading a book with a background soundtrack can all be much more fun when done to a tune or song that you like. This entertainment value is one reason why music is so popular.
It is also useful as a medium of communication and has been used to convey ideas and feelings since ancient times, including religious ceremonies and social events. It has been an important part of the history of art as a distinct cultural activity and is often used to accompany other types of artistic media, such as theatre and silent or synchronized film, for example. Music is also widely used as a form of therapy for mental illness, pain and dementia.
Music also serves as a type of social glue, bringing people together and encouraging social interaction. A study found that when people listen to the same piece of music together, their brains synch up in rhythmic ways and this can induce a sense of shared emotion and unity. Furthermore, the same study found that different types of music appeal to various personality traits. Extroverts enjoy Ed Sheeran, for example, while open individuals tend to prefer Nina Simone or David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”
Finally, music has a long tradition of playing a significant role in social movements and revolutions. For example, symphonic music has been used as a tool to elevate intellectual and moral values while pop music has served as a vehicle for people to express their anger and dissatisfaction with the status quo. It has also been used to celebrate the achievements of a nation, such as during Olympic games or sporting events, and has also been employed in political campaigns. Ultimately, the point of music is difficult to define and can be as varied as the individuals who create and enjoy it. Regardless of the specific purpose or goal, there is something intangible about music that makes it so special and which language fails to fully capture.