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The Importance of Music in Our Society
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The Importance of Music in Our Society

Art and music are basic human functions. Humankind and art cannot
function without one another. We have the burning desire to create,
whatever it may be and however tiny or grand. The interaction with sound
is unavoidable, either to make it or take pleasure in it. People have always
found music significant in their lives, whether for enjoyment in listening, the
emotional response, performing, or creating. This is no different for
classical music or contemporary concert music. Both musics have
immense worth for our society; however, the problem we all know in this
field is that this music is little known and hence underappreciated. As a
musician and artist it is my responsibility that others can learn to enjoy the
art for which I have utter passion.

It goes without saying that in mainstream American culture, classical or

concert music is not a huge part of people's lives. There are still stigmas
that contribute to this, as well as the practices of the government in the last
two decades (declining music education in schools on the local level,
resistance to increased NEA funding and less visibility of the arts on the
national level; let us hope that the Obama administration can start to
reverse these trends). Many people may still believe that classical music is
for the rich, older, and the well-educated. Others may feel awkward about
going to classical music events because they feel as if they need to act
and dress a certain way in order to enter the concert or recital hall. Even
more, the pretentiousness and elitism that some artists exhibit is amplified
by some television shows, commercials, plays, books, by people of
influence and even themselves, which distance musicians from
mainstream society. While some of this is true, as with nearly any
stereotype, it is not entirely true. With the impression that concert music
has on society, the majority decide that it is not "for them" simply because
they believe it has no relevance or worth to their lives. This is further
compounded by the past government's lack of interest in promoting and
supporting the arts, whether it is to fund arts organizations or arts
education. Now, the current government give us hope and we have seen
evidence of its commitment; but most importantly our American society
needs to believe that everyone can find worth and enjoyment in
classical/concert music.

The most common way one becomes involved with music is through
listening or attending a musical event. Listening at home on a CD player,
or in the car, on the computer, or on an iPod can be a very personal and
fulfilling experience. Music, as we know, sets a mood and a vibe as we
hear it in lounges, bars, parties, or other social events. Also, attending a
concert is unique as it offers the excitement of hearing live musicians while
providing the sound as it is meant to be heard (if it is acoustic music that
is). Where else can one sit with other people, listen, and enjoy music in
(relative) silence so that there are no distractions besides the music itself?

Music can also stimulate the mind. There are many things in music, to
which one can listen and bring attention. One can be mindful of the
melodies or themes, the harmony, the driving or relaxed rhythms, the color
of the sounds, the activity of a piece, how the sounds are produced, or
how they all relate to one another, all while, possibly figuring out how the
composer conceived the piece. Focused and attentive listening is an
incredible experience that allows one to be lost in a foreign sound world.

Concert music is the music that is not only pleasing to the ears and mind
but also nurturing for the soul. It has been long said that music gives one
an emotional response. Characters of varying degree that are found in
music, can affect one’s mood. Music can raise someone’s mood, get them
excited, or make them calm and relaxed. Music also - and this is important
- allows us to feel nearly or possibly all emotions that we experience in our
lives. The possibilities are endless.

One of the great things about music in general, and in particular concert
music, is that playing it opens up a whole new world of experience that
further enhances the mind, physical coordination, and expression. Music

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Gilbert Galindo: The Importance of Music in Ou... http://www.gilbertgalindo.com/importanceofmus...

lovers, who are also amateur performers, may choose to play in

community ensembles (orchestra, band, choir), take lessons, perform with
others, compose, and nearly anything else a professional musician may
do, while maintaining their regular lives. All of this involves intense
physical coordination in performing an instrument alone or with others,
while reading musical notation, and adding delicate or strong nuanced
changes to the music that only a performer can bring. In general, to an
amateur musician, music can provide an escape from everyday life or an
alternative means of expressing one's own capabilities. It is an important
part of their lives and fills a need or an urge to create music.

In all levels of education, music has immense worth. Students learn many
important and necessary values for life as music enhances their mind,
their expressive ability, and a whole host of other qualities. Learning to
read music is learning a different language with abstract sonic meaning.
One not only has to comprehend and decipher unique symbols on a page,
they have to know how to execute them and execute them well. Those
learning music also learn how to develop a critical ear. With a critical ear,
one will know how to practice, rehearse, analyze, and critique music
performance. Also, performing music encompasses playing with others, as
well as alone, which both necessitate certain skills. Also one can also
learn tremendously from studying and analyzing music, composing,
reading about music, understanding the history of music and its
association with historical and current trends, and knowing what to listen
for in music. Students of music – whether it be at the elementary, middle
school, high school, collegiate level, or through self-study – learn self-
discipline, expression through sound, enhance technical motor skills,
further develop problem solving skills, learn how to cooperate and
collaborate with others, and learn how to ignite the creative and critical
mind. Most importantly, the student can come away understanding that
music offers all those qualities in addition to the enjoyment in listening
casually or with great attention. Anyone who is educated in music learns
these skills whether they know it or not. People who do not make a career
in music but have studied it will take these skills and apply it to their
everyday lives and career.

In mainstream American society, arts and music are usually looked upon
as an extra discipline that it is not essential to the function of our society
and culture; however that seems to be changing. The role of arts and
music in our society fill a void that we all need in order to enrich ourselves
and our culture, they provide alternate infinite experiences, and they also
further enhance the skills we use in other disciplines and professions.
Recently, the arts have been sneaking into mainstream culture and gaining
the attention of viewers, through shows like “So You Think You Can
Dance,” or “The Colbert Report” with references to living composers such
as Steve Reich or guests from the jazz and classical world (Wynton
Marsalis and Alex Ross). Even by watching “American Idol” viewers learn
how to become critical of musical performance and share strong musical
opinions. There was even a strong response and media attention given to
the YouTube Symphony Orchestra contest. Our society is becoming more
involved with the arts, if they know it or not. The arts and classical music
have been shielded from the public eye for far too long and now that it has
been uncovered bit by bit, there is a growing curiosity and even excitement
about this world. Artists and those who are passionate about the arts and
music must realize what is occurring and continue to showcase what is
done in this world to the public through various contemporary methods.
People may find the arts and music to be an alternative to mainstream
entertainment. The more options we have for people to enrich the lives
and minds, the better it is for any society. It is hoped that this trend will
lead to a time when classical and concert music find its place in
mainstream society, offering all it does to more people.

Gilbert Galindo, November 2003, revised July 2009

©2007 RICONIC

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