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As someone who has played music since 1980, I know pretty well in my own mind what music is. The tricky task is to explain what music is to someone less familiar. Of course, the conventional and scientific approach would be for me to explain the patterns of tones produced either through a human voice or instrument, also known as musical notes. I would further elaborate on the concept of melody, and how a song is constructed of elements like melody and counter melody. I would also bring up the idea of articulation, and the concept that not only what notes are produced but the volume and accentuation of the notes are to be considered in what makes music.

What I mentioned above is a very scientific and factual definition of music. One must also take into consideration the fact that music is an art. Like painting, sculpture, or other fine arts, music is created by people. Each individual musician brings their own style and interpretation, which shows through the musical performance.

As art, music is not simply meaningless tones that ring out like a clock chime. Music can convey practically every human thought and emotion experienced. The sound of a patriotic tune of one's country can stir feelings of great national pride. The melody of a romantic theme in a movie soundtrack may invoke feelings of love. The sad music of a musical play or opera might just identify with a personal feeling of loss in the listener. Feelings of rage can be expressed through heavier rock music or perhaps some rap music. The range of emotional experiences through music is practically endless. The listener and their own personal experiences determine the effect the music has over them. While the effects of certain songs vary from listener to listener, some kind of response is usual.

The human memory has a curious way of remembering music and even associating memories with music. Think about what your favorite pop songs were in high school. I bet you can remember at least some. How about the ad jingles for Yahoo, Intel, Delta Airlines, or a local business in your area? The mind seems to latch on to a musical melody and use that for recalling information.

Music is a very important piece of the fabric of human existence. Whether we realize it or not, we are surrounded by music. Listening to music can be a way of identifying internally with emotions and perhaps dealing with them, for better or worse. Music is one of the ways we are able to communicate, both with ourselves and with each other.

Learn more about this author, Paul Heingarten.
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