The Power of Music
Smooth jazz when I'm studying. Rap when I'm working out. R&B when I'm on a late night drive. There's a genre of music for almost all the activities in my life. But most of the time, music doesn't relate to what I'm doing; it relates to what I'm feeling.
According to the Smithsonian Museum, music dates back to at least 35,000 years ago. For millennia, it has been a fundamental part of human nature. It is known to most that music has an impact on our emotions, but how? Our limbic systems, which process emotion and control memory, are activated when we listen to music. Music has can also trigger dopamine, a neurotransmitter that releases feelings of happiness or excitement. Slow music such as jazz can make us more focused and calm.
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| picture of Travis Scott from genius.com |
Music is also powerful in the sense that it can be used to communicate societal problems. For example, the Chicks, a band, created a song called "March March" in order to highlight the injustice that was occurring in America. Music can also be used to communicate one's personal problems. In Travis Scott's "My Eyes," he references his ex-wife's "green and yellow" eyes and the expectations the world has for him. Through music, people can express themselves when they feel as if they have no other way to.
Hi Pranay,
ReplyDeleteI completely relate to your blog and I agree that music relates to what I am feeling. Sometimes, music even helps dictate my mood such as cheering me up when I am sad or getting me pumped when I am exhausted.
The history of music seems very extensive and it's very interesting to learn about the science behind how it impacts everyone. It makes me wonder what other environmental factors also factor into determining our mood throughout the day.
I’ve never played an instrument as a kid but it’s great to hear that it helped you develop confidence growing up. When I was growing up, karate helped me socialize more and allowed me to become confident in my own abilities. While martial arts and music are obviously different, I feel there are many similarities between them, such as their ability to significantly impact a child’s personality.
I agree that music is an amazing tool you can use to express yourself and communicate since its presence can even be seen during global conflicts. For example, during World War 2 many songs helped boost the spirits of the American people such as “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn which reflected the American public's optimism for the end of the war. Finally, I loved “My Eyes” by Travis Scott as well, especially for the fast-paced lyrics in the final verse which express their own story.
Hi Pranay, your blog transitioned from discussing the diverse genres of music people tend to choose for various activities to emphasizing how these choices are often controlled by our emotional states. The thorough explanation of how music influences our emotions through the limbic system. You also mention music can trigger the release of dopamine to increase happiness, something I did not know about. I appreciated that you mentioned your story about playing violin for large audiences and the appreciation you received, which demonstrated the power of music. I do not play a musical instrument but when anyone starts playing a musical instrument, specifically a guitar, I get mesmerized by their performance and appreciate their music. Your conclusion emphasizes how music is often used for expressing people's stories and emotions, and you also provided a well-known artist example Travis Scott's song “My Eyes.” I enjoyed reading your blog as I could relate to it. Like you, my music genre choice is also based on my emotions when I am happy I will prepare to listen to pop, or when I am energetic during a workout I prefer rap. Overall your blog was well-written with a relatable topic.
ReplyDeleteHello Pranay, I completely agree with your blog! Especially as someone who has a passion for music, I believe music is powerful in all sorts of ways. Personally, music empowers me when I am feeling bad about myself. It is a great tool to give me the confidence I need when lacking it. It is powerful enough for people to convey their emotions, highlight societal problems, and tell a story. Music holds qualities that include being able to get one to be heard. I think your perception of music is beautiful. It went from being something you were scared to perform to an art you appreciate and feel confident in! By sharing your experience with music, I've learned how powerful music can be; it can help you go beyond your comfort zone. I find it very clever how you used "March March" by The Chicks and "My Eyes" by Travis Scott as examples of expression through music because these two songs are very well-known, especially to the people in our class. Overall, your blog was highly relatable and easy to understand! It is incredibly agreeable, especially with your pieces of evidence and explanations!
ReplyDeleteMusic is undoubtedly ingrained in our daily lives, to the point where most free periods, such as in car or bus, I often play a recommended Spotify radio. Often when doing school work I can get distracted listening to songs, especially if they have lyrics in them. Part of the reason music appeals to us is not the catchy beats, but relatable lyrics written in both an articulate and musical fashion. You made a great point about music being able to express yourself. Many hymns today from the Bible originate from slaves in the 1700s who sang for hope. During the Harlem Renaissance, Black Jazz became a popular way for African Americans to express their life. One popular poem from a black artist was Strange Fruit, which talked about the horrors of lynching in the South. Music at laborious work can lift spirits. You pointed out the Chicks, who advocated for a more progressive America through music. Similarly, in History class we learned about singers during the great depression who sang about their labor intense work for minimal pay. Your blog points out the many influences music has to rejuvenate and act as an expressive outlet, covering thought provoking topics.
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