by Enoc Flores

Created on: December 19, 2010

The documentary The Music Instinct produced by PBS explains the science behind music. In this documentaries scientist theorize that music might be part of the universe rather than something produced by man. As a musician by passion I can tell you that music exists in a raw form in nature. It is when we apply our intellect, emotions, experiences, and inspirations when we create art in music. Today we have many songs in mainstream society that lack the art in their compositions.

The first thing we need to understand in order to keep the art in music is the composition of music. Music has lyrics, tones, rhythm, and purpose. However, music still exists when lyrics are not present, or when there is no purpose. Different tones and rhythm have to be always present in order for music to exist. Art comes into the music when a composer or singer adds his/her creativity which includes (but is not limited to) intellect, emotions, experiences, inspirations. We can see art in classical music even though it may not have lyrics. We can see art in the drums of an African tribe even though there might not lyrics or different tones. We can also see the lack of art in songs that may have all the appropriate elements.

How can this be possible? Well, it deals with the purpose. What is the purpose for a composer to write his music? What is the purpose of an individual to sing? Music celebrities usually hold their purpose on an economic profit. They compose to sell the songs or sing to make a profit. Have you ever bought a CD with twelve tracks and found that only two or three song songs you really like? Those two or three songs were perhaps the ones that were truly written and sung for any other purpose but making money. The other nine songs are the ones that are created with the purpose of fill the album in.

An example of this can be seen with Shakira, Britney Spears, and Michael Jackson. If we look at the songs in their firsts albums we may notice more songs with art in them than on their most recent ones. If we pay attention to the evolution of their songs we can see that through the years they produced music that appealed mainstream society. Just ask Miley Cyrus and her newest songs trying to appeal a different group age. Had they stuck in their passion, their creativity, and purpose (either for themselves, to someone else, to love, to God, etc) their songs would still had art in them.

An example of someone who has stuck on his passion, creativity, and purpose is Andrea Bocelli. He, as well as Shakira, Britney, and Michael, displayed his passion for music since childhood. However, he never tried to “appeal” mainstream society. As a result, we can hear the art in his music.   

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