Noted Culture

At this moment on every college campus, in many cars, in elevators, on sofas all over the world, and even on airplanes people are all doing the same thing. They can't help it. It is so programmed into who they are as a human, that the urge is irresistible. All of these people have succumbed to the siren's song, literally. They are all enjoying music. Whether 6 or 60 people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities enjoy some form of music. There is no escaping the fact that music is an important and influential part of human culture.

It is an amazing thought that every society in the world today and in centuries past have had some form of music. Pagan tribes that may not even have a written language of their own have a form of music. Music is intertwined in the soul of mankind. When we hear brass trumpets blaring out the cavalry charge we all visualize countless warriors on a battlefield heading into the foray. When we hear particular music we mentally link it our minds with a picture or time period. We are able to do this because music changes and flows along with the culture of the time or area. This proves that music and culture go hand in hand.

We as individuals have types of music that "speak" to us more than others. Whatever music one enjoys, it has the power to express and amplify great emotion. Whether a ballad of immense loss or a rhythmic, anger charged emo-punk song, music can change our mood merely by listening. Music is, at it purest form, an expression. Part of being human is expressing yourself and your thoughts. Music is often the result or perhaps the catalyst for personal expression. Ask any musician you know who really enjoys music, and most will say they enjoy it because music is their outlet.

The societal importance of music is best shown in religious cultures. Christianity, for example, views music as an expression of worship to God. They believe that music can help divert attention from ones